Trials - Tribulations - Testings

 

Trials –Tribulations – Testings

 

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for Righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12.

JESUS told us that if we serve Him we will be persecuted; that He did not bring peace but a sword; that families would be divided against each other and that we should not fear men but GOD. Study Matthew 7:13-14; Matthew 10; John 14:1-4; Romans 8:18-30.

 

“Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but GOD is Faithful, Who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear (endure) it.” 1 Corinthians 10:11-13.

Paul tells us to expect temptation but to trust GOD as we resist it, to take note of the results to others from how they handled temptation. Study 1 Corinthians 10; 2 Corinthians 4:9-11; Philippians 2:5-18; Hebrews 10:26-39; Hebrews 11.

 

“Therefore humble yourselves under The Mighty Hand of GOD, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for You. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may The GOD of all Grace, Who Called us (you) to His Eternal Glory by CHRIST JESUS, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen and settle you. To Him be the Glory and Dominion forever and ever.” 1 Peter 5:6-11

Peter reminds us that it is GOD Who uses the circumstances of our life to fulfill His Purpose in and through us. Study Matthew 11:25-30; Romans 5:1-4, 8:31-39.

 

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (endurance). But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of GOD, Who Gives to all liberally and without reproach and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from The LORD; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:2-8

James reminds us that we will be tempted, tried and tested, but by faith and obedience we will have the victory. Study 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; Revelation 12:7-12, 17.

 

Remember Job, who was righteous enough for GOD to brag about but proud, enough to complain against GOD for the change in his circumstances. Study Job 1-3, 38-40; Ezekiel 14:12-23; James 5:7-12.

 

Remember Lot, who was righteous enough for GOD to rescue him and his family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah but not GOD focused enough to not be overcome by his circumstances. Study Genesis 14, 18-19; 2 Peter 2:6-11.

 

Remember Noah, who was righteous enough to be saved with his family from the Great Flood, but weary enough to give in to drunkenness. Study Genesis 5-9; Ezekiel 14:12-23; Hebrews 11:7; 2 Peter 2:4-5.

 

Remember Paul, who was righteous enough to write most of the New Testament but proud enough that GOD gave him a thorn in the flesh, “My Grace is sufficient for you.” Study 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Philippians 4:10-13; 2 Timothy 4:16-18.