Scripture Reading: Romans 8:18-26
OPENING: As Christians we are not free from life’s trials and tribulations … Why would a good and loving God allow us to go through bad things like the death of a child, disease, injury to ourselves and our loved ones, financial hardships, worry and fear? … Come on, if He loves us, He would take all these things away from us right? … Doesn’t loving us mean He wants our lives to be easy and comfortable? … No, it doesn’t … The Bible teaches that God loves those who are His children … Romans 8:28 tells us He “works all things together for good” … So, we can see that the trials and tribulations He allows are part of the working together of all things for good … So then, for the believer, all trials and tribulations must have a divine purpose …
God’s Ultimate Purpose:
God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son: Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
God’s ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son: Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
This should be the goal of every Christian … Everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that goal … It is part of the process of sanctification; being set apart for God’s purposes and fitted to live for His glory …
How do trials accomplish this? … 1 Peter 1:6-7 "In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Our faith will be made stronger by the trials we experience so that we can rest in the knowledge that it is real and will last forever.
Trials develop godly character … Romans 5:3-5 "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, 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” … Through our trials we are being developed to have the characteristics of Christ Jesus … Jesus was the perfect example of how man should act and live …
Trials develop godly character … Romans 5:3-5 "rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, 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” … Through our trials we are being developed to have the characteristics of Christ Jesus … Jesus was the perfect example of how man should act and live …
Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" … These verses point out aspects of His divine purpose for both Jesus Christ's trials and tribulations and ours … Our persevering improves our faith … Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"
We Need To Recognize:
We need to be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and tribulations" … Some are a result of our own wrongdoing … God forgives 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 this life for our sins and bad choices … God uses those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good …
We need to be careful never to make excuses for our "trials and tribulations" … Some are a result of our own wrongdoing … God forgives 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 this life for our sins and bad choices … God uses those sufferings to mold and shape us for His purposes and our ultimate good …
The Purpose and Rewards Of Our Suffering:
Trials and tribulations come with both a purpose and a reward … James 1:2-4 & 12 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him"
Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have victory … "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." … Scripture encourages us to see that even though we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over believers 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, in prayer about anything …
Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, we have victory … "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ." … Scripture encourages us to see that even though we are in a spiritual battle, Satan has no authority over believers 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, in prayer about anything …
God’s Protection:
God has the ability to deliver us from every physical problem or trouble … He uses these trials to purify us … During these times, we should “consider it pure joy” because by allowing these trials, God tests our faith to develop more faith so that we persevere and grow to maturity and Christ-likeness … James 1:2-3 . Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. … Protecting us from our trials would not benefit us …
Some people think if God really wanted to protect us, He would provide wealth and ease in this life … God does not always protect us from the consequences of bad financial decisions or our lack of diligence in working … 1 Thessalonians 4:11 “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you”
God made Solomon extremely wealthy because his attitude toward wealth was much less than his desire for God’s wisdom and knowledge …When Solomon walked in sin and adultery, his wealth was destroyed …
CLOSING: The true essence of God’s protection is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit …We are protected in all things …We have the ability to depart from God’s will …When we do, we will experience the trials and tribulations that come from our sinful actions …We can't sit back and say, “God will protect me!” if we have done the things we should not be doing … Trials and tribulations will certainly follow … It is only through prayer and the study of God’s Word that we are assured of God’s protection in our lives … He has also assured us that no trial will test us beyond our ability to bear it:
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. …
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