The Pit Test

Last night was awesome!  Great teaching followed by great discussion.  I think we all have a new appreciation for the purpose of the pit.  I honestly thought this was going to be a depressing study.  I found only a loving Father gathering His children unto Himself.  Be Blessed!  

The Pit Test – Study Notes

October 29, 2013

What is it in my character that God is trying to mold or shape to allow me to reach my destiny?

1.  The Position of the Pit

How did you get in this position?

If you are struggling with relationships ask – How do I present myself?

Pride says, “It’s not pride in me, it’s envy in them.”  We live in a blame society.  Even if you feel the issue is on the other side you need to ask this question because you may be the reason a bridge is not being built.   

If you are struggling with bondage ask – Am I blaming others?

Whether a financial bondage or a recurrent sin (Rom 7:15 “I don’t understand what I do. I don’t do what I want to do. Instead, I do what I hate to do.”) We need to take responsibility for our part. 

Joseph’s father gave him a gift.  Our father gives us gifts.  Joseph was proud of his gift so he lost it. 

            Is your identity in your gifting?

            Do you tell others about your gifting?

            Do you work your resume into conversations?

           

When Joseph repented he not only regained what he lost, but more importantly the relationship with his Father was restored.

2.  The Perspective of the Pit

When we fall in the pit often the first voice we hear is that of the accuser.  Let’s get God’s perspective on the pit.

Conviction – Is specific and constructive.  i.e.  You did this _____.  Here is what you need to do now________.

Condemnation – Is general and oppressive. i.e.  You are a bad person.  You will never accomplish anything.  God can’t use you.

GOD NEVER CONDEMS

John 3:17 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” NIV

3.  The Purpose of the Pit

To deliver us.

To bring us back to the Father.

When Joseph was thrown into the pit he probably blamed everyone around him.  Once we stop kicking and spitting we will most likely come face to face with ourselves.

Jonah 2:2  “I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.” KJV

You may be sitting in a pit, but you don’t have to remain there.  Jesus went to the pit so we wouldn’t have to.  Cry out with sincere repentance and be restored to the Father.

To watch The Pit Test go to www.gatewaypeople.com  

The Pride Test

Over the next ten weeks I will be sharing from our home study group.  Last night we had our first of ten studies in the Dream to Destiny series. The Pride Test was very eye opening.  Please do not read the first line, "God has a dream for you" and say, "Heard that 1,000 times...no thank you."  Pastor Robert Morris makes some very good points about how we never reach our destiny because of known or unknown pride in our life.  If you are thinking, "I've already dealt with pride." Did you know that with each new level of responsibility or authority comes a new pride test?  This is an issue we will visit many times in our life.

If we missed you this week, you can view The Pride Test at www.gatewaypeople.com  Click on the media tab and look for the broadcast from April 2013.  It's not to late to join us next week.  Looking forward to jumping in the pit with you and viewing, The Pit Test.  Sounds fun! 

The Pride Test – Study Notes

1.  God has a dream for you.

If you want to know what the dream is you are going to have to get to know God.

2.  Don’t brag about the dream.

Don’t tell everyone, just be faithful and do it!

            a.  Pride always has to have a voice.

            b.  Pride always has to have an opinion.

            c.  Pride always interrupts people.

3.  Deal with the root of pride.

The root of pride is insecurity.

4.  The dream you were given is not the same as the destiny.  The dream is a maturing time to get ready for the destiny.

Joseph was given a dream that his brothers would bow down to him.  The objective/destiny was not that he would have others bow down to him rather that he would be in a place of authority to save them (famine). 

The most misquoted verse in the bible:

Pride goes before ____________.  Most would instinctively say, “fall”.  However, Proverbs 16:18 tells us “Pride goes before destruction.”  People think if I fall I will just get up.  Destruction is a whole different ballgame.  God in His grace and mercy will allow difficulties and obstacles so we will stop and turn toward him lest we be destroyed. 

1 Corinthians 4:4 (NASB)

4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.

Application Point:

1.  Use the three pride statements above as a jumping off place.  Each night this week set aside 5min to ask one of these questions. Do I always have to have a voice?  Do I always have an opinion? Do I interrupt?  If so, what is the root of my insecurity that causes this?  I am merely looking for an opportunity for God to speak to each of us individually about things we may or may not know. (1Cor 4:4) If you don’t feel these questions apply to you, ask anyway.  You might be surprised where it leads. Remember the end goal is not condemnation, but rather allowing God to equip us for our destiny, which will ultimately glorify Him. 

Blessings – Bonnie