Untitled Sermon

Believers’ experience of life

Synopsis

God is at work in all that happens to believers, whether to warn them, to draw them to himself or to do them good.

God has a purpose in all the experiences that believers have in life

Ro 8:28; Eph 1:11

Romans 8:28 (CSB) — 28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.

Ephesians 1:11 (CSB) — 11 In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will,

See also Ge 21:22; Ge 28:16; Ge 39:20–21; Ge 45:5–8; 1 Sa 2:6–9; 1 Ch 29:11–12; Job 42:10–13; Ps 75:6–7; Ac 17:28; 1 Pe 4:12

Genesis 21:22 (CSB) — 22 At that time Abimelech, accompanied by Phicol the commander of his army, said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do.

Genesis 28:16 (CSB) — 16 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.”

Genesis 39:20–21 (CSB) — 20 and had him thrown into prison, where the king’s prisoners were confined. So Joseph was there in prison. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him. He granted him favor with the prison warden.

Genesis 45:5–8 (CSB) — 5 And now don’t be grieved or angry with yourselves for selling me here, because God sent me ahead of you to preserve life. 6 For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. 7 God sent me ahead of you to establish you as a remnant within the land and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. 8 Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

1 Samuel 2:6–9 (CSB) — 6 The Lord brings death and gives life; he sends some down to Sheol, and he raises others up. 7 The Lord brings poverty and gives wealth; he humbles and he exalts. 8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the trash heap. He seats them with noblemen and gives them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; he has set the world on them. 9 He guards the steps of his faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness, for a person does not prevail by his own strength.

1 Chronicles 29:11–12 (CSB) — 11 Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all. 12 Riches and honor come from you, and you are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all.

Job 42:10–13 (CSB) — 10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and doubled his previous possessions. 11 All his brothers, sisters, and former acquaintances came to him and dined with him in his house. They sympathized with him and comforted him concerning all the adversity the Lord had brought on him. Each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold earring. 12 So the Lord blessed the last part of Job’s life more than the first. He owned fourteen thousand sheep and goats, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys. 13 He also had seven sons and three daughters.

Psalm 75:6–7 (CSB) — 6 Exaltation does not come from the east, the west, or the desert, 7 for God is the Judge: He brings down one and exalts another.

Acts 17:28 (CSB) — 28 For in him we live and move and have our being, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’

1 Peter 4:12 (CSB) — 12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.

Rejection of this conviction leads to despair

Ec 1:1–2; Ec 1:16–17

Ecclesiastes 1:1–2 (CSB) — 1 The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 “Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Absolute futility. Everything is futile.”

Ecclesiastes 1:16–17 (CSB) — 16 I said to myself, “See, I have amassed wisdom far beyond all those who were over Jerusalem before me, and my mind has thoroughly grasped wisdom and knowledge.” 17 I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly; I learned that this too is a pursuit of the wind.

God uses every experience in the lives of believers for good

To warn and correct

Ps 119:67

Psalm 119:67 (CSB) — 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

See also Ge 12:17; 2 Ch 7:13–14; Job 5:17; Is 38:17; Is 48:9–10; Am 4:10–11; Ro 2:4; Heb 12:5–11; Re 9:20–21

Genesis 12:17 (CSB) — 17 But the Lord struck Pharaoh and his household with severe plagues because of Abram’s wife, Sarai.

2 Chronicles 7:13–14 (CSB) — 13 If I shut the sky so there is no rain, or if I command the grasshopper to consume the land, or if I send pestilence on my people, 14 and my people, who bear my name, humble themselves, pray and seek my face, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.

Job 5:17 (CSB) — 17 See how happy is the person whom God corrects; so do not reject the discipline of the Almighty.

Isaiah 38:17 (CSB) — 17 Indeed, it was for my own well-being that I had such intense bitterness; but your love has delivered me from the Pit of destruction, for you have thrown all my sins behind your back.

Isaiah 48:9–10 (CSB) — 9 I will delay my anger for the sake of my name, and I will restrain myself for your benefit and for my praise, so that you will not be destroyed. 10 Look, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

Amos 4:10–11 (CSB) — 10 I sent plagues like those of Egypt; I killed your young men with the sword, along with your captured horses. I caused the stench of your camp to fill your nostrils, yet you did not return to me. This is the Lord’s declaration. 11 I overthrew some of you as I overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a burning stick snatched from a fire, yet you did not return to me— This is the Lord’s declaration.

Romans 2:4 (CSB) — 4 Or do you despise the riches of his kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

Hebrews 12:5–11 (CSB) — 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly or lose heart when you are reproved by him, 6 for the Lord disciplines the one he loves and punishes every son he receives. 7 Endure suffering as discipline: God is dealing with you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? 8 But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness. 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Revelation 9:20–21 (CSB) — 20 The rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands to stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see, hear, or walk. 21 And they did not repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or their thefts.

To test and exercise believers’ trust in God

Dt 8:15–16

Deuteronomy 8:15–16 (CSB) — 15 He led you through the great and terrible wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, a thirsty land where there was no water. He brought water out of the flint rock for you. 16 He fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your ancestors had not known, in order to humble and test you, so that in the end he might cause you to prosper.

See also Ex 15:22–25; Jdg 2:21–22; Ps 23:1–6; Ps 81:7; Is 43:1–2; Na 1:7; Ro 8:35–39; Php 4:12; Heb 11:17–19; Heb 13:6

Exodus 15:22–25 (CSB) — 22 Then Moses led Israel on from the Red Sea, and they went out to the Wilderness of Shur. They journeyed for three days in the wilderness without finding water. 23 They came to Marah, but they could not drink the water at Marah because it was bitter—that is why it was named Marah. 24 The people grumbled to Moses, “What are we going to drink?” 25 So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he threw it into the water, the water became drinkable. The Lord made a statute and ordinance for them at Marah, and he tested them there.

Judges 2:21–22 (CSB) — 21 I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. 22 I did this to test Israel and to see whether or not they would keep the Lord’s way by walking in it, as their ancestors had.”

Psalm 23:1–6 (CSB) — 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.

Psalm 81:7 (CSB) — 7 You called out in distress, and I rescued you; I answered you from the thundercloud. I tested you at the Waters of Meribah. Selah

Isaiah 43:1–2 (CSB) — 1 Now this is what the Lord says— the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel— “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and the rivers will not overwhelm you, When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched and the flame will not burn you.

Nahum 1:7 (CSB) — 7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him.

Romans 8:35–39 (CSB) — 35 Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Can affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: Because of you we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep to be slaughtered. 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 4:12 (CSB) — 12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.

Hebrews 11:17–19 (CSB) — 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac. He received the promises and yet he was offering his one and only son, 18 the one to whom it had been said, Your offspring will be traced through Isaac. 19 He considered God to be able even to raise someone from the dead; therefore, he received him back, figuratively speaking.

Hebrews 13:6 (CSB) — 6 Therefore, we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

To purify and prepare believers for glory

2 Co 4:16–17

2 Corinthians 4:16–17 (CSB) — 16 Therefore we do not give up. Even though our outer person is being destroyed, our inner person is being renewed day by day. 17 For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.

See also Job 23:10; Ps 66:10; Is 48:10; Je 9:7; Zec 13:8–9; Ro 5:3–5; Ro 8:28–30; 1 Pe 1:6–7

Job 23:10 (CSB) — 10 Yet he knows the way I have taken; when he has tested me, I will emerge as pure gold.

Psalm 66:10 (CSB) — 10 For you, God, tested us; you refined us as silver is refined.

Isaiah 48:10 (CSB) — 10 Look, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.

Jeremiah 9:7 (CSB) — 7 Therefore, this is what the Lord of Armies says: I am about to refine them and test them, for what else can I do because of my dear people?

Zechariah 13:8–9 (CSB) — 8 In the whole land— this is the Lord’s declaration— two-thirds will be cut off and die, but a third will be left in it. 9 I will put this third through the fire; I will refine them as silver is refined and test them as gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’, and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’ ”

Romans 5:3–5 (CSB) — 3 And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, 4 endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. 5 This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 8:28–30 (CSB) — 28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.

1 Peter 1:6–7 (CSB) — 6 You rejoice in this, even though now for a short time, if necessary, you suffer grief in various trials 7 so that the proven character of your faith—more valuable than gold which, though perishable, is refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

To benefit others

Es 4:14; 2 Co 1:3–6; 2 Co 4:15; Php 1:12–14; 2 Ti 2:10

Esther 4:14 (CSB) — 14 If you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jewish people from another place, but you and your father’s family will be destroyed. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.”

2 Corinthians 1:3–6 (CSB) — 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 5 For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings that we suffer.

2 Corinthians 4:15 (CSB) — 15 Indeed, everything is for your benefit so that, as grace extends through more and more people, it may cause thanksgiving to increase to the glory of God.

Philippians 1:12–14 (CSB) — 12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.

2 Timothy 2:10 (CSB) — 10 This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

In all of life’s experiences believers should be thankful and trusting

Php 4:6

Philippians 4:6 (CSB) — 6 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

See also Ge 8:20 Noah’s sacrifice would, among other things, express his thankfulness; Dt 8:18; Job 1:20–21; Ps 103:1–2; Pr 3:5–6; Ac 16:25; Eph 5:20; 1 Ti 4:4–5

Genesis 8:20 (CSB) — 20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord. He took some of every kind of clean animal and every kind of clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

Deuteronomy 8:18 (CSB) — 18 but remember that the Lord your God gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm his covenant he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

Job 1:20–21 (CSB) — 20 Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, 21 saying: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Psalm 103:1–2 (CSB) — 1 My soul, bless the Lord, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 My soul, bless the Lord, and do not forget all his benefits.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (CSB) — 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.

Acts 16:25 (CSB) — 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

Ephesians 5:20 (CSB) — 20 giving thanks always for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Timothy 4:4–5 (CSB) — 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.

Believers do not merit the blessings they receive

Ps 103:10

Psalm 103:10 (CSB) — 10 He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities.

See also Ge 32:10; Ge 50:19–21; Ezr 9:13; La 3:22; Lk 7:6; Ro 6:23

Genesis 32:10 (CSB) — 10 I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. Indeed, I crossed over the Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two camps.

Genesis 50:19–21 (CSB) — 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people. 21 Therefore don’t be afraid. I will take care of you and your children.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Ezra 9:13 (CSB) — 13 After all that has happened to us because of our evil deeds and terrible guilt—though you, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserve and have allowed us to survive—

Lamentations 3:22 (CSB) — 22 Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end.

Luke 7:6 (CSB) — 6 Jesus went with them, and when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.

Romans 6:23 (CSB) — 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.