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Old 08-21-2007, 08:57 AM
 
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First time reading the New Testament and came upon a verse that I do not quite understand.

Matthew 4:7

"You Shall Not Put the Lord Your God to the Test"

Does this mean that you shall not ask God for a miracle or something supernatural to prove that he exists? For example, there have been days where I've asked God for a sign to show that he's really there.

Does this verse say that I should not do that?
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Old 08-21-2007, 09:03 AM
 
Location: Metro Detroit, MI
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TexasNick View Post
First time reading the New Testament and came upon a verse that I do not quite understand.

Matthew 4:7

"You Shall Not Put the Lord Your God to the Test"

Does this mean that you shall not ask God for a miracle or something supernatural to prove that he exists? For example, there have been days where I've asked God for a sign to show that he's really there.

Does this verse say that I should not do that?
Hmmm...but there are other stories about someone putting a fleece before the Lord as a sort of test...perhaps it depends upon the motives of the person testing God?
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Old 08-21-2007, 09:08 AM
 
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Jesus said "you shall not put the Lord your God to the Test" to Satan during his 40 days and 40 nights temptations. Satan told Jesus to prove that he's the real deal by having angels/God rescue him , etc. To me, this almost sounds like God is saying that it is bad to ask him to prove to you that he exists. Therefore, it's up to one's faith to have it save them?
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Old 08-21-2007, 09:12 AM
 
Location: Texas
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Default What does this mean?

Isn't this the scripture where Jesus is being tempted by Satan and this was His response? In general, it seems that this specific scripture is referring to "putting God to the test" by acting in presumption and assuming God will save or rescue us from our folly. For example, Satan asked Jesus to jump from the pinnacle of the temple to "prove" His identity.

There are other scriptures about "putting out a fleece" in the story of Gideon and God accommodated him. However, most people seem to believe that having to do this may indicate a lack of faith.
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Old 08-21-2007, 09:21 AM
 
Location: Metro Detroit, MI
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Talking Amen!

Quote:
Originally Posted by TexasNick View Post
Jesus said "you shall not put the Lord your God to the Test" to Satan during his 40 days and 40 nights temptations. Satan told Jesus to prove that he's the real deal by having angels/God rescue him , etc. To me, this almost sounds like God is saying that it is bad to ask him to prove to you that he exists. Therefore, it's up to one's faith to have it save them?
To answer your question...

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6

Where does this faith come from?

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this (faith) not from yourselves, it (our faith) is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8

So it's impossible to please God without faith, and this faith is a gift from God. Why then do so many die without accepting Jesus? How is this fair? I thought God said He desires that all come to Him?

It's okay, because...

"He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." 1 John 2:2

atoning: to make amends, as for a sin or fault

sacrifice: forfeiture of something highly valued for the sake of one considered to have a greater value or claim

whole: a number, group, set, or thing lacking no part or element; a complete thing
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Old 08-21-2007, 09:24 AM
 
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I have sometimes thot of it as when we pray to God "Show me a clear sign of your will", when we really know, but are unwilling to follow.
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Old 08-21-2007, 09:32 AM
 
Location: Wilmington, DE
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Testing involves questioning and that's frowned upon.
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Old 08-21-2007, 09:37 AM
 
Location: Texas
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Default Sign He exists...

Quote:
Originally Posted by TexasNick View Post
Jesus said "you shall not put the Lord your God to the Test" to Satan during his 40 days and 40 nights temptations. Satan told Jesus to prove that he's the real deal by having angels/God rescue him , etc. To me, this almost sounds like God is saying that it is bad to ask him to prove to you that he exists. Therefore, it's up to one's faith to have it save them?
So is it wrong to ask God for a sign that He exists? I don't know. God obviously values faith all through the scriptures, but my personal belief is that He does accommodate a heart that is sincerely seeking. My opinion, anyway!
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Old 08-21-2007, 09:41 AM
 
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Originally Posted by kaykay View Post
So is it wrong to ask God for a sign that He exists? I don't know. God obviously values faith all through the scriptures, but my personal belief is that He does accommodate a heart that is sincerely seeking. My opinion, anyway!
I guess I would look at it that God WILL show signs of His love to an honest seeker, even without their asking. However, if He has already shown Himself to us, I'm not sure if we would get anywhere by not following what we know, and asking Him for a clearer sign, IMO.
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Old 08-21-2007, 09:43 AM
 
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I have a study bible by "John MaCArthur" and he kind of just glosses over this verse. Maybe because it's so obvious, but sometimes I wonder if it's some kind of trick question! Anyways, thanks for all the responses provided. I have definitely asked God for a sign sometimes and he does come through, often better than I could have ever imagined. At one point I figured it was just a coincidence and luck, but Him coming through so many times when I asked for it just got downright scary. Be careful what you wish for
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