TEXT: 1 PETER 4:12-19
INTRODUCTION
One of the most difficult
part of the Christian life is the fact that becoming a disciple Christ does not
make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. Why would a good and loving God allow us to go
through such things as the death of a child, disease and injury to ourselves and
our loved ones, financial hardship, worry and fear? Surely, if He loved us, He
would take all these things away from us. After all doesn’t loving us means He wants
our lives to be easy and confortable? Well, no, it doesn’t. The Bible clearly
teaches that God loves those who are His children, and He “works all things
together for good” for us (Romans 8:28). S0 that must mean that the trials and
tribulations He allows in our lives are part of the working together of all
things for good. Therefore, for the believer, all trials and tribulations must
have a divine purpose.
A. GOD”S
ULTIMATE PURPOSE: As in all things, God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow
more and more into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). This is the goal of a
Christian, and everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is
designed to enable us reach that goal. It is part of the process of
sanctification, being set apart for God’s purpose fitted to His glory. The way
trials accomplish this is explained in 1 Peter 1:6-7 (please read it). The true
believer’s faith will be made sure by the trials we experience so that we can
rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever.
B. GODLY CHARACTER: Trials develop Godly
character, and enables us to “rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. And hope does not
disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy
Spirit, whom He has given us” (Romans 5:3-5). Jesus Christ set the perfect
example. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were
yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). These verses reveal aspect of
His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ’s trials and tribulation and ours. Persevering proves our faith. “I can
do all things through Christ, who strengthens me” (Philip. 4:13).
However,
we must be careful never to make excuses for our “trials and tribulations” if
they are a result of our own wrongdoing. “By no means let any of you suffer as
a murderer, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler” (1 Peter 4:15). God will
forgive our sins because the eternal punishment for them has been paid by
Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
However, we still have to suffer the natural consequences in the life for our
sins and bad choices. But God uses even those sufferings to mold and shape us
for His purposes and our ultimate good (James 1:2-4, 12).
Discuss some of the ways
believers may suffer for their own wrongdoings
C. WE HAVE THE VICTORY: Through all of life’s
trials and tribulations, we have the victory. “But who gives us the victory
through our Lord, Jesus Christ”. Although we are in a spiritual battle, Satan
has no authority over the believer in Christ. God has given us His word to
guide us, His Holy Spirit to enable us and the privilege of coming to Him
anywhere, at any time, to pray about anything. He had also assured us that no trial
will test us beyond our ability to bear it, and “he will also provide a way out
so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
MEMORY VERSE:
And after you have suffered a little while,
the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will
himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you (1 Peter 5:10 ESV).
