Trials 101 “God’s School of Trials”
1 Peter 4:12-14
This is a common question to any who are not yet mature “Why does God allow trials in our life?”.
Christian life begins with spiritual birth – John 3:3-5. Not to be a member of a born again church but to be spiritually born again. God’s plan is for us to be spiritually born, grow spiritually and to become spiritually mature. Maturity happens when we allow God to work in our life and grow everyday in spirit and in truth.
What are God’s instruments of growth:
- The bible – God is talking to us through His words.
- The Church – To exercise our Faith.
- Other believers – To have fellowship with one another.
- Trials – For us to grow in spirit and ultimately to become a mature Christian
Why Christians have trials?
God uses trials in order for us to grow and become mature. 1 Peter 4:12 “Thinks it not strange”
- Christians have trials because we live in a sinful world.
- We are part of a fallen race – Romans 3:10-23
- We live in a world of turmoil and natural disasters
- We live in a world of crime, sickness and death – Hebrews 9:27
- Christians have trials because of the power of Sata
- We have adversary: Satan
- Consider Satan’s attack on Job
- The roaring lion – 1 Peter 5:8
- Christians are on a collision course with the world
- When you are comfortable with the world, you may need to assess your “Christian” life. Don’t walk with the walk of unbelievers.
- Jesu warned of this conflict – John 15:18-20. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
- When you are in a situation where you will be tempted to do the things of the world, Pray to God.
Why are the Christian’s trials different?
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
- We do not suffer alone, God will not leave us. – Hebrews 13:5-6
- We become partakers of Christ’s suffering
- We can even find joy in jeopardy – Acts 16:25-32. Even when we are in difficult situations, we can still find joy. We are not experiencing a simple trial but it is a blessing.
- There is a design in our difficulties – Romans 8:28-29. Think of it as it is designed by God, He has a purpose why He allows things to happen in our life.
- After our trials will come glory – Romans:17-18. This is a promise of God to us Christians, as a partaker and as a son of God.
As Christians, How should we react to these trials?
- Despite financial trials may happen, we should be able to give and find joy. Philippians 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
- We may have trials concerning our health, still able to pray.
- Family and Emotional problems, leaning on Jesus.
So let us ask ourselves, Are your trials making you better or bitter?
Don’t hate trials. Instead, think of it as a blessing and thankful of it as this proves that He loves you because you are His son. It is God’s instrument for us to grow, draw nearer to Him and be glorious in Him.
Dear Brethren, you may be in a difficult situation right now. Be strong, lean on to Jesus and think of His promises. Be thankful, be blessed, just pray and let Him work in you.
God bless.
TMCF Sunday Worship
Preached By: Bro. Ivan Clark Lacson