Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19
In the Hour of Trial
Intro.
1. People ask, “Why do good people suffer?” “Why does God allow it?”
2. Jesus’s life was full of trials, Luke 22:28 (Heb. 2:18).
a. pĕirasmŏs: “a putting to proof, experience…by impl. adversity” (G3986).
b. pĕirazō: “endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline” (G3985).
c. pĕira: “a test, i.e., attempt, experience:-assaying, trial” (G3984).
3. Christ assures protection and victory to His faithful in the hour of trial (Heb. 13:5-6).
I. VARIOUS TYPES OF TRIALS WE FACE, James 1:2; 1 Pet. 1:6.
A. Trials of Suffering, 1 Pet. 4:12 (try, test).
B. Trials of Temptations, James 1:12-14; 2 Pet. 2:9.
C. Trials of Physical Illness (ailments), Gal. 4:14-15 (treat and trust God, 1 Tim. 5:23).
D. Trials of Persecution, Heb. 11:36-37; Acts 20:19-20 (remain humble, zealous, and courageous).
E. Trials of Judgment, Rev. 3:10 (cf. Isa. 24:4-6). Worldly fail the test while the faithful are rewarded (Rev. 3:11-13).
II. EFFECTS AND PURPOSES OF TRIALS. (Why? Accomplish?)
A. They Grieve Us, 1 Pet. 1:6 (distressed, NASB; Heaviness, sorrow).
B. They May Frighten Us, 1 Pet. 3:13-14 (Isa. 8:12-15); Phil. 1:28 (27).
C. They Train (discipline) Us, Heb. 12:4-6, 9-11 (although painful).
1. For greater faith in God’s grace, 2 Cor. 12:7-9.
2. For greater strength to endure, 2 Cor. 12:10.
D. They Purify Us, 1 Pet. 1:6-9.
1. To bear peaceable fruit of righteousness, Heb. 12:11.
2. To glorify God, 1 Pet. 4:15-16.
3. To lead us to heaven, Heb. 12:1-3.
III. WHAT ARE WE TO DO WHEN TRIALS COME?
A. Do Not Think it is Strange When They Happen, 1 Pet. 4:12.
-They are not novel or unique to you; God’s people have trials (2 Tim. 3:12).
B. Rejoice to Partake of Christ’s Sufferings, 1 Pet. 4:13-14 (2:21).
C. Do Not be Ashamed, Remain Faithful, 1 Pet. 4:15-18.
D. Commit Your Life to God, 1 Pet. 4:19.
1. Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, so watch and pray, Matt. 26:41 (38-39); Heb. 4:15-16.
2. Endure the grief and trust God to judge righteously those who afflict you, 1 Pet. 2:19-23.
3. Accept the trial as a moment to purify your faith and look to your heavenly reward, 1 Pet. 1:6-9 (Col. 3:1-4); 2 Tim. 4:6-8.
Conclusion
1. Trials trouble our souls, but with eyes of faith, we can look beyond the moment of grief to the eternal day and glorify the name of God, John 12:27-28.
2. Faith overcomes the world and its trials, 1 John 5:4 (1 Pet. 1:7-9).
By: Joe R. Price
Posted March 30, 2022