“...do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial

which is to try you…”

1 Peter 4:12

Peter Teaches About Trials

First: Receiving spiritual gifts.“As each one has received a gift…”

1 Peter 4:10a

A spiritual gift is a special ability God gives to each of us

Gifts Used To Serve Others

1 Peter 4:10c“...minister it to one another, as

good stewards…”

Now As good stewards (managers)expect to have troubles and trials.

Trials Follow Acts of Faith Throughout Old Testament

AbrahamMosesElijahDavidJesus

Abraham - Father of all who believe

left his homeland

left his kindred (family)

in obedience to God

Fiery trial - a famine!

Promised a son by God “through whom …all earth shall be blessed”He waited for twenty four years

Abraham, 99, Sarah,89 Isaac bornGod asked Abraham to sacrifice himFaith sustained him through fiery trial

Abraham

Moses - Deliverer and Lawgiver

Israel was in slavery to Egypt

God called Moses to deliver them

Israel rejected him. He had to flee

40 years in desert in exile

Moses knew fiery trials

Elijah - God’s Preaching Prophet

At God’s command

Rebuked King Ahab

Hid from King near stream

Stream of water dried up

Widow and her son too poor

His faith did not falter

Called down fire from heaven

Turned Israel to God

Had to run for his life

God honored him

Elijah’s Faith

Jesus was baptized by John

Not for cleansing of sin

Pictured cleansing by His death

Immediately was taken to wilderness

40 days tempted by Satan

Jesus God In Human Flesh

As Boot Camp strengthens soldiers

Trials strengthens faith

1 John 5:4-5

“this is the victory that has overcome

the world--our faith.”

Trials Strengthen Our Faith

Trials Develop Patience

James 1:3

“knowing that the testing of your

faith produces patience.”

Faith tested produces maturity

Trials Equip Us

To comfort others“…That we may be able to comfort…”

“…With which we ourselves are comforted”

2nd Corinthians 1:3, 4

Preachers learn to comfort and empathize

by going through fiery trials

Trials Prepare Us To Serve

Joseph is a chief example:• hated by his brothers• sold as a slave and • bought by Potiphar • lied about by Potiphar’s wife• spent 13 years in jail

Prisoner to deliverer in one day

Trials Purify Our Faith

Job understood this principle

“When He has tested me,

I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10

Gold ore is put to the fire.

Dross is removed, gold becomes pure.

Faith Is Rewarded

Job’s faith stood the trialGod blessed him with twice as much

He lived another 140 yearsHe is example to all of us

Faith conquers the fiery trials