Tom Leonard - November 6, 2011
Destined for Trials!
Destined for Trials! I Thessalonians 3:1-5 Main Point: We must guard against the temptation of allowing trials, trouble, and persecution to turn us away from following Jesus the Christ Trials/Trouble = pressure – from oppression, affliction, tribulation, including temptation. Getting Squeezed! Persecution = Pressure more specifically from people oppressing Acts 5:41 The apostles rejoiced that they suffered disgrace for the Name (of Jesus). 1.Paul reminds us that we are destined for trials/trouble and that we will face persecution. (verses 3-4) Destined = Appointed/set/included Literally ‘made to lie down’ Destined = Appointed/set/included Literally ‘made to lie down’ Acts 17:1-10 Paul, Silas, and Timothy experienced tribulation and persecution. John 16:33 Jesus tells us that we will have trouble/trials in this world, but in Him we have peace and can overcome the world. 2.Trials/Trouble and persecution test our faith, and advance God’s purposes and plans. James 1:2-4 Acts 8:1-5 3.We all need to be encouraged and strengthened in our faith so that we will not give in to the temptation of turning away from Jesus the Christ. Hebrews 10:23-25
Scripture References: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5, Acts 5:41, Acts 17:1-10, John 16:38, James 1:2-4, Acts 8:1-5, Hebrews 10:23-25
