Navigating Trials
Sermon Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Spiritual Vitality
1 Peter 4:12-19 (ESV)
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And
“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Sermon Outline
What do you do when a “fiery trial” (v12) comes?
1. Don’t Be Surprised
v12 “do not be surprised… as though something strange were happening”
v12 “to test you”
2. Draw Near to Christ
v13 “share in Christ’s sufferings”, v14 “for the name of Christ”, v16 “as a Christian”
v15 “But let none of you suffer as a murderer/thief/evil doer/meddler”
3. Trust and Act
v13 “rejoice”, v14 “you are blessed… the Spirit of glory and God rests upon you”
v17 “it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God…”
v19 “therefore… entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good”
Prayer of Confession
Our faithful Creator, our doubts are strong, our actions are flawed. When we face trials, we are exposed. Our false hopes come out. Our self entitlement comes out. Our confusion comes out. Our fear and resentment come out. The sin deep within us comes out. Apart from Christ, none of us can stand in judgment. Forgive us. Watch over us and lead us forward. We thank you for Christ, who suffered as though he had done evil so that we could receive your blessing through him. May your Spirit rest on us as we trust you and recommit to doing good. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
How do difficult situations “test” you? What gets exposed when you face difficulties?
In what ways do you struggle in particularly difficult periods? Have you noticed patterns or anything typical in how you respond?
What opportunities are there in difficult periods? How can you learn about what your main hopes are? How does it help to get clarity on what you lean on in life for strength?
How can a deepening faith in Christ strengthen you for the various kinds of difficulties that come in life? What advantages are there of walking through life with Christ?
What makes it hard for you to trust God when life is hard?
How can holding to the faithfulness of God provide help when life is hard?
Why is it hard to continue doing good when you suffer? Why is it important?