EASTER 7 – May 24, 2020 – 1 Pet. 4:12-19; 5:1-6
“SURVIVING THE TRIALS”
Introduction: Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Our text is the Epistle Lesson just read, from 1 Peter. We begin with prayer.
Dear fellow disciples of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ:
- Our text details some of the difficulties that may at times afflict Christians. In the early days of the church is was at times very difficult and painful. Some early Christians were martyred, put to death, even tortured. The inhumanity of unbelievers can be incredibly horrific.
- Peter wrote about some of these difficult things to prepare the church for them. We are the church today, and while we may not currently be facing terrible persecution, we are still at risk for some of the troubles and trials that Peter discusses. He wants us to be prepared, so that we will be “SURVIVING THE TRIALS.”
- He does not want us to be surprised when trials come upon us, but rather ready and prepared. Then we will not only be able to endure them, but we will prevail over them.
- And he shares one precious and important point with us, and that is that:
I. We Are Considering The Sufferings Of Christ When We Consider The Trials That May Come To Us, To Those Who Believe In Jesus
Text: “Rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings.”
A. These Sufferings May Be Fiery, Very Difficult
Text: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you.”
B. The Trials May Consist Of Insults, Persecution, And Even Violence
Text: “If you are insulted for the Name of Christ, you are blessed. . . . If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
Statement: Peter is not talking about the problems and troubles that are common to all human beings, but the additional trials that come upon us simply because we bear the Name of Jesus. It is interesting that the world, the unbelieving, never seem to be done with persecuting Jesus.
Application: And now it is through His people that they attempt to cause Him suffering! They think that such suffering will display His impotence, His failures. They do not realize such fellowship in suffering only creates much deeper and stronger bonds of love between Jesus and His people. So, while they think they are succeeding in very evil things, the reality is different:
II. Though It May Be Difficult To Endure Such Trials, They Are Truly A Blessing
A. The Trials And Suffering Is Shared With Jesus
Text: “Rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings.”
B. The Spirit Of God Rests Upon Us Whenever We Are Being Persecuted
Text: “If you are insulted for the Name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
C. Our Trials And Sufferings Are An Opportunity For Us To Glorify God
Text: “If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”
D. And Our Trials Test Us, Which Ultimately Makes Us Stronger
Text: “Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you.”
Rom. 5:1-5 “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.”
Statement: So you see that it is not only a matter of “surviving” trials and sufferings, but actually a matter of “thriving” through our sufferings and troubles. God does not allow these things to befall us in order to crush and destroy us, but rather to work His glorious and noble blessings in us and through us!
Application: It may be difficult at first, but in time we may be able to implement the Apostle James’ encouragement: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” For me, it is still anger that predominates – but perhaps in time I will be able to “count it all joy.” After all, there are great blessings that come through our trials!
So, that we may be prepared Peter reminds us that:
III. We Are The Saved If We Belong To Christ Through Faith
Text: “Let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.”
A. So Let Us Humble Ourselves Before God
Text: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time He may exalt you.”
B. Let Us Cast Our Concerns Upon God, Knowing His Love For Us
Text: “Cast all you anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”
C. And Let Us Remain Sober And Vigilant Against Our Enemies
Text: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
D. Let Us Resist The Devil And All Evil, Keeping Faith And Trust In God
Text: “Resist him, firm in your faith. . . entrust your soul to a faithful Creator . . .God cares for you.”
E. Let Us Find Our Consolation In God
Text: “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.”
Statement: You see clearly then, that all turns out well for those who follow the advice of Peter. Peter writes the Word of God – it is God Himself Who assures us of all these things!
Application: So let us take these things to heart, and practice them. Then we will not be surprised when the fiery trial comes. Nor will we be panicked or defeated when the fiery trial comes. We will be prepared to overcome, and to also reap all of the blessings and strength and comfort God wills to bestow upon us!
Conclusion: With the courage and strength that God bestows upon us, and the gift of His Spirit resting upon us, we will survive and prevail in all times of testing. It is always a matter of His grace, His forgiveness, His goodness, and His love!
Let us stop to consider just how blessed it is that we are allowed to have fellowship with Christ, with Almighty God, in the evil that God suffers from humanity, because He is love, and He is patient. We are on the right side, now and for eternity! Thanks and praise be to God! Amen.
Votum: And the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in the true faith, which is in Christ Jesus, even unto life everlasting, Amen.