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Scripture Reading:  1 Peter 3:10-17

Affirmations About Afflictions

 

Intro.

1.  Affliction/tribulation (thlipsis) - “Prim. means a pressing, pressure, anything which burdens the spirit...has reference to sufferings due to the pressure of circumstances, or the antagonism of persons” (Vine, 17).

    a.  Arise from wars, want, distress, persecution & many other things.

    b.  Synonyms:  Suffering, trouble, anguish, burden.

2.  When we are faced with trials, trouble & pressures on every side, we can better deal with them in God’s way by understanding some facts about afflictions.

 

I.  TRIALS AND TROUBLES WILL COME.

    A.   Jesus Said So - Jno. 15:20.

        -Serving Christ means facing trials from faithless ones.

    B.   Apostles Taught Same Thing - Acts 14:22; 1 Ths. 3:4.

        1.  1 Ths. 3:4 – We must prepared to face them before they come.

        2.  2 Tim. 3:12 – Our goal of godliness leads to persecution.

 

II.THEY ARE NOT PROOF OF GUILT / SIN.

    A.  Rest Assured, if we are Evildoers, We Will Suffer Sooner or Later – 2 Pet. 2:9 (Rom. 2:9).

        1.  You may be facing trouble because of your own sins – Rom. 1:27.

        2.  Must examine ourselves for sin & its consequences upon us.

    B.  But, Present Misfortune (calamity) is not Proof One Has Sinned – Lk. 13:1-5 (cf. Job 4:7; 1:8, 22; 2:10).

    C.  Innocent / Godly People Suffer – 2 Tim. 3:12; Jas. 1:27.

    D.  You May Appear to be an Evildoer When You Suffer for Righteousness – 2 Tim. 2:8-9.

        1.  We expect evildoers to suffer (Rom. 2:9).

        2.  But, Paul was not an evildoer, yet he was in prison facing death.

    E.  One May be Suffering for Doing Good – 1 Pet. 3:13-17 (4:15-16).

 

III.  TROUBLES & TRIALS ARE NOT WITHOUT POTENTIAL BENEFIT.

    A.  Can Teach Us Contentment - Phil. 4:11-13.

        -Help us learn that we are sufficient in Christ in spite of trials which test us & place doubt before us!

B.  Can Help us Learn Submissive Obedience - Heb. 5:8-9.

        1.  Trials test our faith & resolve to obey Jesus.

        2.  “The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials.”  Chinese proverb

        3.  Accept the discipline they bring – Heb. 12:3-11.

    C.  Can be the Occasion of Strengthening our Faith.

        1.  Jas. 1:2-4 - Faith is perfected thru endurance.

        2.  Teach us endurance – 2 Tim. 2:3.

        3.  Teach us to trust Christ’s power to strengthen & sustain us – 2 Cor. 12:9-10.

 

IV.  THEY CAN BE SUCCESSFULLY OVERCOME.

    A.  God Promises we can Overcome Present Troubles.

        1.  Jas. 1:12 – Promised crown of life!

        2.  1 Cor. 10:13 – As one person said, “God limits their impact.”

    B.  We Can Turn Unjust Suffering Into God’s Glory – 1 Pet. 4:15-16.

        1.  By showing Christ to others in your suffering, you honor God before them!

        2.  4:19 – God will protect your soul when you commit yourself to Him (cf. 2:23)

 

V.  THEY ARE POWERLESS TO MAKE OUR SERVICE TO GOD IN VAIN - Rom. 8:35-39.

    A.  They Need not Disturb our Faith – 1 Ths. 3:3.

        1.  Shaken – Disquiet, agitate (of a dog wagging its tail).

        2.  Appointed to receive trials.

    B.  We Can Endure Afflictions by Keeping Heaven as our Goal – 2 Tim. 2:12.

        1.  2 Cor. 4:16-18 – Inward man renewed, eternal glory assured.

        2.  Rev. 2:10 – W/o fear, be faithful to point of death – Crown of life (Jas. 1:12; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).

        3.  1 Pet. 4:13 – Rejoice when you share in Christ’s suffering – Will have exceeding joy!

 

Conclusion

1.  Phil. 3:7-11, 14-15 – Key components to facing af­flictions for one’s faith is a willingness to sacrifice & maintaining our spiritual goals.

2.  Then, suffering, troubles & trials can be faced with faith, contentment, joy & the hope of future rest.

3.  Only the Christian can face trials & trouble in this way! (2 Cor. 12:9-10)