Others want to erase your thinking of Christ. John gives us encouragement in the midst of this challenge that we face today. Do not lose heart; love God, obey and serve Him.

Outline—Matthew 15:21–16:4

1. God knows those who have great faith (vv. 15:21–28)
2. God knows those who will bring praise to God (vv. 15:29–31)
3. God knows those who wait on Him (vv. 15:32–39)
4. God knows those who make him a side show. (vv. 16:1–4)

Take Home Points

• God knows your heart.
• God sometimes tests your faith.
• God has a perfect plan.
• There is no such thing as a delay with God (even though it might seem so).
• When you pray, don’t give up!

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Matthew 5:13—Outline not available.

Related Scripture

• James 1:2–8, 12–18
• Matthew 4
• Galatians 6:1
• Ephesians 6
• Ephesians 2:2

Take Home Points

• If you are born again, God has forgiven all your sins. However, if you refuse to forgive others, your experience of God’s forgiveness will be imperiled.
• What is God’s eternal purpose for you?
• Give God your all and ask him to remove sin from you.

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Outline—Matthew 4:1–11

1. The setting (vv. 1–3a)
2. The proceedings (vv. 3b–9)
3. Applications (vv. 10–11)

Related Scripture

• Hebrews 2:14ff
• Matthew 3:16ff
• John 8
• Hebrews 4
• Psalm 25

Take Home Points

• Because Christ conquered these temptations, we can wait on God.
• Don’t experiment with God or try to expedite Him.

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Outline—Job 28–29

1. The recounting of Job
2. The crux of the matter—where it reaches home (v. 29:2)
3. The practical causes for yearning for bygone days
4. The effective cures for spiritual malaise

Take Home Points:

• God has revealed His plan for you. (Romans 8:28–30)
• Remember how great is God—research His promises. (Jeremiah 29:11–13)

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Outline—James 1:12–16

1. God’s proposal (v. 12)
   1. Promised grace—happy
   2. Promised end—when he is approved
   3. Promised crown—of life
2. Man’s problem (vv. 13–16)
   1. Pouting tantrum (v. 13)
   2. Personal battle (v. 14)
   3. Process unleashed (vv. 15–16)

Take Home Points

• The world always makes sin a laughing matter.
• No where is the cycle of death more evident than in the prospect of hell, and the cycle of life more evident than heaven.
• You may not be all that happy with the life you are forced to live as your faith is tried, but remember it will be swapped with the best life there is.
• Review the contrast:
  • Testing Trial -> Faith -> Patience -> Endures -> Perfect Work -> Crown of Life
  • Testing Temptation -> Lust -> Drawn Away -> Sin -> Full Grown -> Death
• The great challenge is to choose well: faith over lust.

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