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God often uses the consequences from the fall, (sin
and corruption), which results in our hardship to discipline us,
to teach us about Him.
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1. Trials are to be expected.
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It is easy for the lack of significant trials to lull people
into a false sense of security.
If we
believe we can affect our outcomes,
we are believing that we have
the power of God
So, it is boastful to think that we can avoid trials by living
wisely.
When life seems without trials,
use this time to
discipline yourself.
Choose to do
that which is difficult in this world that pleases God.
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2. God limits our trials for His purposes.
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when we face evil of any sort,
we can
have full confidence that it is what is allowed by God
for our
ultimate good,
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a) Suffering through trials is really a groaning to be
with Christ. |
If a person
spends most of their day thinking about earthly things,
it is
difficult when a trial comes about
to quickly have a Heavenly
perspective.
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b) An eternal view of trials results in peace. |
We lose
sight of the fact that we were made so that our temporary mortal
lives will be swallowed up by life; that life is Jesus.
For our light
and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that
far outweighs them all.
Meanwhile we groan,
longing to be clothed
with our
heavenly dwelling.
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c) Peace in trials comes from trusting in the power of
Jesus. |
That which will last forever has already overcome that
which cannot last.
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4. Trials reveal a false foundation in self-confidence.
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a) Trials remind us that we are not in control of life. |
A purpose of trials is to let us see that we are beyond our
ability.
it is an illusion
that we are ever in control.
But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God,
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b) Trials take away our self-confidence. |
if it is all about Jesus is that
we, our flesh,
and our earthly desires must diminish.
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5. Trials are for our good.
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We, so to speak, take charge of our lives in two
ways, self-control and discipline.
Say "no" to sin and "yes" to righteousness.
God's purpose for discipline in our lives goes far beyond getting us to read our Bibles and pray more.
God wants our hearts
and minds to be on Him; on who He is.
Even when we do not want the best for ourselves, He wants the best
for us.
we need to focus on the
incredible Heaven that awaits us.
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a) God is involved in disciplining us. |
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b) Trials are meant to get us to a better place. |
God disciplines us for our good,
that we may share in his
holiness.
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c) God uses our suffering for our good. |
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6. No Trial separates us from the love of Christ.
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7. Results
of suffering when right
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| a) Suffering when we are right helps us know God. |
When we suffer for what is right,
we can more deeply
understand the ever-loving heart of God.
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b) Suffering when we are doing right results in rewards |
great is your reward
in heaven,
he will receive the crown of life that God has
promised to those who love him."
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c) Persevering through trials results in eternal
rewards. |
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8. Trials prove our faith is genuine.
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it really is not about
how strong we are,
rather it is about who we are putting our faith
in.
may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
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9. The way we handle trials is a witness of God's work.
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God's work in our lives through trials reveals Jesus in us.
When we see that the ultimate goal God has for us is for the
life of Jesus to be revealed in us,
then what we used to see as
senseless, makes sense.
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10. We must keep the purpose of trials foremost in our minds.
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so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.
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