Faith version 7

1 Peter 4:12-13 – Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. Soon after we are born again the Lord begins to TEST our faith. He often removes the emotions and feelings we have been experiencing to cause us to walk by faith. This does not mean He has deserted you! In this lesson you should learn: A. What trials are. B. How God uses trials. C. What we should do when we are in the middle of a trial. A TRIAL is when God allows temptations, tribulations, (hardship or affliction) or our relationship with other people to TEST OUR FAITH. It is the process He uses to refine us, make our faith stronger and teach us to trust Him more. 1. Becoming a Christian does not mean we will stop having troubles. How did Jesus describe our lives in this world? John 16:33 _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What should be our attitude when we are having our faith tested by trials or temptations? Why? James 1:2-4 _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. What are some of the results of trials? 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, 1 Peter 1: 6-7____________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PATIENCE or PERSEVERANCE means steadfastly enduring adverse circumstances with joy. One aspect of trials, is enduring hardship and affliction. When the Lord is dealing with us as His children, He will allow tribulations to chasten or discipline us. CHASTEN or DISCIPLINE in Greek means to train, educate, instruct, correct, reprove or admonish. It is a positive, loving method of eliminating evil and encouraging good. It is NOT harsh punishment.