Faith Under Fire
Preached Nov. 7,2010 Prepared by Rev. DK Harden Sr.
Do Christians Suffer Undeservingly?
Read 1Peter 3:8-12 (do no evil) 1Peter 3:13-22 (undeserved suffering)
James say “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations (James 1:2)
- Trials are meaningless, suffering is senseless, and testing is irrational unless there is a good purpose for them (Dr. J. Vernon McGee)
- God has a reason… but to be reminded Rom. 8:28 say’s “ all things work together…
When pressures of testing comes upon us and fires of adversity and tragedy and suffering comes. The attitude of faith should be that God has permitted it for a purpose and a goal. God is working something out in our lives.
- This may be the test of your faith… (we walk by faith not by sight…) (2Cor. 5:7)
- God puts faith to the test to prove that it is genuine…
Think about it ore is brought to an assayer to prove that it is gold or silver. He puts fire under it and pours acid on it… to know if it’s genuine or not.
- God test our faith for a purpose “ knowing this that the trying of faith… “ (James 1:3)
He test us to produce patience in our lives…
- Patience is one of the elements of the fruit of the Spirit.
Read James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
Paul wrote in Romans 5: 3-4 (read 5:1 first) 1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
- There are many shallow and superficial saints today. Many who are insecure as Christians. There are believer who try to be intellectual and who question the Word of God.
The problem with these Christians they have never grown up—they are like babes.
- God gives test and trials to produce patience in our lives, to grow us up.
James 1:4 “let patience have her perfect work,…”
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
- Wisdom – Understanding of what is true, right, or lasting.
- Wisdom is to know how to act under certain circumstances of testing, of trial or when problem or questions arise.
- If we lack wisdom let us go to God who will hear and answer our prayer.
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Are you wondering how your problems are going to work out?
Why don’t you trust God today? Don’t doubt Him?
God will supply you the wisdom you need to make it through.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
