Sermon Central
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Eight Tests Every Christian Will Face
Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Nov 20, 2019 (message contributor)
Below are brief descriptions of eight types of tests that every Christian will likely face:
• Fiery trials: intense encounters or struggles; bursts of anger, grief, or lust
• Infirmities: physical limitations and illnesses
• Reproaches: ridicule and rejection on account of faith or holiness
• Persecutions: harassment and oppression due to religious convictions
• Necessities: wear and care of daily responsibilities
• Distresses: disappointments and deep hurts
• Tribulations: unusual pressures and challenges
• Temptations: opportunities to yield to our sinful nature
The Apostle Paul regarded these “tests” as opportunities to grow spiritually. Instead of despairing when he encountered trials, Paul said he would glory in his infirmities so that the power of Christ would rest upon him. (See II Corinthians 12:9.) As we, like Paul, choose to trust God and accept the grace He gives us, Christ’s character will be formed in us. “We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:3–5).
Unless you accept God’s grace to deal with suffering, inevitably you will become bitter. However, if you choose to trust God to bring about His purposes through the suffering, you can avoid the trap of bitterness and grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord. (See II Corinthians 5:7, Ephesians 4:31, Hebrews 12:14–15, and II Peter 3:18.)
You can be confident that God will not allow anything to happen to you without His permission, and He will not let any “bad thing” happen that will not ultimately bring you more good than destruction. (See I Peter 4:12–13, Romans 9:14–24, Isaiah 55:8–9, Job 1:6–12, Genesis 50:20, and Psalm 121.)
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