A Sermon With An Outline - Why Tribulations?

TITLE: Why TribulationsThis verse simply explains, we should know when we
TEXT:Romans 8:28 "And we know that all thingsare being tempted, and we should be grateful and
work together for good to those who love God, tojoyful that we have given this opportunity to show
those who are the called according to His purpose."God that we trust Him, and are willing to wait for
INTRODUCTION: When we first get saved there's aHim to deal with our situations in His time. And that
joy that's hard to explain to unbelievers, and at thatwe understand God has a reason for everything that
moment it seems that nothing can ever go wronghappens to us.
again. But we soon realize that trials and tribulationsV. TO BRING REBELLIOUS MEN TO REPENTANCE
continue to work in our daily lives. Often the newHow often do we turn to God only after we can't
Christian and the immature Christian will ask, if Godseem to take it any more, and there's no other place
loves me so much why does he allows bad things toto go?
happen to me?When we choose Satan over God, that's considered
I. TO DEVELOP CHARACTER AND FAITHrebellion against God. Here's what God has to say
James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who enduresabout it. Sin may look like fun but there are
temptation; for when he has been approved, he willconsequences.
receive the crown of life which the Lord hasProverbs 17:11 "An evil man seeks only rebellion;
promised to those who love Him."Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against
A. How would God know we were faithful to Him ifhim."
we were never tested?God says we're evil when we turn away from Him.
B. Satan will tempt us to sin, and God will allow him toWe may think we're doing pretty well without God,
do so in order to test our faith.but if we continue to reject Him, sooner or later He
C. When we are tempted, how we handle itwill let Satan harm us in order to bring us to
determines whether or not it becomes sin.repentance.
D. Sin can be fun when we view it with a carnal mind,We can save ourselves a lot of trouble if we just try
but it always ends in tragedy. We're accountable forto do what God wants us to do. And when we don't
what we do.make it, just repent (admit it, that we made a
E. So every temptation is an endurance test. But ourmistake) and ask God to forgive us. That's all He
faith becomes stronger with each victory and Godwants.
blesses us. James 1:12 "Blessed is the man whoGOD NEVER GIVES US MORE THAN WE CAN BEAR
endures temptation;"1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you
II. TO KEEP THE BELIEVER HUMBLEexcept such as is common to man; but God is
2 Cor 12:7 "And lest I should be exalted abovefaithful, who will not allow you to be tempted
measure by the abundance of the revelations, abeyond what you are able, but with the temptation
thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger ofwill also make the way of escape, that you may be
Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted aboveable to bear it." (with God's help)
measure."ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR HIS PURPOSE
This verse tells us to be careful, don't get too smartRomans 8:28 "And we know that all things work
because sometimes too much knowledge may bringtogether for good to those who love God, to those
too much confidence, which leads to pride. And aswho are the called according to His purpose."
we bask in our pride we begin to claim God's glory.GOD EXPECTS US TO USE THE EXPERIENCE OF
But only God deserves the glory (everything we doOUR VICTORIOUS BATTLES TO ENCOURAGE
is to bring glory to God), and He won't tolerate itOTHERS
when we try to steal it from him.We have been given gifts through our trials.
That's when God gives Satan permission to send aEveryone has, or will encounter a major tragedy in
messenger to put that thorn in my flesh. Thattheir life. As Christians when we find victory over
humbles me. Only God deserves the glory.these trials through faith in God, they too, become
When I humble myself and truly believe that I amgifts that can be used to comfort others and bring
weak and can do absolutely nothing without God, andthem to Christ. Almost every church has had a
totally surrender myself to Him He then becomes mymember that has had an abortion, lost a loved one,
strength. When I can do that, I then have the poweror recovered from drugs or alcohol. And many have
of Jesus and my strength is made perfect.used these victories as a bridge to reach the
When we first got save we promised God we wouldunchurched.
let him run our lives for us, and when we don't, He"What a wonderful God we have - He is the Father
humbles us. He allows Satan to put a thorn in our sideof our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy,
to remind us how weak we are.and the one who so wonderfully comforts and
So God allows bad things to happen to us to keepstrengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why
the believer humble.does He do this? So that when others are troubled,
III. TO PROVIDE CONFLICT FOR SAINTS SO THEYneeding our sympathy and encouragement, we can
MAY BE REWARDED THROUGH OVERCOMING.pass on to them this same help and comfort God
Revelation 2:26 "And he who overcomes, and keepshas given us" -- 2 Corinthians 1:3,4.
My works until the end, to him I will give power overVisit our website today, and receive assistance with
the nation."finding God's purpose in your life. Learn to use your
Rev 3:21 "To him who overcomes I will grant to sittrials to start a "Bridge Ministry to bring new
with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and satunchurched members to your church. Enjoy the many
down with My Father on His throne."free tools that are available to assist you with your
IV. TO DEVELOP PATIENCEspiritual growth, professional Christian counseling,
James 1:2-3 "My brethren, count it all joy when youanswers to frequently asked questions, daily news
fall into various trials, knowing that the testing ofarticles that affects Christians and political information.
your faith produces patience."