Lesson 7 The Test of Promotion

Do you want to grow as Christian? How will I know if I will pass through the Test of Promotion? Do you want to grow as Christian? Do you want an effective ministry? Do you want to extend God’s kingdom?

In our age, fear of failure is very strong. The Test of Promotion In our age, fear of failure is very strong. Unless a person is walking in the Spirit, he may unconsciously sabotage the success of his Christian walk or his ministry.

Deep in his inner man: 1. He may believe that he does not deserve promotion 2. He may fear that success brings with it a standard of faith that he cannot sustain for long. 3. He may simply fear failure so strongly that he focuses on trying to avoid failure rather than trying to succeed in serving God and His church.

Why do we study Test of Promotion? 1. All of the other tests directly affect this one. 2. It is one of the most difficult of all tests to pass. 3. It is one of the most frequent causes of frustration in younger ministries.

Definition: When a leader finds himself not moving forward in ministry in the church, as he expects he should, he is in the Test of Promotion .

The Parable of Promotion: Text: Judges 9 The spiritual leader must know his own place of ministry, and stays in it. Character: Abimelech and Jotham Characters: Purposes: 1. Olive Tree Oil 2. Fig Tree Fruits 3. Grape Vine Wine 4. Thorn Bush Thorn

Symbol of Promotion in Scripture: The Horn Horn Strength Defense Natural World Servant of God Anointing (1 Samuel 16:13) Horn Power Strength Strength Defense Faithfulness in ministries

Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head… Symbol of Promotion in Scripture: 1 Samuel 10:1 Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on Saul’s head… 1 Samuel 16:13 So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came upon David in power.

Symbol of Promotion in Scripture: Saul when anointed, a flask of oil was use by Samuel (1 Samuel 10:1). David on the other hand, a horn of oil was use (1 Samuel 16:13).

Only God can promote the righteous: Saul David Anointed with human instrument (1 Samuel 10:1) Anointed with divine instrument (1 Samuel 10:13) Approved by the popular vote of people Chosen by the leading Spirit of God Became proud and was brought low by God Remained humble and was lifted up by God

How did Samuel became the Prophet-judge of Israel? Today’s C-Leader Chosen by God before birth for his ministry Do I sense a real divine call upon my life? His parents dedicated him to the Lord Do I realize that my divine calling may have much to do with the way my parents prayed for me when I was not yet born or when I was a child?

How did Samuel became the Prophet-judge of Israel? Today’s C-Leader He served unto the Lord under Eli. Am I striving to make a better position for myself, or do I submit, as unto the Lord, when those over me in the Lord make a decision with which I disagree? Samuel was sleeping when God called. Are we rested in our present ministry?

The pre-requisite for promotion is… Righteousness