Untitled Sermon

Introduction:

I. We are called to rejoice in Tribulations:  Trials, Problems, Suffering, Pain, Difficulty

We can rejoice in Tribulations because:

· We are justified by faith.

· We have peace with God.

· We are standing by grace.

· We have Hope in the glory of God.

The process begins with hope in v. 3 and ends with hope in v. 4.

II. We are called to rejoice in tribulation because we know that it is doing the work in us that God has designed it to do. “

“If our goal is to raise emotionally healthy children and spiritually mature adults it is important to help them learn that discomfort and disappointment are important parts of life.

God is using this tribulation in our life to work a work for His glory and our good.

III. Tribulation produces perseverance or endurance.  Endurance is the ability to stand up under a burden.

“I have hit rock bottom,

but I have found my Rock is Jesus and I can stand here.”

Suffering causes your faith to kick in and helps you experience the sufficiency of God, trust, confidence and even joy.

IV. Tribulation produces perseverance and that produces proven character.  Proven character is character that has  gone through the fire and has proven to be true.

a. God may be developing your dependencyon Him.

b. God may be freeingyour from dependency from some idol in your life.

c. God may be showing you He is sufficient for you

d. This process produces confident assurance (Hope) that God will keep His promises.

V. The love of God is the basis of our hope.  Poured out in our lives by the Holy Spirit.

VI. Truths about the Cross.  V. 6-11

a. We were helpless v. 6

b. Christ died for us at the right time  v. 6

c. Christ died for us while we were His enemies.  V. 10

d. God sent Jesus to die for those in rebellion against Him. 8

e. We are justified by His blood  v. 9

f. We are sanctified by His resurrection.

“What is God doing through your suffering?

 Probably 10,000 things but be assured of this. 

He is doing something and that something is good