Faith in Trials: Trusting God's Guidance and Provision
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth that trials and difficulties are an inevitable part of a believer's life. We delved into the story of Abram from Genesis 12, where he faced a severe famine that tested his faith. Despite being a man of great faith, Abram's response to the famine was not to turn to God but to devise his own plans and resort to deception. This narrative serves as a reminder that even the most faithful can experience lapses in faith when confronted with trials.
Abram's journey to Egypt during the famine illustrates how fear can lead us away from trusting in God's provision and protection. Instead of seeking God's guidance, Abram relied on his own understanding, which led to deception and unintended consequences for others. This story challenges us to reflect on our own responses to trials and to remember that God is always present, ready to provide wisdom and guidance if we turn to Him.
James 1 reminds us that trials are not only inevitable but also opportunities for growth. They test our faith and produce steadfastness, leading us to maturity in Christ. James encourages us to count it all joy when we face various trials, knowing that God is with us and His wisdom is available to us. Our God is unchanging, and His character remains constant even in the midst of our difficulties.
As we witness the public profession of faith through baptism today, we are reminded of the transformative power of the gospel. Baptism symbolizes dying to our old selves and being raised to new life in Christ. It is an act of obedience and a declaration of faith, reflecting our trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Let us be encouraged to turn to God in faith during our trials, remembering His greatness and goodness. May we rely on His wisdom and trust in His unchanging character, knowing that He works all things for our good and His glory.
Key Takeaways:
- Trials are an inevitable part of a believer's life, and they serve as opportunities for growth and maturity in faith. We must remember that God is with us in our trials, ready to provide wisdom and guidance if we turn to Him. [46:33]
- Abram's response to the famine in Genesis 12 highlights the danger of relying on our own understanding instead of seeking God's guidance. Fear can lead us away from trusting in God's provision and protection, resulting in unintended consequences. [49:37]
- James 1 teaches us to count it all joy when we face various trials, knowing that they test our faith and produce steadfastness. God's wisdom is available to us, and His character remains constant even in the midst of our difficulties. [01:02:42]
- Baptism is a public profession of faith, symbolizing dying to our old selves and being raised to new life in Christ. It is an act of obedience and a declaration of trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. [01:11:24]
- Let us be encouraged to turn to God in faith during our trials, remembering His greatness and goodness. May we rely on His wisdom and trust in His unchanging character, knowing that He works all things for our good and His glory. [01:05:35]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:24] - Announcements and Prayer
[14:09] - Introduction to the Sermon
[15:24] - The Reality of Trials
[16:19] - Worship and Scripture Reading
[37:40] - Abram's Journey to Egypt
[39:42] - Lessons from Abram's Lapse of Faith
[40:44] - Personal Reflections on Difficulties
[42:18] - The Inevitability of Trials
[44:02] - Abram's Faith and the Famine
[45:38] - Expecting Trials in the Christian Life
[46:33] - James 1: Joy in Trials
[49:37] - Abram's Devising and Deception
[52:04] - The Consequences of Deception
[55:06] - The Call to Truthfulness
[58:46] - Remembering God in Trials
[01:05:35] - God's Grace and Faithfulness
[01:10:41] - Baptism: A Public Profession of Faith
[01:18:26] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Genesis 12:10-13:1
- James 1:2-5
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Abram's initial response to the famine in the land, and what plan did he devise? ([37:40])
2. How did Abram's decision to go to Egypt affect his relationship with Pharaoh and the Egyptians? ([38:32])
3. According to James 1, what should be the Christian's attitude towards trials, and what do trials produce in a believer's life? ([46:33])
4. How does the act of baptism symbolize a believer's faith and transformation according to the sermon? ([01:11:24])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Abram have chosen to rely on his own understanding rather than seeking God's guidance during the famine? What does this reveal about human nature? ([49:37])
2. How does the story of Abram in Genesis 12 challenge the idea that faith in God guarantees a life free from difficulties? ([44:02])
3. In what ways does James 1 suggest that trials can be beneficial for a believer's spiritual growth? How does this perspective differ from a worldly view of trials? ([46:33])
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of baptism as a public profession of faith, and why is it important for believers to participate in this act? ([01:11:24])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent trial you faced. Did you rely on your own understanding or seek God's guidance? How might you approach a similar situation differently in the future? ([49:37])
2. Fear can lead us away from trusting in God's provision. Identify a fear you currently have. How can you actively choose to trust God in this area? ([52:52])
3. James encourages believers to count it all joy when facing trials. How can you cultivate a mindset of joy and trust in God during difficult times? ([46:33])
4. Baptism is a declaration of faith. If you have been baptized, how does this commitment influence your daily life? If not, what steps can you take to explore this act of obedience? ([01:11:24])
5. Consider a time when you were tempted to use deception to protect yourself. How can you commit to truthfulness in your interactions, even when it's challenging? ([55:06])
6. How can you remind yourself of God's unchanging character and goodness when you face trials? What practical steps can you take to remember His faithfulness? ([01:05:35])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need God's wisdom. How can you intentionally seek His guidance and wisdom this week? ([01:02:42])
Devotional
Day 1: Trials as Opportunities for Growth
In the life of a believer, trials are not just inevitable; they are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. The story of Abram in Genesis 12 illustrates how even those with great faith can falter when faced with difficulties. Abram's response to the famine was to rely on his own understanding rather than seeking God's guidance, leading to deception and unintended consequences. This narrative serves as a reminder that trials test our faith and can lead us to greater steadfastness if we turn to God for wisdom and guidance. James 1 encourages believers to count it all joy when facing trials, knowing that God is with us and His wisdom is available to us. Our God is unchanging, and His character remains constant even in the midst of our difficulties. [46:33]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, ESV)
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing, and how can you actively seek God's wisdom and guidance in this situation today?
Day 2: The Danger of Self-Reliance
Abram's journey to Egypt during the famine highlights the danger of relying on our own understanding instead of seeking God's guidance. Fear can lead us away from trusting in God's provision and protection, resulting in unintended consequences for ourselves and others. Abram's decision to deceive Pharaoh about Sarai being his sister rather than his wife is a cautionary tale of how fear and self-reliance can lead to deception. This story challenges us to reflect on our own responses to trials and to remember that God is always present, ready to provide wisdom and guidance if we turn to Him. [49:37]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you relied on your own understanding instead of seeking God's guidance. How can you choose to trust in God's provision and protection in similar situations in the future?
Day 3: Joy in Trials
James 1 teaches us to count it all joy when we face various trials, knowing that they test our faith and produce steadfastness. Trials are not only inevitable but also opportunities for growth. They lead us to maturity in Christ as we learn to rely on God's wisdom and trust in His unchanging character. This perspective challenges us to view difficulties not as obstacles but as opportunities to deepen our faith and grow closer to God. Our God is unchanging, and His character remains constant even in the midst of our difficulties. [01:02:42]
"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope." (Romans 5:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective to see a current trial as an opportunity for growth and joy? What practical steps can you take to embrace this mindset today?
Day 4: Baptism as a Declaration of Faith
Baptism is a public profession of faith, symbolizing dying to our old selves and being raised to new life in Christ. It is an act of obedience and a declaration of trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. As we witness the public profession of faith through baptism, we are reminded of the transformative power of the gospel. This act reflects our commitment to follow Jesus and our trust in His saving grace. It is a powerful reminder of the new life we have in Christ and the importance of living out our faith boldly and publicly. [01:11:24]
"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: If you have been baptized, reflect on the significance of that moment in your life. How can you continue to live out your faith publicly and boldly today?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Unchanging Character
Let us be encouraged to turn to God in faith during our trials, remembering His greatness and goodness. Abram's story reminds us of the importance of relying on God's wisdom and trusting in His unchanging character. God works all things for our good and His glory, even in the midst of our difficulties. As we face trials, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us, ready to provide wisdom and guidance if we turn to Him. His character remains constant, and His love for us is unwavering. [01:05:35]
"For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." (Malachi 3:6, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust in God's unchanging character today? How can you actively rely on His wisdom and guidance in this area?
Quotes
1. "Difficulty will be a part of a believer's life. Now, I stress that because there are some in our day who would have you think that if you have enough faith, that suffering and trials and poverty will not be a part of a Christian's life. So they paint a picture of Christianity almost as if it's an escape, a guaranteed escape from difficulty." [42:18] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Trials of all kind will be a part of a believer's life. I mean, if I look back over my own, most of the time I am either heading into one, I'm in the middle of one, or I've just come out of one. So, so how should we respond? Here's a question that should be easy to answer. Who should we turn to when trials come?" [47:17] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When something threatens our means to provide for our families, we come up with with our own plans, our own schemes to acquire the provision we need, all the while forgetting to turn to the God who provides everything." [50:56] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When Abram was threatened by fear, he turned to deception. Look at verse 11. When he was about to enter Egypt, he said to Sarah, his wife, I know that you're a woman beautiful in appearance. And when the Egyptians see you, they're going to say, this is his wife. Then they're going to kill me, but they're going to let you live. Say you're my sister, that it may go well with me because of you and that my life may be spared for your sake." [52:04] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We learn through Abram here, God's people should be truthful because our God is truthful. Colossians 3 .9 says, Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices. Christians, in Christ, you've taken off the old, you've put on the new. Be truthful. We should act faithfully, even when trials come our way." [57:02] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When trials come, for some reason, we forget about God. One man said, Abram did the natural thing, and herein lies the problem. There's no mention that he sought God's will in the matter. The famine had created the fear of starvation. Abram then, then instinctively moved to alleviate his fear." [59:39] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When we face trials of various kinds, we need to turn in faith to God. They're coming. They are coming. When they come, two things we learn. Remember God when you face trials of many kinds. Abram seems to have a momentary lapse of memory. He's forgotten about God. He's forgotten about his greatness. He's forgotten about his goodness." [01:00:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "James is telling us, he's like, God grows us through the trials. God is with us in the trials. God's wisdom is available to us in the midst of the trials. He wants us to know in James chapter 1 that our God's character is unchanging in trials." [01:03:38] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When Abram's faith was tested by famine, he didn't have any faith. didn't turn to God. But I love this. Don't miss this. God's grace in this. God still worked it out for Abram's good, and God did not remove the promise of blessing." [01:05:35] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Rather than behave like Abraham did in these verses, let's learn from Abraham. Let's turn in faith to God. Let's remember him and turn to him." [01:07:15] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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