GRACEVINE SCHOOL OF DISCIPLES
TOPIC: TRIALS, TEMPTATIONS AND TRIBULATIONS (Part 1)
Memory verse: Psalm 34:19
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all".
1. Tests and trials are to be expected in life
Acts 14:22. We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom
1Cor 10:13a - No temptation taken you but such as is common to man.
1Thes. 3:3 No man should be moved by these afflictions for yourselves know that we are appointed there unto. 1Pet. 5:9 knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren.
1Pet. 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try (test) you.
2. Trials often result when things don't go our way: James 4:2
a. Often God will grant your hearts desire
Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself in the Lord & He shall give you the desires of thine hears.
Psalm 84:11 No good thing will He withhold.
b. But sometimes he withholds it because it's not His time.
Eccl. 3:1-8 There is a time to every purpose under the heaven.
c. Or because it would choke out your fruitfulness
Mk 4:7,19 - The lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, & becometh unfruitful.
d. Or seriously stumble or offend others:
1Thes. 5:22 Abstain (even) from all appearance of evil.
Rom 14:14-16,21. Destroy not him with thy meat, for who Christ died.
e. Or being reproach on the Lord's work or ministry
2Sam. 12:14 By this deed (murdering Uriah) thou has given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme.
2Cor. 6:3 Giving no offence … that the ministry be not blamed.
My Commitment
Heavenly, father I make a commitment to live a life that would not bring blame to your work on earth.
