What Every Christian Should Know About Their Troubles

What Every Christian Should Know About Their Troubles 2. Trials are appointments arranged by the Lord (v. 3b) “destined” à “to be placed or set with determination and authority” 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 September 20, 2020 The Big Idea: The Bible teaches Christians that we should not despise trials in life, but look for what the Lord is showing us or teaching us through the trial. Facing trials with faith and love will not only bring glory to God, they will be used for our good and the good of others. 1 Thessalonians 3 (ESV) 1 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. 6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 3. Our trials are a necessary part of God’s work in us (v. 4) Romans 5:3-4 4. Satan will use our trials to tempt us to turn away from the Lord. (v. 5) 5. Trials are overcome by faith and love (vv. 6-7) 6. The way you face your trials can be a huge encouragement to those who are watching you. (v. 8) 1. Trials are usually unsettling (vv. 1-3) "Moved” à orig. “wag of a dog’s tail” – then came to mean being “whipped back and forth”; agitated; shaken; troubled James 1:2-4 “You will get through this. Not because you are strong but because your Brother is. Not because you are good but because your Brother is. Not because you are big but because your big Brother is the Prince, and he has a place prepared for you.” Max Lucado