Why Am I Persecuted Series

In many ways, Genelle Guzman represents the plight of all people. We are buried under an enormous mess of spiritual black marks – ways we have wronged our perfect God. The Bible calls these things sin. We have no hope of freeing ourselves. We are truly stuck. In need of rescue. But by admitting the need to be forgiven – by reaching out and saying, “God, help me! I can’t get out of this unless you save me,” we can be confident that he hears and helps. That's what we remember that God reached down into the rubble and saved us by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

(READ THEM SEPERATELY) Listen to what 1Jn. 1:8-9 says, “ 8If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

We must admit that we have a problem! When we admit our problem then God opens our eyes to His answer! The first step to healing, recovery, and rejoicing is ADMITTING! Once we admit it, and proclaim God’s forgiveness then we experience this promise. There will be an escape; there will be an end.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.1 Cor. 10:13

TELL YOUR NEIGHBOR, “THIS TOO WILL PASS!”

Some of you are saying, “Ok, I get it. But I don’t have just one problem, I have many! Why so many trials? It’s not just one!

READ VS 6 AGAIN.

Various trials. You are living a Biblical life. This may not excite you. But know that God has forewarned you in His word!

Christians have a real enemy! There is a real spiritual war. It cannot be neglected or denied! It must be acknowledged!

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 2 Tim 3:12

12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 1 Pet. 4:12

“tested” vs 7 means to prove, to test, to strengthen, to show that your faith is genuine.

We can blame ourselves! We need trials to draw us near to God. When are we closest to God? When we are enduring a trial or temptation! We cry out to God more then than when things are going well. We even tend to clean up our lives in order to secure His help while we go through or endure the trial. We simply live more pure, cleaner, and righteous lives while we are enduring a trial. In fact, the greater the trial, the greater we see the need for God in our lives! And the more we see our need for Him, the more we draw closer to Him. The more we draw closer to Him, the cleaner, more righteous we become!

TO REJOICE THROUGH ADVERSITY I MUST:

· ACKNOLEDGE THAT THERE IS A MEANS TO THE MADNESS!

Our trials are purposeful! God uses them to make us more pure, and stirs our heart to draw closer to Him.