How you and I face our problems will determine the
Hebrews 10:32-39 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
Trials reveal just how committed you are to Christ.
Mark 4:17 [Some] have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.
What are the two things that trials can do to us?
How to help your faith grow bigger than your problems:
1.
2 Timothy 3:12 All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
John 16:33 (NIV/NKJV) In this world you will have trouble. But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
James 1:2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.
Psalm 77:11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord ; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old.
2. Resolve Today to
How do we “throw away our confidence?
We are not delivered FROM but THROUGH trials. Why does God do this?
What is patient endurance?
Romans 5:3-4 … suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope….
3. Rest in Tomorrow’s
2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.
What tends to happen when trials are long?
Job 1:22 (NLV) In all this Job did not sin or blame God.
Job 38:2 (NLT) Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?
Job 38:4,16-17, 35-36 Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?…. Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep?… Have the gates of death been revealed to you? … Can you send forth lightnings… or [give] understanding to the mind?
How should people of faith respond to God?
Afterthoughts
In what areas have you become discouraged?
What are past trials you have endured? How has God used those in your life?
What are some of God’s promises you are holding onto? How can they help you endure?
Scriptures for additional study
Job 38
Psalm 77:1-15
2 Corinthians 12:7-12
James 5:7-11
Small Group Questions
Would you like to receive a weekly email with a list of discussion questions to help you launch a small group? Register for Small Group Questions here!
Daily Devotions
Would you like to receive a devotional each weekday with a Scripture and thought from the sermon? Click / Touch here: Register for Daily Devotionals
Service in Spanish
Do you have a Spanish-speaking friend, or would you like to listen in Spanish? We stream a Spanish translation during the 11am Sunday service! Instructions are at the Welcome Center.
Scriptures are pulled from Bible.com. Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2016. Used by permission. All rights reserved.