Introduction

Memory Text: “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When you make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in His hand” (Isaiah 53:10, NKJV).

Some of us reject God when things seem to become really painful, for some others like Lewis, the temptation to imagine all sorts of bad things about God comes. The ultimate purpose of this heat we face sometimes is to shape us into the “image of His son”.

Why did God ask Abraham to sacrifice his only son?

God’s request for Abraham to sacrifice his only son was only a test; He wanted Him to learn from the experience for his reshaping.

What was the key to Abraham’s surviving and learning through the whole process?

The key to Abraham’s surviving and learning was knowing God’s voice.

What are the two issues about the way we sometimes experience God when He is bringing us into repentance?

First, we risk not recognizing that God is at work. Second, we risk misunderstanding God when He is at work.

Why could God let Satan inflict Job with suffering?

God let Job be tested to come out fine “as gold” all to the glory of God.

What three aspects of worship can we see in Job 1:20, 21?

‘First, Job accepts his helplessness and recognizes that he has no claim to anything (Job 1:21, NIV). Second, Job acknowledges that God is still in total control (Job 1:21, NIV). Third, Job concludes by reasserting his belief in the righteousness of God (Job 1:21, NIV).

What is the reason for receiving God’s comfort and compassion according to 2 Corinthians 1:4?

Paul states that we receive God’s comfort and compassion so we can comfort others in trouble.

What three things support Paul’s ability to stand firm?

First, Paul believes that God will deliver him (2 Corinthians 1:10, NIV). Second, Paul believes that God will continue to deliver him (2 Corinthians 1:10, NIV). Third, the Intercession of the Saints (2 Corinthians 1:11, NIV).

What is the summary of the experiences of God’s crucibles?

‘First God’s extreme heat is to destroy not us, but our sin. Second, God’s extreme heat is not to make us miserable but to make us pure, as we were created to be. Third, God’s care for us through all things is constant and tender-He will never leave us alone, no matter what happens to us.’

In Conclusion,

God’s ultimate purpose for us is for us to be reshaped into His image. The reshaping process may mean us being in crucibles but God will always be with us and He will deliver us. I pray that we recognize when God is at work and understand God’s work in us and yield for God’s work to be fruitful in our lives in Jesus’ name.