The Key to Spiritual Endurance: Wisdom

Introduction:

How do you react to trials of life? Our nature is to hurry, but God wants to mold us through trials & difficulties in life. Js. 1:1-12 is a serious challenge to every believer in Christ. Sooner or later – everyone knows heartache; trial; sorrow. Trials are an opportunity to grow stronger/closer to God. They create opportunities for us to deepen our dependence on God. God can use even the worst of difficulties of life to make us desperate for Him.

I.  Trials will come.

A.      1:2 - Not “if” but “when.”

B.     Trials will take on different forms.

1.      Trial: a test sent by God.

2.      Temptation: sent by Satan to cause us to stumble.

C.     Trials can come on suddenly.

II. Wisdom helps us prepare for trials.

A.      We must seek wisdom before trials come.

B.     Js. 1:5-8 – wisdom is the key to spiritual endurance!

C.     We get to know God by looking at His word. Pro 1:1-7; 2:1-9. Fail to seek wisdom – Pro. 1:24-27

III. Wisdom helps us cope with trials.

A.      It enables us to be able to view matters from God’s perspective.

B.     Wisdom can help us evaluate the source of our trials.

1.      Trials come from self; others; and things out of our control:

C.     When we understand the source we are better prepared to evaluate; handle; and grow through the specific issue.

IV. Wisdom enables us to discern the purpose for the trial.

A.      1:3 – to test our faith.

B.     Trials test our devotion to Jesus. Mt. 16:24-26

C.     Trials help purify our lives.

D.     Trails give God an opportunity for God to demonstrate His sustaining power for His children.

E.     Trials can produce Christ-like character in us.

F.      2 Cor. 1:4 – trials equip us for service to others.

V. 10 ways to help us understand God’s purposes for trials.

A.      We must be persuaded that God is in control of the timing and intensity of our trials.

B.     We must realize that God has a specific purpose for each trial in life.

C.     Each trial is designed to meet a specific need that God sees in our lives.

D.     Each trial is going to result in our own good if we respond in faith.

E.     Each trial can strengthen our faith by proving that we depend on God.

F.      Each trial is an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power.

G.     We must submit ourselves to the development of Christ-like character.

H.     We must take advantage of our trials’ usefulness in measuring our spiritual growth.

I.         God will walk with us through every step of the trial – Heb. 13:5

J.       By His grace we will not only survive the trial, but conquer over each trial!

 

Conclusion:

A.      The hardest thing – is to go through something – without God. 

B.     Not a Christian?  You’re left on your own to face trials.  A hopeless situation. It can be remedied by coming to God. 

1.      Obey the gospel!