Tips on Handling the Trials of Life
Dr. George Bannister
Handling Life's Trials • Sermon • Submitted
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Tips on Handling the Trials of Life
TEXT:
ETS: James shares how we can profit from times of testing.
ESS: Believers can benefit from the trials of life.
2 Dear brothers and sisters,* when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
OSS: Believers will commit to follow Christ through trials.
4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
PQ: How can I profit from my trials and hard times?
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
UW: tips
TOPIC: Tips on handling the Trials of Life
6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
INTRODUCTION'
7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
A- There are different approaches to handling the trials of life.
8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
1-The rabbit Approach: Run as fast as you can from the trial.
ETS: James shares how we can profit from times of testing.
ESS: Believers can benefit from the trials of life.
triaL
2- The Ostridge Approach: Bury your head in the sand and ignore the trial, hoping it will go away.
OSS: Believers will commit to follow Christ through trials.
PQ: How can I profit from my trials and hard times?
ignore the trial, hoping it will go away.
UW: tips
3- The Bull-Dog Approach: Attack the perceived source of the trial, trying to destroy it.
the trial, trying to destroy it.
TOPIC: Tips on handling the Trials of Life
INTRODUCTION
4- The minor bird Approach: Talk about the trial, using someone else’s words, but don't try to handle it.
someone elses words, but don't try to handle it.
A- There are different approaches to handling the trials of life.
1- The Rabbit Approach: Run as fast as you can from the trial.
5- The Right (Scriptural) Approach:
I- APPROA CH TRIALS WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE (VV.2-3)
2- The Ostridge Approach: Bury your head in the sand and ignore the trial, hoping it will go away.
A- An attitude ofjo_v (v.2)
trial, hoping it will go away.
I- Because the trial does not change your relationship to God.
3- The Bull-Dog Approach: Attack the perceived source of the trial, trying to destroy it.
().
trying to destroy it.
2- Because you recognize that your trials are not unique to
4- The Parrot Approach: Talk about the trial, using someone else’s words, but don't try to handle it.
. you. ().
words, but don't try to handle it.
5- The Right (Scriptural) Approach:
B- An attitude of understanding (v.3)
1 1- The trial is an opportunity to exercise faith. (:I8).
I- APPROACH TRIALS WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE ()
I- APPROACH TRIALS WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE ()
2- The trial will help buildyour character.
a- Job
2 Dear brothers and sisters,* when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
b- Farly Apostles (Acts 3:41-42).
II-ALLOW THF TFSTING TIME T() ACCOMPLISH ITS PURPOSE
A- An attitude of joy ()
A- An attitude of joy ()
(Vu3.4).
1- Because the trial does not change your relationship to God.
(). 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else.* No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”
A- Allow the trial to fuyill its eomplae task in you (v.4a).
I- There is an ultimate goal to your trials. ().
(). ”The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
B- An attitude of understanding ()
B- An attitude of understanding ()
2- Attempting to bail out before God delivers you will short
circuit the best for you.
1- The trial is an opportunity to exercise faith. ().
a- There are some things that we can 'r learn except
2- The trial will help build your character.
a- Job
through the trials and tests.
I) God's Faithfulness (; ICon. I:9;
b- Early Apostles (). 41 The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.* 42 And every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: “Jesus is the Messiah.”
I Cor. I0:I3).
II- ALLOW THE TFSTING TIME TO ACCOMPLISH ITS PURPOSE ().
II- ALLOW THE TFSTING TIME TO ACCOMPLISH ITS PURPOSE ().
2) Our need of Him.
A- Allow the trial to fulfill its complete task in you ().
A- Allow the trial to fulfill its complete task in you ().
1- There is an ultimate goal to your trials.
* King David learned through tests:
9
(). 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together* for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn* among many brothers and sisters.
2- Attempting to bail out before God delivers you will short-circuit the best for you.
'I
for you.
-When chased by King Saul
a- There are some things that we can’t learn except through the trials and tests.
- When chased by Absalom
B- The purpose of the trial is to buildyour character (v.4b).
1) God's Faithfulness
I- You ore not to remain at spiritual infancy. (2 Pder 3:I8).
() For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
() God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
2- Trials strengthen you and help you to grow spiritually.
(). The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
3- There is a process that trials produce in us. (Rom. £2-5%
2) Our need of Him.
III-ASK CHRIST FOR THE WISDOM TO FA CE THE TEST (V*'.5-6).
* King David learned through tests
A- There is a place to go when the way is not clear (v.5).
-When chased by King Saul
I- Sometimes we all face situations we don 'z know how to
- When chased by Absalom
handle.
2- When .you lack wisdom, go to the one who has all wisdom
B- The purpose of the trial is to build your character ().
B- The purpose of the trial is to build your character ().
and knowledge.
1- You are not to remain at spiritual infancy. (). Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
a- He sees and knows dl :
2- Trials strengthen you and help you to grow spiritually.
* Saw Nathaniel 's past, present and future
3- There is a process that trials produce in us.
() 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
()
2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
B- There is an endless storehouse available for us (v.5b).
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
I- God is not stingy with his wisdom or supply. ( :I9).
III- ASK CHRIST FOR THE WISDOM TO FACE THE TEST ().
III- ASK CHRIST FOR THE WISDOM TO FACE THE TEST ().
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
2- God does not chide usfor not having the wisdom fo handle
6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.
our ohm affairs.
A- There is a place to go when the way is not clear ().
A- There is a place to go when the way is not clear ().
a- He knows we don 'r have the ability within ourselves
(Rea I03: IJ) .
1- Sometimes we all face situations we don’t know how to handle.
2- When you lack wisdom, go to the one who has all wisdom and knowledge.
b- Therefore commands us to call on Him (:l6).
knowledge.
3- Godpromises to provide the answers we need ().
a- He sees and knows all:
C- The way to ask/or help is believing (v.6).
* Saw Nathaniel 's past, present and future (1John 1:47-50).
I- Always trust the answer that God gives.
2- Don 't vascilate, simply obey!
47 As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.”
IV- AL WA KS' KEEP YOUR FOCUS UPON CHRIST (VV. 7-8).
I
48 “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.”
A- You can 'r get wisdom from God and operate by earthly
I
Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.”
.
reasoning (v. 7).
49 Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!”
50 Jesus asked him, “Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.”
I- God's wisdom and earthly reasoning don 'r mesh!(Isa55:8).
51 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.*”
2- You must choose which one you will live by.
B- There is an endless storehouse available for us ().
B- There is an endless storehouse available for us ().
1- God is not stingy with his wisdom or supply.
a- To choose one is to utlerw reject the other.
(). And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus
(; )
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus
B- Double-mindedness produces instability in other areas of life
2- God does not chide us for not having the wisdom to handle our own affairs.
affairs.
(v. 8).
a- He knows we don’t have the ability within ourselves
I- You are double-minded when you attempt to live by two
() For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. .
standards.
b- Therefore commands us to call on Him
a- You can't do it (MaNi l2.°30).
(). So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
3- God promises to provide the answers we need (). 7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.
2- Double-mindedness causes instabiliqv in all areas of lye.
a- Never sure which one to employ in a given situation.
C- The way to ask for help is believing ().
C- The way to ask for help is believing ().
* Double-Mindedness clouded the wise sensitivities of
1- Always trust the answer that God gives.
2- Don't vacillate, simply obey
Solomon, leading him into hfolany. (-I I).
IV- ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FOCUS UPON CHRIST ().
IV- ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FOCUS UPON CHRIST ().
CONCL USION:
7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
A- In order to successfully handle the tests and trials that will come
your way: I
8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
1- Make sure you have been saved
A- You can’t get wisdom from God and operate by earthly reasoning ().
A- You can’t get wisdom from God and operate by earthly reasoning ().
1- God's wisdom and earthly reasoning don’t mesh! (). My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
a- Without Jesus in your Ii/e, you don 'r have access to
the wisdom of theFather.
My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
I
2- You must choose which one you will live by.
b- This leaves you only the incomplete, inadequate
reasoning ofmen to govern your We by.
a- To choose one is to utterly reject the other.
2- Follow the scriptural tips for handling trials:
() No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
() “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
a- -APPR()ACH TRIALS WITH THE RIGHT
A TTITUDE
B- Double-mindedness produces instability in other areas of life ().
B- Double-mindedness produces instability in other areas of life ().
1- You are double-minded when you attempt to live by two standards.
b- ALLOW THE TESTING TIME T() ,4CCOMPLL9H
a- You can't do it (). “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.
ITS PURPOSE
c- ASK CHRIST F()R THE WLV1JOM T() FACE THE
2- Double-mindedness causes instability in all areas of life.
a- Never sure which one to employ in a given situation.
TES T I
d- AL WA KG KEEP YOUR WMM? UP()N CHRIST
* Double-Mindedness clouded the wise sensitivities of Solomon, leading him into idolatry. ().
Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh’s daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites. 2 The LORD had clearly instructed the people of Israel, ‘You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.’ Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. 3 He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the LORD.
4 In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the LORD his God, as his father, David, had been. 5 Solomon worshiped Ashtoreth, the goddess of the Sidonians, and Molech,* the detestable god of the Ammonites. 6 In this way, Solomon did what was evil in the LORD’s sight; he refused to follow the LORD completely, as his father, David, had done.
7 On the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem,* he even built a pagan shrine for Chemosh, the detestable god of Moab, and another for Molech, the detestable god of the Ammonites. 8 Solomon built such shrines for all his foreign wives to use for burning incense and sacrificing to their gods.
9 The LORD was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. 10 He had warned Solomon specifically about worshiping other gods, but Solomon did not listen to the LORD’s command. 11 So now the LORD said to him, “Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my decrees, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants.
CONCLUSION:
A- In order to successfully handle the tests and trials that will come your way:
1- Make sure you have been saved
a- Without Jesus in your life, you don’t have access to the wisdom of the Father.
of the Father.
b- This leaves you only the incomplete, inadequate reasoning of men to govern your life by.
2- Follow the scriptural tips for handling trials:
a- -APPROACH TRIALS WITH THE RIGHT ATTITUDE
b- ALLOW THE TESTING TIME TO ACCOMPLISH ITS PURPOSE
c- ASK CHRIST FOR THE WISDOM TO FACE THE TEST
d- ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FOCUS UPON CHRIST