130 likes | 280 Views
Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (James 1:2-3 RSV). When Trials Hit Our Life…. Various Trials We Face…. Injustices War Bad Government Divorce Disappointment with Children
E N D
Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. (James 1:2-3 RSV) When Trials Hit Our Life…
Various Trials We Face… • Injustices • War • Bad Government • Divorce • Disappointment with Children • Difficulties of Growing Older • Illnesses • Tragic Accidents • Unexpected Deaths • Unfaithfulness in Friendsand Family • Divisions in Local Churches • Etc.
Life Away From God Has Little Meaning. • I have seen everything that is done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be numbered. (Ecclesiastes 1:14-15 RSV)
God Made Us And Can Help Us! • The Book of Job • But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips. (Job 2:10 RSV) • The Book of Ecclesiastes • In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him. (Ecclesiastes 7:14 RSV) • Who Can Help Us The Most In Knowing How To Persevere? • Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (Hebrews 12:1-3 RSV)
Consider Jesus… • Some of Jesus’ Trials: • Home folks trying to kill Him after His first talk in the synagogue • The unbelief and rejection of His brothers • The confrontations with the Pharisees and chief priests • The unjust criticisms (“mad, demon possessed, Samaritan) • The spiritual immaturity of His apostles and their unbelief after His resurrection. • The betrayal and suicide of a former colleague. • His trial and death on the cross. (Humiliation , Shame, & Suffering)
Look To Examples From Jesus’ Life: • Jesus loved His Father’s word and prayed to Him often. (Jn 8:28,29) • Jesus did not hide His emotions. (Mk 3:5; Jn 11:35) • Jesus knew who He was and His role. (Lk 19:10; Jn 16:28) • Jesus was a doer. (Ac 10:38) • Jesus was single-minded. (Lk 10:41,42) • Jesus lived with hope of the joy that was set before Him. (Heb 12:2)
Do You Have A Troubled Heart? • Faith Is the Remedy For A Troubled Heart! • And without faith it is impossible to please him. For whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6 RSV) • I told you that you would die in your sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am he." (John 8:24 RSV) • Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me. (John 14:6 RSV) • And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 RSV) "Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me. (John 14:1 RSV)
Life Has Meaning When… • It Generates Service (Romans 12:5) • It is motivated by Love (1 Corinthians 13) • It is pointed in the right direction (Hebrews 12:1-3) • It is based upon Faith in God and Jesus (2 Cor. 4:17,18; Hebrews 11:1-6; John 14:1-6)
The Goal: Keep Turning To Jesus! • God made us and He knows how to fix us! • We must continue to be faithful and useful in the Lord’s service, even in the midst of the severest of trials. • “Wait On The Lord” I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14 RSV)
Sources • Truth Commentary on Hebrews by Daniel H. King, Sr. • “It’s Your Life, You Know” Article by Dee Bowman • Speaking The Truth in Love Article by Bobby Thompson • Biblical Insight Article by Lee Wildman