TRIALS

Trials - The Bridge to Your Breakthrough




There are some reasons to think Peter wrote 2 Peter just after Paul was executed at Rome (2 Peter 1:14), probably 67AD.

INTRODUCTION: Not until a Christian understands the purpose and value of trials will he attain to the life of an overcomer. Christians through the ages have asked, "Why do Christians have to bear afflictions and face trials?" This is especially true of young Christians. Some have despaired because they did not know the answer and could not understand.

1. Sources of Trials

A. One's own faults and failures

"For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:" 1 Peter 2:20-21

B. From Satan by permissive will of God (Job 2:3-6)

C. Directly from God

Providential

"But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." Phil 1:12-14

Appointment of God

"...that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know." 1 Thess 3:3-4

2. Reasons for Trials (Those whom God uses most are usually tried the most.)

To test our faith (Genesis 22:1) Abraham & Isaac.

To work patience (Romans 5:3, 4; James 1:2, 3)

"Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole." Job 5:17-18

Yields fruit of righteousness

"Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Heb 12:11

Glorifies God

"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?" 1 Peter 4:16-17

Produces praise, honor, glory

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love." 1 Peter 1:6-8

3. CONCLUSION: When the Christian comes to the realization that this world is not his portion and that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in Him, then he is in position to have the right outlook on life. Christ did not say that Christians would not have afflictions, but He did teach that "our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Corinthians 4:17).

"But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, "Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" Acts 7:55-56

"And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last." Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city." Rev 22:12-14