Scripture Readings:

1. Deuteronomy 6:16: “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.”

2. Matthew 4:5-7: “Then the devil took Him to the holy city and had Him stand on the highest point of the temple.  ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down.’  For it is written: ‘He will command His angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’  Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Discussion Points:

-         Our prayers should not be used as a means to test God.

-         According to the Bible, Jesus memorized this rule (from Deuteronomy 6:16) and applied it in His own life (See Matthew 4:5-7). This shows us the importance of memorizing and applying this rule in our own lives.

-         Because the Bible shows us that God has granted requests for signs, it is important to distinguish the difference between testing God and asking Him for a sign.

§   If a request is because we have a lack of faith in God’s ability, then it is a test and is forbidden.

§   If a request is to clarify God’s purpose, or to help interpret what God wants us to do, then it is a request for a sign and is permitted.

§   Example: In Judges 6:15-22, Gideon asked God to show him a sign that it was really God’s purpose that Gideon take his weak army to fight the Midianites.  God granted Gideon’s request, which shows that requests for clarification are permitted – if done for the right reasons.

-         Important: Satan is always there and wants us to test God.

-         Also Important: Determining whether a request is a test or for a sign may take some consideration before a prayer is made.

Point of Lesson:  Testing God through our prayers is forbidden, however, our prayers can be used to clarify God’s purpose for our lives.  The question is whether our request is based on a lack of faith or a need for clarification.

Past Prayer That Worked:  In our 5^th lesson, we will cover a past prayer that worked that illustrates this rule (as well as the next 3 rules). This past prayer is the prayer of the leper and is found in Matthew 8:2.  This week, review the prayer of the leper and see if you can find out how the leper complied with this forgotten rule.