THE PURPOSE OF TRIALS & TESTING

1 Pet 4:12-19 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; {13} but rejoice to

the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with

exceeding joy. {14} If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. {15} But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. {16} Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify

God in this matter. {17} For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not

obey the gospel of God? {18} Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?” {19} Therefore let those who suffer according

to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

TRIALSA. We have all probably had some kind of

trial or problem in our lives.

B. We don't look forward to trials and problems but they provide an important role in our spiritual lives.1. To increase our surrender to God.2. To insure our stability.3. To inspire others who struggle.4. To invoke us to service.5. To introduce our specialty.

I. TO INCREASE OUR SURRENDER – (Psa 119:67) Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your

word.

I. TO INCREASE OUR SURRENDER

A. Financial problems

B. Personal problems, family conflict, emotional, social

C. Do we turn to or from God when problems come?

D. God allows us to have trials and testing to increase our surrender.

II. TO INSURE OUR STABILITY - (1 Pet 5:6-10) Therefore humble yourselves under the

mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, {7} casting all your care upon Him,

for He cares for you. {8} Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about

like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. {9} Resist him, steadfast in the faith,

knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the

world. {10} But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus,

after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

II. TO INSURE OUR STABILITY

A. Plants which never have resistance are easily uprooted

B. Plants which are provided water without having to send out roots to find it, lack strong root systems.

C. If we don't face trials and problems we will be easily discouraged at the least problem since we haven’t developed stability.

D. God allows us to have trials and problems to increase our stability

III. TO INSPIRE OTHERS WHO STRUGGLE - (Phil 1:12-14) But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, {13} so that it has become

evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;

{14} and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my

chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

III. TO INSPIRE OTHERS WHO STRUGGLE

A. When others saw Paul enduring imprisonment and yet continue preaching, it encouraged them

B. We can be a strength and encouragement to others if they see that we remain faithful in spite or our trials and problems

C. God allows us to have trials and problems so we can be an inspiration to others who struggle

IV. TO INVOKE US TO SERVICE - (Psa 118:17-18) I shall not die, but live, And

declare the works of the LORD. {18} The LORD has

chastened me severely, But He has not given me over

to death.

IV. TO INVOKE US TO SERVICEA. Sometimes people give up and quit

when they face trials

B. We must rise to the challenge when we face trials and problems

C. Trials and problems should be used as stepping stones, not stumbling blocks

D. God allows trials and problems to invoke us to service

V. TO INTRODUCE OUR SPECIALITY - (James 1:2-4) My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, {3}

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. {4} But

let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect

and complete, lacking nothing.

V. TO INTRODUCE OUR SPECIALITYA. God has something special for each of us to

do in our livesB. Sometimes we must patiently wait for that

talent to be developed and have opportunity to use them. - the apostles were trained by Jesus for three years before they began work on their own.

C. Many times our specialty lies in the area in which we have overcome the most problems

D. God allows trials and problems to introduce our specialty

YOUR TRIALS & PROBLEMSA. How have you reacted to trials and

problems in your life?

B. Have they increased your surrender?

C. Have they insured your stability?

D. Have they inspired others who struggle?

E. Have they invoked you to service?

F. Have they introduced your specialty?

TONIGHT’S SERMON