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40 Days: A Period of Testing

The document discusses how the number 40 in scripture often represents a period of testing, trial, reflection or probation. It provides several biblical examples such as Moses spending 40 years in Egypt and the desert before leading God's people out of Egypt. Jesus fasted and was tempted for 40 days before beginning his ministry. The document then discusses how 40 Days of Purpose is meant to help people discover and understand their life's purpose in order to avoid feeling tired, unfulfilled, or lacking control or motivation without a clear purpose. It outlines benefits like increased focus, simplification of life decisions, and preparation for eternity.

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Moodz Tutanes
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239 views2 pages

40 Days: A Period of Testing

The document discusses how the number 40 in scripture often represents a period of testing, trial, reflection or probation. It provides several biblical examples such as Moses spending 40 years in Egypt and the desert before leading God's people out of Egypt. Jesus fasted and was tempted for 40 days before beginning his ministry. The document then discusses how 40 Days of Purpose is meant to help people discover and understand their life's purpose in order to avoid feeling tired, unfulfilled, or lacking control or motivation without a clear purpose. It outlines benefits like increased focus, simplification of life decisions, and preparation for eternity.

Uploaded by

Moodz Tutanes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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40 DAYS

146 times in Scripture, the number 40 generally symbolizes a period of testing, trial or probation, reflection and
evaluation our purpose in life.
MOSES lived forty years in Egypt and forty years in the desert before God selected him to lead his people out of
slavery.
Moses was also on Mount Sinai for 40 days and nights, receiving God's laws.
JONAH warned Nineveh, for forty days, that its destruction would come because of its sins. 
EZEKIEL laid on His right side for 40 days to symbolize Judah's sins (Ezekiel 4:6).
ELIJAH went 40 days without food or water at Mount Horeb.
JESUS was tempted by the devil not just three times, but many times during the 40 days and nights he fasted just
before his ministry began. He also appeared to his disciples and others for 40 days after his resurrection from the
dead.

The first three human kings over the children of Israel, Saul, David and Solomon, each ruled for forty years (1050
to 930 B.C.).

God flooded the earth by having it rain for forty days and nights (Genesis 7:12).

How does the number 40 relate to humility?


God allowed the ancient Israelites, from time to time, to be harassed and dominated by certain enemies in order
to chastise and humble them for their sins.

40 DAYS OF PURPOSE INTRODUCTION


Without knowing your purpose, life will seem TIRESOME.
Ecclesiastes 1:5-8 (TEV) - "The sun still rises and it still goes down...the wind blows… round and round and back
again. Every river flows into the sea... [then] the water returns to where the rivers began, and starts all over again.
Everything leads to weariness...." Without purpose, life will just wear you out! You’ll lose your energy, spark, and
motivation. Without knowing your purpose, life will seem TIRESOME.

Without knowing your purpose, life will seem UNFULFILLING.


Ecclesiastes 1:8b-9a (LB) - "No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied; no matter how much we hear,
we're not content. History merely repeats itself. Nothing is truly new…." Without purpose, you’ll never be satisfied.
You’ll always be wrestling with discontent. Without knowing your purpose, life will seem UNFULFILLING.

Without knowing your purpose, life will seem UNCONTROLLABLE.


Ecclesiastes 1:15 (TEV) - “You can't straighten out what is crooked; you can't count things that aren't there!"
What in the world is he talking about? He's referring to situations beyond our control! Without knowing your
purpose, life will seem UNCONTROLLABLE.

The Benefits of Knowing Your Purpose


1. Knowing the purpose of your life will give your life focus.
Philippians 3:13 - “…I am focusing all my energies on this one thing….” You won’t be so scattered and distracted.
Knowing the purpose of your life will give your life focus.

2. Knowing the purpose of your life will SIMPLIFY your life.


Philippians 3:13 - “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead….” If you don’t know your purpose,
you’ll have a hard time deciding where you should best invest your time, money, and energy.

3. Knowing the purpose of your life will increase your MOTIVATION in life.
Philippians 3:14 (NLT) - “…I strain to reach the end of the race….” He knows what life is all about, and he heads
straight for it. A clear objective is motivating. Knowing the purpose of your life will increase your MOTIVATION in
life.

4. Knowing the purpose of your life will PREPARE YOU FOR ETERNITY.
Philippians 3:14 (NLT) - “...receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” If
you don’t get anything else I say in this session, I want you to understand this: Life on earth is just preparation for
eternity! Knowing the purpose of your life will PREPARE YOU FOR ETERNITY.

APPLICATION So given that we will have an eternal existence, what should we do with our lives now?

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