Suffering Through Trials and Tribulations 1 Peter 4:12-17&19

Sermon of the Week
1 Peter 4:12-17&19
"Suffering Through Trials and Tribulations"
By Elder Edward Wooten

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.  If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.  For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?  And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Message Introduction

As Christians today, the Apostle Peter has told us not to count our suffering as strange Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12)  Peter is speaking to us today, and he’s telling us that we must stay focused, and to give serious meditation regarding his declaration, in that we may now grasp the spiritual application as it now so timely applies to our generation; that we may also be strengthened, and encouraged as we continue to press our way forward; that we may endure despite the many trials and tribulations upon us!

Today there’s much suffering in the World, we’re truly living in very troubled times, and in fact many believe that we are living in “the last days of the Church age,” and many also believe that it’s a “time of judgment” for God’s household.”  Who would argue with me, clearly our economy has fallen and is still failing, this coupled with the many ills of our society has certainly not promoted good moral health for a nation once founded on the principles of a godly nature?  We are living in a time when the ills of our society are having a harmful influence on the life of many Christians today, as many are starting to buy into the Worldview. What then is the proper Christian response to the many trials and tribulations that we now suffer?   No, I think not—unless I misunderstand Peter, we’re not to be surprised by our fiery ordeals, but to rejoice in them, taking on all insults from the ungodly; even in our suffering we must continue obeying the Word God, not ashamed but committed to doing what is good in the eyes of our faithful Creator.

1.      Trials & Tribulations

What then is the proper Christian response to the many trials and tribulations that we now suffer?

Dear friends, I must say that when it comes down to suffering through the many trials and tribulations of this world—what I am about to say to you may sound like the stuff of a science fiction movie.  Unfortunately, it is our current reality in the real-world. Many of us have gotten too comfortable in a “Profitable America.”  But now we realize that the “Profitable America” was only the calm in the storm.  The storm is now upon us all and we are facing an economic downturn of astronomical proportions and currently still running ramped throughout the World.  What’s happening right now in Greece is maybe the epicenter of what may prove to be one of the most terrifying political and socio-economic crises of our lifetime!  And if you have kept abreast of currents events then you already know that Greece isn't alone in this; Spain, Italy, Portugal and Ireland have also faced mounting debt problems, and while not yet as severe in America, it seems that we’re not very far behind.

The reality is that we’re living in a time of wars and rumors of wars, and we’ve experienced mounting natural disasters. There’s rising social inequalities and unrest in the streets stemming from this still-unfolding global economic downturn, and unfortunately this all adds up to a potential “time bomb” if left unaddressed.  If things continue as they are going, this could potentially tear apart the moral fabric of our society.  Today, these are the very real trials and tribulations we now face, yet we in spite of it all, must continue to stand in our faith. “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good” (1 Peter 4:19)

We are now witnessing homosexuality that’s running ramped, an economy that’s in shambles, crime is epidemic, alcoholism, drug abuse, are all “off the charts.”  Even still, our Bible tells us to “Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) And Peter tells us of our suffering “If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.” (1 Peter 4:15)

Folks . . . America is hurting, to include Christians—what then is the proper Christian response to the many trials and tribulations that Christians now suffer?  I submit to you that now’s the time for Christians to demonstrate their love of God; because if we truly love God then we also must love our neighbor as we love ourselves.  Christian love is why we should now be giving freely from the hearts, to help those brothers and sisters who are now suffering. 

Christians more materially blessed by the Lord should willingly provide help for their fellow saints—in the body of Christ we are to take care of our own.  God expects us to help one another. It’s not a mere suggestion, in fact, it’s not optional its God’s way of ensuring that we love one another. Yes, it is true that we are facing many trials and tribulations with regards to the current economic downturn but, the truth of the matter is that history always repeats itself.  Therefore, this is not the first time the World has experienced an economic crisis of such magnitude.  Even in the Bible, it speaks of times of drought, famine, economic hardship, poverty and sexual immorality.  Today it’s our very own reality; the question is this, how is our trials and tribulations any different than those of in the Bible days?  One thing is for certain, the Bible tells us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6).  Also, remember the words of Peter “For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17) Let us then obey!

2.      Stress & Relentlessness

Should Christians be filled with restlessness and despair? 

As a result of the many trials and tribulations of today, many stressed out Christians have fallen into sin.  Every day people are losing their jobs at an astronomical rate— saints of God, these things are for real.   It now seems that even those good government jobs, once considered a job for life are no longer safe!—there’re financial cut backs on every front.  It seems as if everything is falling apart all around us.  Far too many Christians have succumbed to the pressures of unemployment, poverty, loss of wealth, plummeting stocks, homes are under water and foreclosed, the standard of living dropping.  Unfortunately, the reality is that Christians have given in to stress, depression, drugs, alcohol abuse, insanity, sexual immorality, and suicide.  And I will go so far as to say that many of us now know personally Christians whom are filled with unhealthy angry, restlessness, and unrelenting despair, and have already falling into the lust of premarital and/or  extramarital sexual sin.  Why are so many Christians falling into sin? 

Christians are feeling and responding to the very same pressures as non-Christians; clearly we aren’t exempt from the lust of the flesh.  Who here among us doesn't struggle with sin?  We too are human and we do not live in a vacuum—we live in a culture filled with many temptations and if we’re not careful will stir up our lust; and when we have fallen, more often than not, it is because we had already lost hope.  Many Christians have fallen even when they least expected it; it’s as if they never saw it coming, the daily stresses of their lives just continually chipped away at their defenses, and before they knew it—they had underestimated the power of spiritual warfare, and in their weakened state, they slowly faltered, eventually giving into Satan’s coning ability in presenting his temptations—name your weakness, is it that pretty woman, that handsome man, money, alcohol, drugs, you name it— we are all continually subjected to temptation.  Some of us fall by trusting in your own strengths; instead we must “Let go & Let God!”  Even still, do not give up hope in the blessed assurance that you may “Return to your fortress, O prisoners of hope; even now I announce that I will restore twice as much to you” (Zechariah 9:12).

Again, “Should Christians be filled with restlessness and despair?” We can learn a lot from the early church, they learned the secret of contentment even in times of persecution and poverty. Yet today it seems that many Christians are grasping at almost any straw that promises to bring an end to their problems—the State Lottery, or even the TV Prosperity Seed-Sowing Ministries—were the preacher guarantees a blessing of a 100-flod return on your money, or by just touching the TV screen you will be healed! However, Jesus warned us to, “Watch out!  Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”  I believe that its love that can break all barriers. In spite of what our eyes and ears are telling us we can have absolute trust, that through love we can overcome all obstacles!  To believe in God is to have absolute trust in His love, mercy and wisdom. To believe in God therefore, is not a feeling or an emotion; rather, it is a sincere combination of conviction and action.  If we recognize that we are sinners and accept God’s help by trusting his decisions, then even if our faith in Him is as small as a mustard seed, He can help us to make it mighty enough to move mountains!

In the heat of the battle it’s hard to remember that our Heavenly father is still in charge and is in total control of our situation. The Bible tells us that God comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).  One way we comfort others is to offer them hope in the midst our hard times.  We must come alongside of our brothers and sisters whom are in need, giving freely from our hearts, loving on each other and encouraging one another is what “being” a Christian is all about—we can’t call ourselves Christians and not help one another—our faith requires actions—don’t tell me you’re going to pray for me, if you’re not willing to also help me in other ways as you are able!  An even if in our giving we also suffer then so be it, let it be for doing good and not bad  for “If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:15.16).  But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”  (1 Peter 4:13) Glory Be to Our God for He is Our Faithful Creator!!

Conclusion

God is bigger than any of your problems.  But know this, “…you can tell the size of your God by looking at the size of your worry list. The longer your list, the smaller is your God.” (~Author Unknown).  I have a good friend who had been unemployed for a number of years and I am sure that he was not without a “worry list” and I am sure he had some measure of stress during his unemployment. My friend and I stayed in touch and we also stayed in the Word of God, and thank God he never gave up trusting God.  But he continued in prayer, and while unemployed, he went back to school using the GI Bill.  God eventually made a way for him, and he’s now back gainfully employed.  And I give God all the praise, because my friend didn’t give up on life, and while enduring his time of trial and tribulation, he stood firm against the temptations of Satan. 

As Christians we must remember that doubt and faith can’t live successful in the same body.  So, we must be willing to go through our particular storm.  In other words, we must pick up our cross and humbly carry it to its final destination!  In order to trust God we need to be humble.  Because humility clears our heart of pride, and opens us up to the Word of God.  When we accept His Word, we will have trust in him.  Some of us trust our since of “security” to our own personal abilities, and some of us think we will be secure because we have money in the bank, or we feel secure because we have specialized skills, and education. The truth fact of the matter is that none of these things can protect us in the day of trials and tribulations.

God uses problems, difficulties, and suffering in our lives to drive us into His loving arms.—to refine us (To Produce Fruit).  Jesus said: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” (Revelation 3:19)  Christians are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  “Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). 

Finally, be as Job who “Let Go & Let God!” God is a sovereign God, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised." (Job 1:21) And “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him (Job 13:15a). Love God and Love Your Neighbor as You Love Yourself!  HELP ONE ANOTHER!

Invitation

Do you find yourself burden and heavy laden by stress in your life and things are just not going well for you?  Your fun meter in life low, and you have little hope that things will change; besides noting seems to be getting better anyway!  It’s just not in the cards for you.  It may be that you’re nearing the end of the rope, and times are just too hard.  Many people today are in desperate need of help and have no one to turn to.  Many feel that they’ve tried everything they knew to do, and have expended all resources and yet, their backs are still up against the wall. 

My friend, I pray that something in this sermon has given you the cause to pause just for a moment; a moment to contemplating the circumstances of your own life.  Because there is power in the Word of God!  His Word speaks to those who are willing to hear Him his voice.  When the Word God speaks to you directly, it never returns to Him void.  If God has spoken to you, I urge you not turn away, not to postpone, and not to think about tomorrow, but simply to realize the that the voice you hear calling depth from within you—both the mind and the heart are now in agreement and it’s just that simple.  My friend, the rest is now up to you—how will you respond to God?

Don’t wait another second, seek his face, and He will come into your heart—he already knows your heart; simply confess your sins, and believe that Jesus Christ is your Savior and by the grace of God you’re saved! 

Prayer

Dear Lord we first giving you all Praise, Glory and Honor unto your Holy name, and for your precious Word, the light of truth for your people.  We thank you for your untiring love and patience towards our disobedience and we thank you…that even in our sufferings, trials, and tribulations you’re with us always, every step of the way.   We thank you for your precious everlasting grace.  And pray now dear Lord for your guiding hand…. that you oh Lord will direct our steps, and quite our minds during these troubling times—and as we endure the trials of this current economic downturn, teach us dear Lord to remain steadfast in our faith and our trust in you—we know oh Lord that you’re in the mist of our storms and that you will direct our steps, and we thank you for your faithfulness…that you will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, and that you will provide a way out for us, in order that we may endure.  Please forgive us for all our sins and our transgressions, as you increase our love and faith for you and for each other…as it’s in the precious Holy name of your Son; Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior we do pray—Amen, Amen,& Amen

As always, we encourage you to find a church home to fellowship with.  You can accept JESUS into your life right now by confessing with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. (Romans 10:8-10) No one has to be in the room with you . . . GOD hears the words from your mouth and your heart!  The propper response is "Yes JESUS, I accept YOU today!"

If you have any questions in reference to this message or salvation, please contact a local pastor and/or you can email me at nhishand@comcast.net , I will be more than happy to share what the LORD has done for me!