The Trying of Your Faith
1 Peter 1:1-9[1]
8-07-05
Intro
During our teaching from the book of Judges[2] we talked a lot about trouble that comes as a consequence of sin. The recurring cycle in that book involved God sending trouble to correct Israel’s disobedience –the chastening of the Lord coming upon His children because they are living in disobedience to Him. Jonah experienced it when he ran away from God’s calling on his life. David experienced it when he committed adultery with Bathsheba. Most of us here have some first hand experience with that kind of trouble. The law of sowing and reaping is one of the first lessons a young Christian learns.
But trouble in a Christian’s life is not always a consequence of sin or disobedience. Job’s so-called comforters thought it was. They had a very simple theology: “If you do good, then good things happen to you. If you do bad, then bad things happen to you.” That is a very inadequate explanation of life even though it is true some of the time. This morning I want to talk about difficulties that are not the result of disobedience. Why do they come? And how should we respond to them when they do come?
Let’s begin by hearing a testimony from a Christian lady who encountered this kind of trial. Her name is Pam. See if you can identify with her experience.
(Illustrate Volume one)
(>>Breaking Points>>Pam-loss of husband)[3]
Here was a Christian woman trying to live for God with four children and suddenly her husband dies of a heart attack. She didn’t deserve that. It didn’t happen because of some sin in her life. What is going on in this kind of situation?
In 1 Peter 4:12 the apostle wrote, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.” Why did Peter tell these Christians to not think that the ordeal that had come into their lives was some strange, abnormal thing for a Christian to experience? I think it was because that was exactly what they were tempted to think. Did you notice how Pam kept saying “why”? Questions do come to our mind when we feel we are doing our best to serve God and wham-we’re hit with some unexpected disappointment or hardship. Job has a whole lot of questions concerning the things that had happened to him. His counselors had very inadequate answers—so inadequate they had to ask Job to pray for them before it was all over with.[4] Can you imagine how painful it would be for someone like Pam to be told that this is happening because of some sin she has obviously committed?
How do we deal with this kind of trial?
I. Recognize that it is a common Christian experience.
One of the cardinal rules I was taught in secular management was to not assume things. It is easy to just assume that being God’s favored children means everything will go smooth and our Heavenly Father will shield us from the kind of hardship Pam went through. But is that a biblical assumption? It is no doubt what we would like to hear. But let me just give you a few verses to dispel that myth.
Jesus’ words to his followers shortly before his death—John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Why did Jesus tell them that? He did not want them to be taken off guard. Here is the bad news, “In this world you will have trouble.” Now comes the good news, “But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Paul’s words to the early Christians—Acts 14:21-22 “They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.” (That is what I am seeking to do even now—to strengthen your resolve and encourage you to be faithful to the Lord come rain or shine. Now listen to what Paul told them at the end of verse 22.) “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,’ they said.” The Message paraphrase puts it this way “...making it clear to them that it wouldn’t be easy: ‘Anyone signing up for the kingdom of God has to go through plenty of hard times.” On the surface that may not sound real encouraging. But we generally do much better at dealing with a problem if we know its coming rather than being caught off guard by it.[5]
That’s why Peter wrote “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude...” The word translated “arm” is “hoplisasthe” which has military connotations.[6] Be equipped with the same attitude toward suffering that Jesus demonstrated. What is the world’s attitude toward suffering and hardship? Avoid it at all costs—lie, cheat, steal but by all means maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Jesus’ attitude was to maximize obedience to the Father whether it meant suffering or not. That’s the attitude we need toward suffering if we are to succeed in the long run.[7]
Both James and Peter talk about “various kinds of trials”[8] we may go through. The trial you may endure may be very different from the one your neighbor experiences. Some trials are more visible and evident than others. The mistake we can easily make is to come to a service like this and think we’re the only one going through something—that somehow these other people have found a way to live in this world trouble-free. That person sitting on your right this morning and the one on your left are probably dealing with difficulties as well. An Army Chaplain had a sign on his door that said, “If you have troubles, come in and tell me all about them. If you don’t have troubles, come in and tell me how you do it.”[9]
Old Testament saints like Job, Joseph, Jeremiah, and others did not live easy lives. In Hebrews 11 we are told that some “...were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned, they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated—the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith...” (Heb. 11:35-39). Did all that trouble come because they had no faith? No, it came mostly as a reaction to their faith. Earlier in verse 24 of that chapter we are told that “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.”
We envy the close relationship Moses had with God. We envy the power of God in Paul’s ministry. But are we willing to endure the kind of hardships those people endured? Sometimes when I read Paul’s words in Philippians 3:10, I have trouble finishing the verse. “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection (here’s where I sometimes get a big lump in my throat) and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Does your understanding of God only embrace half that verse or can you embrace it all?
It is popular today to preach a gospel that avoids suffering and pursues personal gain and advantage. I understand why people want such a message. My flesh does not like the idea of bearing a cross or enduring any suffering. But it is very difficult to be honest with the Scripture as a whole and expect to avoid all hardship. In fact, Paul wrote in 2 Tim 2:3
“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” Sometimes what you have to do with hardship is simply endure it. It is easier to endure it if you know it is not some strange thing—it is a common Christian experience.[10]
How do we deal with trials? We endure them and
II. Allow trials to drive you to God (not from God).
When trouble comes our way we can do one of two things—we can become better or bitter. We can go to God and receive from Him the help we need[11] or we can become angry with God because He allowed the trouble to come. The instruction we have in James 5:13 is to pray. (James 5:13) “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray.” Trouble is a call to prayer. Ps 50:15 “and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." Israel in the Wilderness thought it was a call to complain. That didn’t work too well although all of us can understand how it happened. Is there trouble in your life today? This could be an opportunity to draw near to the Lord and experience His power in your life. The second verse of that great hymn, “What a Friend We Have In Jesus,” says:
“Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful—
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our ev’ry weakness— Take it to the Lord in prayer.”[12]
Look with me at Paul’s experience recorded in 2 Cor 1:8-11. “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”
Notice in verse 9 the intensity of his trial: it involved “great pressure”—mega trial. This was more than the daily aggravations of life. “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.” Like Pam in our video clip he didn’t think he could handle what he was being called on to handle. Sometimes we would like to run; but there is no place to run except to God in prayer.
But also notice why God allowed this to happen in Paul’s life. He was being obedient to God. He was serving God with all his heart—yet troubles came—why? Look at the end of verse 9 “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God...” If life were easy all the time, most of us would become self-dependent and independent in our relationship with God. God warned Israel over and over in Deuteronomy to not forget Him.[13] We think we would never forget Him but there are a lot of things in this world to attract our attention. Troubles are a screaming reminder of our dependence upon the Lord.
Troubles not only drive us to God but also to one another. Look how Paul’s troubles connected him with the other believers. When a brother or sister is going through a hard time—that is an opportunity for us to express our love and support for that person. Paul is grateful for those who were praying for him. He acknowledges that the victories were not his alone but theirs together.
Paul is human. He feels the stress of these difficulties. But his faith is not shaken by the hardship. He continues to set his hope in God. He continues to expect God to see him through. He continues to go to God with what is going on in his life. Whatever is happening in your life I encourage you to come to God and cast your care on Him.[14] Don’t draw back from God—draw near to God in times of trouble.[15]
III. Put the trial into proper perspective.
That does not mean that we deny the pain that we are experiencing. Paul said it was all he could stand. But the sufferings of this world are not worthy to be compared with the glory that awaits God’s people.[16] The trials of this life can wean us off the things of this world and turn our hearts toward eternity.
Turn with me to 2 Cor 4:7-18 “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. 12 So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 13 It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Trials expose our weakness—we are aware of it and others are aware of it. Maybe God has used us but the fiery trial makes one thing evident to all—the power operating in our lives is not our power but God’s power. He is graciously using us. We are but earthen vessels; He is the Almighty. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” God knows how to protect us from pride. Pride is far more destructive than hardship. But good old fashion hardship keeps it all in perspective.
Why does Paul not lose heart in the midst of his trials? Verse 16 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” More important than a change in outward circumstances is the refreshing of the Holy Spirit empowering Paul to continue on. Paul has learned to draw upon God’s strength during times of hardship. He has also learned another important secret of perseverance. He does not just focus on the difficulty. He looks beyond the immediate experience toward God’s purpose behind it all. Verse 17 “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” God is working something eternal for us as we walk through the trials of life. For the ungodly—for the wicked—sorrow works death not life. [17] But for God’s people there is something redemptive happening in the midst of all the troubles—“achieving for us an eternal glory...” For the Christian eternity is far more important than the relatively brief experiences of this life.[18] For the Christian this life is but a preparation for eternal glory. When we can see meaning and purpose behind what we are going through it is easier to deal with the pain.
1 Peter 1:1-9 “1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Look closely at the two-fold purpose of trials that Peter describes in verse 7: (1) that their faith may be refined and proved genuine (2) that it may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Years ago I was auditing an ASARCO Zinc smelter in Texas. As a part of the audit I toured the factory. It was not a pleasant experience. It was hot and smelly; it was a miserable experience. The ore was being heated up to an unbelievable temperature because that’s what it took to separate the pure zinc from the unusable elements. The process Peter is talking about in our lives is not always pleasant either. But God knows exactly what needs to happen to purify our faith. The end result is something very valuable. Peter comments on the value of our faith. It is precious—it is of greater value than gold. When our value system matches God’s value system it becomes easier to cooperate with Him and trust Him through the process.
God is extremely positive is all this process. We may wonder if it’s going to destroy us and prove us false. But God’s purpose is to prove us true. Why did God tell Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? So Abraham’s faith could pass the test and God could bless him. God is not trying to destroy you; He is advancing you and setting you up for a promotion!
How does Peter encourage these believers? Does he tell them he will pray and make all their troubles go away? No, he turns their eyes toward eternity. Most of us are far more earth-bound than we ought to be. It takes a work of God to wean us off the things of this world and give us a longing for the coming of the Lord.
First, Peter reminds them of who they are (verse 1) “To God’s elect, strangers in the world...” This world is not your home. You’re just a passing through as we used to sing years ago. Peter calls them “chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father...” You may be going through some humbling experiences right now—by all outward appearances you may not look like much. But you are chosen—not just at a human level but by the most high God—you are the apple of His eye.[19] God has set His mark on you and sanctified you by the work of the Holy Spirit in your life and called you as an obedient follower of Christ. When we see the honor and privilege in that, we will not be easily lured by the honors this world has to offer.
In verse 3 Peter reminds them of the mercy they have received from God when He gave them new birth. Three benefits proceed from that that we must never forget—especially during times of trial and hardship: (1) we have a living hope. It is a hope based on fact and reality—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hope is essential for every human being. The world is really without hope but they stuff themselves with false hope. Sometimes the Christian is tempted to feel somewhat hopeless in this world. That is when we need to lift our eyes beyond this world and see the bright eternal future our Father has prepared for us. Hope will sustain you through the trial. And hope is refreshed when we consider God’s plans for us as His children. (2) We also have an inheritance—those good things God has laid up for us in heaven. Jesus said in John 14:1-3 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” We do not talk enough about our eternal inheritance in heaven. We do not talk enough about the coming of the Lord. Could it be that the things of this world have become a bit too much of our concept of inheritance and the hopes? Could it be that our dreams for this temporal life are a bit too dominant in our overall perception of reality? (3) In verse 5 we have assurance—God is faithful—“who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” God will get you all the way through this trial. He never starts something He can’t finish. Remember the three Hebrew children of Daniel’s day. They went into fiery furnace; but they did not stay there. God shielded them from the destructive possibilities of that experience. He did not shield them from the experience; but He was with them and He brought them safely all the way through it![20]
These are the realities that cause us to have joy in the midst of hardship and difficulty. In verse 8 Peter says that even in all their troubles these Christians are “filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” Can we get into Peter’s thinking here? Our tendency is to associate joy with external circumstances of life. If I’ve got my health and plenty of money, I’ve got joy. If something is lacking, I’ve got misery. But that is exactly the way the world thinks. If our Christianity leaves us bound by that we have not been fully delivered.[21] Yes, God can work miracles and change circumstances. But the greater miracle is to change us. If fact, God’s priorities may not be the same as our priorities and this creates some confusion for us. Our priority is often to feel happy and enjoy ourselves. God’s priority is stated in Romans 8:28-29 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” God’s first priority for you is to conform you to the image of Christ. Your personal comfort during the process is secondary. Can you embrace God’s priorities for your life? Can you trust Him through the process He is bringing you through right now? I encourage you to make a conscious decision to do that. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”[22] (NKJV
Invitation
Richard Tow
Grace Chapel Foursquare Church
Springfield, MO
www.gracechapelchurch.org
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[1] All Quotes from New International Version unless otherwise indicated.
[2] Sermons preached July 17, 24, and 31 of 2005 accessible at www.gracechapelchurch.org
[3] This clip was an essential part of the message allowing the congregation to connect emotionally with Pam so that the teaching that follows is not just abstract concepts. Illustrate clips are produced by BlueFish TV in Plano, TX and are available through www.bluefishtv.com
[4] Job 42:7-10
[5] In military strategy a surprise attack is usually much more damaging than when we have the opportunity to brace for the event. When a hurricane is coming if the windows have been boarded up and structures fortified in anticipation of the possible storm the damage is usually much less. No one wants to hear that a storm is coming; but if it is we are benefited by knowing the truth.
[6] Thomas Schreiner, 1, 2 Peter, Jude Vol. 37 of The New American Commentary ed. E.R. Clendenen (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 2003) 199. The lexical form is hoplizo and BDAG (p. 716) suggests “equip oneself with the same insight.”
[7] Hebrews 12:1-4; Romans 12:1-2
[8] James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6
[9] Ralph Juthman, sermon entitle “The Truth About Trials” accessible at www.sermoncentral.com
[10] In our 2nd service I brought Romans 8:22-25 into the discussion. I see three causes of trouble in the Christian’s life (1) As a correction of disobedience (2) As a consequence of original sin –Rms 8:23 (3) As a work of God preparing us for glory. The distinction should not be pressed too much because God is working redemptively in all of it (Rom 8:28); but I find it helpful to see it from these three vantage points.
We currently enjoy the earnest (Eph 1:14) of our inheritance and should exercise faith to appropriate all that is available to us at this time. However, no amount of faith will give you a glorified body or your full inheritance until God’s time for that comes (Rms 8:24-25).
[11] Hebrews 4:16
[12] Charles C. Converse, “What a Friend We Have In Jesus” in The New Church Hymnal (Lexicon Music, Inc., 1976) 302.
[13] Deut 4:9,23: 6:12; 8:14-19 also see message preached 3-27-05 entitled “Worship in Remembrance” accessible at www.gracechapelchurch.org
[14] 1 Peter 5:7
[15] Hebrews 10:38-39 and James 4:8
[16] Romans 8:18
[17] 2 Corinthians 7:10; Romans 8:28
[18] James 4:14; Psalm 90
[19] Zech 2:8, 10; Isa 49:14-16
[20] Daniel 3 and Heb 13:5
[21] Romans 12:1-2
[22] Prov 3:5-6 (NKJV)
