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)