I Peter 4 - Built for the road ahead - Part II - Jackson
Built For The Road Ahead
Part II
TEXT: 1Pet. 4:12-13
Introduction:
Persecution is not something that is foreign to the life of a Christian.
It is seem throughout history that the people of God often encountered (trials/temptations)
At the hands of the world and the demonic hosts.
So often, the lifestyle that is promoted by the world depends on (pride, pleasure, desire to get more.
But the lifestyle that is promoted for the Christian develops a life of truth, humility, holiness, and the desire to glorify God.
And the conflict between the lifestyles of the world and that of a Christian is seem throughout the Bible.
Example:
Cain was a religious man / He hated his brother and killed him (Gen. 4:1-8)
The world does not persecute “religious people,” but they persecute “righteous people”
(I John 3:12) – Cain killed Abel “Because his own deeds were evil / his brother’s righteous”
It was the Pharisees and Jewish leaders were religious people
Yet, they crucified Jesus and persecuted the early church.
(Jesus) – Beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the councils & scourge you
Point:
The religious people actually brought the disciples to the house of prayer to punish them.
See, Christians are strangers and pilgrims in this world where Satan is the god and prince.
(Peter) – Don’t think it strange when fiery ordeals (trials) come upon you (surprise)
In fact, what would be strange would be living with the absence of satanic opposition.
Illustration: (People) – I don’t have any problems with Satan
Read: I Peter 4:12-13 (Do not think it strange…)
I don’t have think it strange when I appreciate that the God of heaven
Has endured the crash test, and as believers we rejoice that we are “Built for the road ahead”
Point:
Peter says, “trials will come, temptation will come,” but don’t fret because you are
“Built for the road ahead”
In fact, trials provide opportunity for blessings.
Trials provide opportunity to glorify God.
See, when a trial or temptation comes, God has already given you everything you need
To embrace the road ahead.
Everything you need to make it through the trial/temptation is already inside of you.
Illustration: Paul (Thorn in the flesh) – II Cor. 12:7-10
Paul had everything inside of him to handle this messenger from Satan
Even before the trial ever came to Paul, Paul had everything he needed for this road.
Because Paul was built for the road ahead.
(Paul) – I glory in my infirmity
Point:
When trials come our way, when temptation presents itself before us.
Don’t be surprised that it is happening, as if it is some strange thing.
But rejoice, because you are built for the road ahead.
Point:
So, as believers, not only are we…
Built for fierce trials
Built for fleshly temptations
As believers, we are also built for frequent tribulations.
III. Believers Are Built For Frequent Tribulations
GOD USES TEMPTATIONS TO TEACH US TO OBEY
GOD USES TROUBLE TO TEACH US TO TRUST
GOD USES TRESPASSES TO TEACH US TO FORGIVE
IT IS THROUGH THE STORMS OF LIFE WE LEARN VALUABLE LESSONS ABOUT LIFE WHICH ARE GEARED TO STRENGTHEN US
Point:
You Can't Have A Testimony Without A Test.
You can't even spell TESTIMONY without a TEST.
Without a STORM, we don't fully appreciate the CALM;
Without RAIN, we don't fully appreciate the SUN;
Without UPSETS, we don't fully appreciate the SET UPS;
Without DOWNS, we don't fully appreciate the UPS;
Without SICKNESS, we don't fully appreciate BEING WELL;
Without DEATH, we don't rally appreciate LIFE;
Without SADNESS, we don't fully appreciate GLADNESS;
Without MISFORTUNE, we don't fully appreciate FORTUNE;
Without DIGRESSION, we don't fully appreciate PROGRESSION;
Without THE CROSS, we won't fully appreciate THE CROWN.
Point:
2008 may be a tough year.
2008 may be filled with FIERCE TRIALS
2008 may be filled with FLESHLY TEMPTATIONS
2008 may be filled with FREQUENT TRIBULATIONS
Don’t Fret, because “YOU ARE BUILT FOR THE ROAD AHEAD!”
There is nothing that is going to happen to you in 2008 that you and God can’t handle. YOU ARE BUILT FOR THE ROAD AHEAD…
Because GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN US, THAN HE THAT IS IN THE WORLD!
(1 Jno. 4:4)
Conclusion:
GOD HAS SOME COMFORT FOR THE JOURNEY AHEAD…
Calm Down, Be Quiet & Quit Trippin'
When trials, temptations, and tribulations come, we fret and faint.
But GOD’S ENCOURAGING WORD FOR THE JOURNEY IS…
CALM DOWN, BE QUIET, AND QUIT TRIPPIN
CALM DOWN! God has your life under control.
He knows how to handle even the seemingly complex situation with ease.
Be Quiet! Stop having pity parties and talking about your business all the time.
Don't you know that the power of death and life is in the tongue!
Stop speaking negative things into existence in yours life and in others.
(Psalm 46:10) "Be still and know that I am God."
QUIT TRIPPIN'! When you look at your situations through your eyes,
You often read more into the situation than what is there.
CALM DOWN, BE QUIET, AND QUIT TRIPPIN’….
THERE IS NOTHING GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU THIS YEAR
THAT YOU AND GOD CAN’T HANDLE!!
IT DOES NOT MATTER… IF IN 2008
How deep the waters of affliction may flow
How strong the winds of opposition may blow
How high the waves of sorrow may roll
How bad the earthquakes of tragedy may strike
How hot the flames of persecution may burn
How rough the road of life may become
And, no matter…
How hard the demons of hell may fight against you.
CALM DOWN, BE QUIET, AND QUIT TRIPPIN’…
THERE IS NOTHING GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU THIS YEAR
THAT YOU AND GOD CAN’T HANDLE!!
IT DOESN’T MATTER IF IN 2008
hard times come
tension builds up
plenty turns to misery
human flesh falters and fails
CALM DOWN, BE QUIET, AND QUIT TRIPPIN’…
THERE IS NOTHING GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU THIS YEAR
THAT YOU AND GOD CAN’T HANDLE!!
IT DOESN’T MATTER …IF IN 2008 THERE ARE…
· Burdens to bare
· Tears to shed
· Enemies to encounter
· Mountains to climb
· Rivers to cross
CALM DOWN, BE QUIET, AND QUIT TRIPPIN’…
THERE IS NOTHING GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU THIS YEAR
THAT YOU AND GOD CAN’T HANDLE!!
Because God is..
Greater than any burden you may be bearing.
Greater than any enemy you may be facing.
Greater than any battle you may be fighting.
Greater than any problem that you may be having.
Greater than any job situation encountering.
Greater than your greatest tragedy.
Greater than your deepest fear.
Greater than your darkest night.
CALM DOWN, BE QUIET, AND QUIT TRIPPIN’…
Because as a believer, you are “Built For The Road Ahead”