When Trials Come
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Introduction
Introduction
When we are experiencing success in the Christian life, when we have a spiritual victory, we often refer to that as a “mountaintop experience”. This term comes from the life of Elijah. Specifically it comes from his time on Mt. Carmel where God used Elijah in his defeat of the prophets of Baal. Elijah was privileged to experience God’s great victory on that day. However, what happened right after that? Elijah wound up hungry and defeated in the wilderness. Many times the spiritual mountaintops of victory are followed by the valleys of suffering. Lightning strikes mountaintops.
In the book of Acts we have seen over and over again that after a great spreading of the gospel, trials and suffering come. In ch. 11 the gospel begins to go out to the ends of the earth.
Gentiles are being saved! Lives are being transformed!
On this spiritual mountaintop, lightning is about to strike.
God has Saul and Barnabas in place to encourage the church because they are about to need it desperately.
This is always God’s plan. He knows the future. He knows that the early church is going to face persecution. He is putting people in place to get the church through this time.
What we are going to consider this morning is two actions we can take when trials come.
When we take these actions, trials will bring growth and opportunity.
Action #1…
1. When Trials Come, Respond 11:27-30
1. When Trials Come, Respond 11:27-30
How do people know we are Christians?
This is actually the final part of the message from May 27th. In that message we saw Barnabas living up to his name as he encouraged believers in Antioch. In the end of the chapter this church hears of a famine. What we will consider is how they respond to that news.
How do people know we are Christians?
There are two options. By what we say, and/or by what we do. There is a saying that pretty much everyone knows, “actions speak louder than words”. Therefore, A believer in Jesus Christ is primarily recognized by how they act.
I believe this explains why so much time is spent in the epistles detailing how we as believers are to act.
What we are about to see is how the teaching and lifestyle of Barnabas and Saul has impacted the believers in Antioch.
We get a look at how actions provide encouragement. First we see…
a. Relief needed vv. 27-28
a. Relief needed vv. 27-28
READ v. 27
Prophet in the technical sense. People who can foretell the future. Again, this is a temporary sign gift that passed off the scene with the completion of Scripture.
Prophets travel from Jerusalem to Antioch (S). Not a short trip. Why? Didn’t come to give this prophecy. Most likely came to fellowship with and encourage this new church in Antioch.
READ v. 28
There is a key phrase here. “By the Spirit”. This is not Agabus discovering something or having this innate ability. This is a Spiritual gift given and activated by the Holy Spirit.
Foretold a famine. Will affect everyone. Poss. just Roman empire. Not clear.
We are told that this famine actually happened.
They hear of this need prophetically through the Holy Spirit. How do we hear today? We have to tell each other!
I believe that we wound the heart of God when we deny our brothers and sisters the blessing of helping us in our need.
To bear burdens, we must share burdens.
How many people remember the Y2K scare? The year 2,000 was supposed to crash all computer systems. The world was going to be plunged back into the dark ages. Power outages were predicted, food shortages, the availability of water. Some people talked about it like it was going to be an apocalypse. I personally knew people who started to stockpile supplies. People bought generators and all kinds of survival gear. Now, nothing happened. Midnight on December 31, 1999 ticked over to January 1, 2000 and nothing changed. The point is this.
What is a normal response to knowing there will be famine? Hoard!
What happens here? In the next few verses we see the…
b. Relief supplied vv. 29-30
b. Relief supplied vv. 29-30
READ v. 29
This is incredible! They send relief. Here is the result of Barnabas and Saul’s teaching and lifestyle. This local body of believers have so learned encouragement, they want to encourage others!
There are some important points here. The disciples send relief according to their ability.
Ability – ὐπορέω (euporeō) prosper. To be prosperous v. — to be or become marked by being in fortunate circumstances financially.
Ability – ὐπορέω (euporeō)
They are sending out of their surplus. The idea is not to make yourself a beggar so you can give. It is to live within your means so that you can give. The word “determined” has the idea of intention. They are examining their resources and ordering them in such a way that they are able to give. We call this a budget. One very strong argument for a budget is that it enables you to give to the Lord. To be an encouragement and blessing to others!
Here are two very clear passages that deal with giving. ; (S).
;
On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
They are giving according to their ability. The suggestion seems to be that everyone is able to give something. The amount is not the issue.
The issue is one of obedience to God and dedication of heart.
We ought to have a desire to advance the work of God’s church.
The heart issue is made abundantly clear by Jesus in (S).
Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”
Do we have giving hearts? Hearts willing to sacrifice a little to see God’s church accomplish His mission?
These young believers in Antioch give. They send relief.
Relief – διακονία (diakonia) service; ministry. Assistance n. — the activity of helping especially as it relates to a person’s sustenance.
Relief – διακονία (diakonia)
We last saw this word in in connection with the first deacons. The desire of these young believers is to serve their brothers and sisters who are about to be in need.
What is interesting is that according to this prophecy, they will also be affected by this famine!
They are not concerned about themselves. Instead, they are giving anything extra they have to help those in Judea.
Would we?
READ v. 30
They didn’t just desire to do it, they did it.
Do you think people outside the church noticed?
I picture them asking the believers how they were destitute one day and had food the next. The believers in Judea would than have had the opportunity to speak of how we in the body of Christ care for one another! This gives a natural pathway into the gospel.
One of the things I love about being part of IFCA is that we have a benevolent fund. When hurricane Katrina hit, money was sent. When the Tsunami hit Japan, money was sent. But this money was sent to Bible teaching, Gospel preaching churches in those areas!
When we give as God has commanded, we open doors to the gospel!
This body of believers who are, at most, only a few years old in the Lord give to help the churches in Judea. They send what is collected back with Barnabas and Saul.
The response of the early church to this trial was to give generously to one another. This in turn provides gospel opportunities.
Failure to give ensures that we miss opportunities for the gospel.
Taking care of one another in trial goes back to our purpose as believers. states (S).
What do I want us to walk away with from this passage?
Encouragement is essential. Why?
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
It creates gospel opportunities and it display godly character. So what?
We have been created for the purpose of good works!
This goes back to our purpose as believers. states (S). We have been created for the purpose of good works!
adds to this (S).
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
We exist to bring God glory. We bring Him glory through functioning as He has commanded. We do good works, we plead with people to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
The believers in Antioch bless and encourage those in Judea through provision of resources!
In this passage, Barnabas encourages the believers in Antioch and more people come to Christ. He and Saul fellowship and teach in Antioch and people start calling believers little Christ’s! The believers in Antioch bless and encourage those in Judea through provision of resources!
Encouragement is a powerful tool in the propagation of the gospel. Especially in the midst of trial.
When trials come we must respond and care for the body of Christ.
May we be an encouragement to those around us.
Action #2…
May our encouragement advance the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. When Trials Come, Refocus 12:1-5a
2. When Trials Come, Refocus 12:1-5a
One of the guarantees of the Christian life is that we will face trials. When we do there is something we need to understand. There are two agendas for that trial. Satan has his agenda and God has His. How will we respond?
Satan is the Father of lies. He is a deceiver, and he loves to aim his deception at the child of God. He is a roaring lion who wants to devour you and me.
His goal in trials is to leave us defeated, broken, and apathetic.
God is the Father of light. He is the king of glory. He is the lover of our souls.
His goal in trials is to strength, mature, and empower us.
The key is our focus.
When we focus on the trial, we will most likely give in to Satan.
When we focus on Christ, we will grow and mature.
Consider with me two keys that help us refocus.
Key # 1…
a. The promise in persecution vv. 1-2
a. The promise in persecution vv. 1-2
READ v. 1
1st thing to deal with. “About that time”. What’s going on? Gentiles being saved. Barnabas is ministering in Antioch and has drafted Saul to help. They are becoming known as followers of Jesus Christ. Now called Christians. The gospel is spreading! Christianity is expanding. Mountaintop.
At this high point in the church, Satan takes out one of the Apostles. See in v. 2
Here’s something to keep in mind.
When you are on the mountaintop, be ready for the lightning.
Herod is the tool Satan uses to enact his persecution.
2 things
1 – When we are at a Spiritual high, Satan will attack.
2 – Satan will persecute using the most effective means.
Turn to .
Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Don’t be ignorant of his devices! Started looking at that a little bit in Sunday School this morning. Mentioned this verse already. (S).
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Satan is a roaring lion. He wants to devour you. Cannot resist him if aren’t even aware he is attacking!
Harass – κακόω (kakoō) mistreat; harm. To mistreat v. — to treat badly. Verb, aorist, active, infinitive of purpose.
Harass – κακόω (kakoō)
Herod wants to harm the church. He views this growing thing as a threat. When Christianity grows, a sinful world is threatened. Growth will bring conflict. This is true personally as well as corporately.
Personal – When you get serious about following Christ. Satan attacks. He will attack using the means that is most effective. gives us an interesting hint about what Satan will use (S).
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Each of us has a sin that easily ensnares us. Something we are more susceptible to. Family, anger, addiction, job, money. He will use the area you most struggle. So what do we do? (S).
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
This is where a strong relationship with Jesus and with the body of Christ is vital. Want to endure that conflict? You have to already have a pattern of being in the Word, in prayer, and in church. You need to already have accountability.
Satan going to get you to doubt who God is. Doubt His Word.
That’s the personal attack.
Corporate – When a church begins to be effective in soul winning and discipleship, Satan attacks. Again, he will use the means that is most effective. Gossip, character assassination, struggling leaders, division, silly arguments. What do we do? Deal with these issue swiftly and firmly, yet Biblically and lovingly.
Herod reaches out to harass the church.
READ v. 2
Now we learn what form his harassment takes. He kills James the brother of John. While this is not the first death in the early church, it is the first of the disciples to be killed and it is the first time the Roman government has interfered.
Killed – ἀναιρέω (anaireō) destroy; execute. To eliminate ⇔ take away v. — to terminate, end, take out, or even kill or murder; conceived of as taking up and away, and so out of sight (forever). Finite verb, aorist, active, indicative, third person singular.
We live in an era of unprecedented freedom to practice Christianity. Death is something that believers have always had to face.
Suffering, persecution, and death have always been the part of the faithful.
(S).
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
As this begins to happen in our country, will we still be faithful?
We are not here to evade death and avoid persecution. We exist to bring glory to God as we serve where He has placed us doing what He has called us to do! Here is the attitude that we must have.
If God chooses to end my life today, I will live today for His glory!
The first key to help is refocus is the promise in persecution. What is that promise?
God uses persecution to accomplish His will.
Illustrate: (S).
But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,
Paul wrote those words from prison. If we were to keep reading we would learn that the entire palace guard had heard about Christ and believers were emboldened to preach.
God has a plan and purpose in trial. That is the promise. When we understand that, we are able to have the proper focus.
Key #2…
b. The safety in suffering vv. 3-5a
b. The safety in suffering vv. 3-5a
READ v. 3
It pleased the Jews. It is very important to understand that the world, those who are unbelievers, will always rejoice in our downfall.
gives us a very sobering reminder (S).
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
We are to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Doing so requires that we have friends and acquaintances who are unsaved. However, that does not mean that we embrace the society and values of the world! has this reminder (S).
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
We cannot serve two masters. We must choose who we will serve. Bear in mind, when Christians are persecuted, there are unbelievers who are pleased.
Pleased – ἀρεστός (arestos) desirable; pleasing. Pleasing adj. — giving pleasure and satisfaction. Predicate adjective, nominative, singular, neuter.
Pleased – ἀρεστός (arestos)
The pleasure of unbelievers leads to greater persecution. When Herod sees that they are pleased, he seizes Peter.
Significance of it being during feast? Celebration of Israelites getting out of bondage. Still in bondage. Bondage to sin and Satan.
Seize – συλλαμβάνω (syllambanō)
Significance of it being during feast? Celebration of Israelites getting out of bondage. Still in bondage. Bondage to sin and Satan.
This is during the days of unleavened bread. Coming up on Passover. Approaching the anniversary of Jesus’ death, and of the coming of the Holy Spirit. A time of celebration and joy for believers. The mountaintop. These are the times when Satan attacks. Be prepared!
At this point, Peter is a key element of the early church. Satan strikes at the heart! He desires to take down the strongest and the most central people.
Beloved, that is why Satan attacks our marriages and families! The family is central to society. Marriage is central to the family. Satan wants your marriage. He wants your family. Don’t be ignorant of his devices! Stay engaged with one another. Spend time together. Resources - focus on the family.
What we will see next week is that God is Sovereign even in the midst of Satan’s attacks. Satan is going to attack. Cling to Jesus! He will get you through.
READ vv. 4-5a
Herod hands Peter over to 16 soldiers (4 soldiers per squad). Their job is to guard him. They are to keep watch over him to prevent him from escaping.
Delivered –
Herod hands Peter over to 16 soldiers. Their job is to guard him. They are to keep watch over him to prevent him from escaping.
Keep –
Satan wants to bring you into bondage however he can. Literal here. Bondage to substances. To entertainment. To pornography. To addiction. He is going to use whatever he can to take you out!
Satan wants to bring you into bondage however he can. Literal here. Bondage to substances. To entertainment. To pornography. To addiction. He is going to use whatever he can to take you out!
As we started with, Satan has his plan, but God has His. We will see that next week.
Make no mistake, this is a spiritual battle. It must therefore be fought with spiritual weapons. This is addressed in (S).
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
According to this verse, where is the battleground for the believer? The mind!
Our battlefield is in our minds. Are we prepared to defend them?
Starting in the garden of Eden, it is the mind that Satan begins his attack with. He gets Eve to doubt the Word of God. We need to take our thoughts captive in obedience to Christ! To do that we have to know and obey His Word.
Peter is arrested and physically placed in bondage with these soldiers. His plan is bring Peter out and display him before the people after the Passover. And so, as v. 5 begins with, Peter is kept in prison.
What is awesome here, as we will see next week, is that God has His own purpose and plan for these events! When Satan is attacking and the world seems to be crashing down, hold on! Stand firm! You may not see it yet, but God will accomplish great things through this as we remain steadfast.
Kept –
Peter is kept in prison. What is awesome here, as we will see next week, is that God has His own purpose and plan for these events! When Satan is attacking and the world seems to be crashing down, hold on! Stand firm! You may not see it yet but God will accomplish great things through this as we remain steadfast.
The second key is the safety in suffering. What is that?
Future glory outweighs present suffering.
Illustrate: (S).
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
(S).
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
Everything we endure now will seem insignificant when we stand in the presence of Christ.
Nothing is going to compare to that. There will be trials, there will be afflictions, but it will be worth it all.
Conclusion
Conclusion
When trials come, respond.
If there are needs to be met, meet them! If there are burdens to be born, bear them!
God has called the body of Christ to support, strengthen, and care for one another.
When trials come, refocus.
Remember the promise, God is at work.
Remember our safety, glory awaits.
Trials are going to come.
May we submit ourselves to the Spirit of God and grow through them.
“It Will Be Worth It All”
#394 “In My Life Lord, Be Glorified”
#394 “In My Life Lord, Be Glorified”?
Acts 11:27-12:5
And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.
Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.
Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.
This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church.
Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread.
So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover.
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
