Sermon - 5th February 06

It is a complex process by which we come to the perception we have of our lives. There are messages we pick up from our childhood about what we look like, what our capabilities are, and as many of us move into employment, the way we see ourselves is shaped by the job we do and the value placed upon us, and of course there are the significant relationships we form which have a huge impact upon how we see ourselves and our role in the world.

How do you see your life?

Which of these pictures best describes how you see your life?

A circus, a minefield, a roller coaster, a puzzle, a symphony, a journey, a dance, a carousel, a hand of cards. Perhaps something else?

If I asked you to picture your life, the image that comes to your mind is your life metaphor.

'It's the view of life that you hold, conciously or unconciously, in your mind. It's your description of how life works and what you expect from it.' (p41)

Rick Warren in his book 'The Purpose Driven Life', suggests our 'life metaphor' influences us far more than we realize. How does your 'life metaphor' affect these areas of your life: your expectations, values, relationships, goals, priorities?

Could you be basing your life on a faulty life metaphor? Perhaps we need to go against the pressure that comes from the society around us to follow it's goals, and get a biblical life metaphor instead? (Read Romans 12:2)

The Bible offers three metaphors that teach us God's view of life:
(1) Life is a test
(2) Life is a trust
(3) Life is a temporary assignment
We look at the first two today, the last next time.

(1) Life on earth is a test

What comes to mind when you encounter that word, 'test'?

For many of us the thoughts 'failed' or 'messed up' probably come to mind. We remember 'tests' as experiences which showed up our weaknesses and deficiencies, and recall them with fear and regret - perhaps we think tests were aimed at tripping us up or marking us down?

That's not what God is about when he allows us to be tested. When God tests someone's capacities is to encourage the potential for a forward leap, a reaching out under pressure to a higher level. If we stay in our 'comfort zone', would we ever move forward into new places of developing character, faith, obedience, love, integrity, loyalty?

(Read Isaiah 43:1-7) What kind of experiences in your life could be described by the life metaphors in v1-2?

What encouragements are given in v1-7, that these tests are not pointless or ultimately destructive?

Words like trial, testing, refining, temptation occur over 200 times in the Bible. 'All of life is a test. You are always being tested. God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment.' Even in all the little things.

How has God been testing you, what has he been teaching you most recently?

We can expect to be tested in some of the following ways, according to examples in the Bible: by major life changes, delayed promises, unanswered prayers, undeserved criticism, even senseless tragedies. Of these tests, what do we find the hardest?

Rick Warren writes: 'In my own life, I have noticed that God tests my faith through problems, tests my hope by how I handle possessions and tests my love through people.' Do you agree?

The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of life, so he never allows the tests(temptations) you face to be greater than the grace he gives you to handle them.
(Read 1 Corinthians 10:13). Does this help you?

When you pass a test God will reward you in eternity (Read James 1:12). How does this encourage you?

(2) Life on earth is a trust

All of life, all we are and have, are gifts from God, entrusted to our care and management. We are simply stewards of God's gifts for a time. 'We never really own anything during our brief stay on earth. God just loans the earth to us while we're here.' (p44). How does seeing the things we have as a 'trust' from God change the way we view our possessions, and the earth's resources? Our culture says, 'If you don't own it it's not your responsibility', the Bible says, 'God owns it, I must take the best care of it I can.' How does that impact on the way you treat yourself, others, possessions and the planet?

(Read Luke 16:10-13)

Money and material gifts are a test and a trust. How?

Is the way you manage your money preventing God from doing more in your life? Can you be trusted with spiritual riches?