Crossroads Kauai 3.
Peter said we would have them - 1 Pet 4:12
“Turning Trials Into Triumph”
James 1:2-4
Introduction
I The Trouble With Trials
A. We want our lives to be trouble free
1. We believe we have a “right” to peace
2. We make efforts to avoid pain at any cost
B. We don't usually respond well to trials
1. Passive response
2. Aggressive response
II The Divine Purpose Of Trials
A. God desires to fill the world with godly offspring
1. It was His plan from the beginning - Gen 1:27-28
2. It was His restored plan - Mat 28:19-20
3. It is His plan for your life - Rom 8:29; I Jn 3:2
B. God places a high premium on our Christ-likeness
1. He knows that trials are essential for growth
2. He allows and even orchestrates our trials - Job 1
3. He sets limits on our trials - 1 Cor 10:13
C. God wants us to cooperate with His objectives
1. To conform us to the image of Jesus - Rom 8:29
2. To make us fruitful in His Kingdom - Jn 15:2
3. To enable us to reflect His glory - 2 Cor 3:18
III The Biblical Response To Trials
A. We are to consider trials pure joy
1. This was the attitude of:
a. The apostles - Ac 5:41
b. Paul - Ro 5:3; Phil 2:17-18
c. Peter - 1 Pet 4:12-14
B. We are to expect trials
1. Jesus said we would have them - Jn 16:33
2. Paul said we would have them - Ac 14:22
C. We are to be aware of their multifaceted nature
1. Some are the result of being human
2. Some are the result of sin - 1 Pet 2:19-20
3. Some are the result of spiritual warfare
a. Human persecution - 2 Tim 3:12
b. Satanic attack - 1 Pet 5:8-9
IV The Incomparable Benefits Of Trials
A. Trials test our faith just as:
1. Fire purifies gold - 1 Pet 1:7; Job 23:10
2. Training strengthens an athlete - 1 Cor 9:25-27
B. Trials produce perseverance - Rom 5:3-4
C. Trials produce maturity
1. Spiritual adulthood in Christ
2. Spiritual depth and understanding
PERSONAL APPLICATION
Take some time this week to consider the following:
1. Share a recent trial that you went through. How did you
respond? How do you generally tend to respond to trials in
your life? With joy or frustration? Passively or aggressively?
2. Identify one or two significant areas in your life where you have
resisted God's efforts to use trials in your life to conform you to
the image of His Son. What lessons do you think God may
have been trying to teach you through these trials? How
should you have responded?
3. Frequently, God uses those closest to us to communicate with
us areas of needed change. What has your family/friend been
telling you? Have you been listening? Why or why not?
4. Take time to thank God for His patience as He continues His
work of transforming you daily -- through trials -- into the
image of His Son. Ask Him for strength and wisdom to
cooperate with His divine plan for your life.