1

The Trials

of Faith

1 Peter 1:6-9PURIFIES OR

DESTROYS

The over-confidence

of PRIDE and SELF-

RIGHTEOUSNESS fails to

trust God in the hour of

trial 1 Cor. 10:12

FAITH sees the value of

trials in spite of present

pain -- RELIES on

God to see it through

James 1:2-4

2

Hebrews 12:4-6

Neglectful, apathetic faith fails to see the benefit of trials

Leads to doubt and discouragement

3

JESUSMAN OF

SORROWS

• Acquainted with grief during His life, Lk. 9:58; 11:53-54

• Acquainted with grief during His sufferings (death), Acts 1:3; Lk. 9:22– Hurtful attitudes and

faithless actions, Isa. 53:4– Crucifixion, Isa. 53:5– Set example, 1 Pet. 2:20-24– Finally, rest and peace, 2

Ths. 1:6-7; Rev. 14:12-13

Isaiah 53:3

4

• The trials of keeping the right priorities, Mk. 10:29-31 (Matt. 6:33-34)– Sacrifice, Mk. 10:28-29;

Gal. 2:20• Selfishness rejects

sacrifice for personal satisfaction

• Ex. Attending worship• Ex. Bible reading

John 16:33, 1-4; 15:18-21

Did not promise us a rose garden, but a Garden of

Gethsemane!Matt. 26:36-46

JESUSPROMISED TRIALS OF

FAITH

5

• The trials of keeping the RIGHT PRIORITIES, Mk. 10:29-31 (Matt. 6:34)– Evaluate true riches,

Mk. 10:23-28; 1 Tim. 6:6-10• Materialism rejects

priority’s painful sacrifices for immediate profit and pleasure, Heb. 11:25

• Ex. Gambling, Heb. 13:5

JESUSPROMISED TRIALS OF

FAITH

John 16:33, 1-4; 15:18-21

Did not promise us a rose garden,

but a Garden of Gethsemane!

Matt. 26:36-46

6

• The trials of PERSECUTION, 1 Pet. 3:13-14– Threats from the faithless

try to silence the truth, Acts 4:18-20• Gospel preaching against

immorality called “hate speech”

• Are you ready for the trials of persecution? Acts 21:12-14

John 16:33, 1-4; 15:18-21

Did not promise us a rose garden,

but a Garden of Gethsemane!

Matt. 26:36-46

JESUSPROMISED TRIALS OF

FAITH

7

• The trials of PERSEVERANCE, Matt. 10:21-22 (24:12-13)– Repetitive nature of trials

is a great test of faith• Satan keeps probing for

a weak spot to exploit• Family (Matt. 10:21)? • Fear of men (Matt. 10:22)?

– Do not grow weary doing good, Gal. 6:9; 1 Cor. 16:13

John 16:33, 1-4; 15:18-21

Did not promise us a rose garden,

but a Garden of Gethsemane!

Matt. 26:36-46

JESUSPROMISED TRIALS OF

FAITH

8

We are more than conquerors through Christ, Rom. 8:35-37

Christ is our Defender, Rom. 8:38-39

Christ paved the trail through the dark shadow of trials and trouble to make a clear path to the Father, Heb. 2:10; 12:2

9