Faithful Service and Resilient Joy in Trials
Summary
In our gathering today, we celebrated a significant milestone in our church's journey as we introduced and prayed over our first group of deacons. This moment is a testament to God's faithfulness and the commitment of these individuals to serve our church family. The role of deacons, as outlined in Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3, is to meet the practical needs of the church, allowing the ministry of the Word and prayer to flourish. We are blessed to have Victoria Strimple, Alison Bodle, Janine Dooley, Zach Ruiz, Colin Millar, and A.J. Scott stepping into these roles, each bringing unique gifts and a heart for service.
Our time together also focused on the theme of enduring trials with a faith that is resilient and steadfast. Drawing from 1 Peter 1, we explored how trials are an inevitable part of life, yet they serve a divine purpose in refining our faith. Just as self-sealing fuel tanks revolutionized air combat in World War II, providing resilience under fire, our faith too can be fortified to withstand the trials we face. This resilience is cultivated through rejoicing in God, even amidst challenges, and being on the lookout for His glory breaking into our circumstances.
We are reminded that our joy is not anchored in the temporary alleviation of trials but in the eternal promises of God. Our faith, more precious than gold, is being refined to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As we navigate life's challenges, we are called to rejoice in the Lord, seek His glory, and hold fast to the assurance of our salvation.
Key Takeaways:
- The Role of Deacons: Deacons are vital in serving the practical needs of the church, allowing the ministry of the Word and prayer to thrive. Their service is a reflection of God's faithfulness and a model of servant leadership. [18:58]
- Rejoicing in Trials: Our joy is not found in the absence of trials but in the presence of God. By anchoring our joy in God's eternal promises, we can endure challenges with a steadfast faith. [42:22]
- Seeking God's Glory: In the midst of trials, we are encouraged to be on the lookout for God's glory. This involves recognizing His goodness and character breaking into our darkness, providing hope and encouragement. [55:19]
- Understanding Trials: Trials are a necessary part of our spiritual journey, serving to purify and strengthen our faith. By acknowledging their purpose, we can face them with a perspective of growth and refinement. [01:00:15]
- Knowing the End of the Story: The ultimate outcome of our faith is the salvation of our souls. This assurance allows us to face trials with confidence, knowing that Jesus' victory over sin and death secures our eternal future. [01:04:56]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[18:58] - Introduction of Deacons
[22:19] - Prayer for Deacons
[34:16] - Need for God's Presence
[35:02] - Trials and Faith
[36:13] - Persevering Through Trials
[37:34] - Faith Under Fire
[39:34] - Fireproof Faith
[40:27] - Encouragement in Trials
[41:26] - Rejoicing in Trials
[42:22] - Joy in God
[45:23] - Love and Joy
[46:16] - Abiding in Love
[49:30] - Intimacy with Jesus
[55:19] - Seeking Glory
[01:00:15] - Trials as Refinement
[01:04:56] - Assurance of Salvation
[01:07:06] - Prayer and Ministry
[01:13:09] - Communion and Response
[01:22:07] - Conclusion and Farewell
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 6:1-7
- 1 Timothy 3:8-13
- 1 Peter 1:3-9
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Observation Questions:
1. What roles and responsibilities are outlined for deacons in Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3? How do these roles support the ministry of the Word and prayer? [18:58]
2. According to 1 Peter 1:6-7, what is the purpose of trials in the life of a believer? How is faith compared to gold in this passage? [41:26]
3. In the sermon, how was the analogy of self-sealing fuel tanks used to describe a resilient faith? What does this analogy suggest about how we should respond to trials? [37:34]
4. What does 1 Peter 1:8-9 say about the relationship between love, belief, and joy in the life of a believer? How does this relate to enduring trials? [45:23]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the role of deacons, as described in the sermon, reflect God's faithfulness and servant leadership within the church? Why is this important for the church community? [18:58]
2. The sermon mentioned that trials are necessary for refining faith. How might understanding the purpose of trials change a believer's perspective on their current challenges? [01:00:15]
3. In what ways can rejoicing in God, rather than in the absence of trials, transform a believer's experience of suffering? How does this align with the eternal promises of God? [42:22]
4. The sermon emphasized being on the lookout for God's glory during trials. How can recognizing God's goodness and character in difficult times provide hope and encouragement? [55:19]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the role of deacons in your church. How can you support them in their ministry, and what practical steps can you take to serve your church community? [18:58]
2. Think about a recent trial you have faced. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to cultivate a resilient faith like the self-sealing fuel tank analogy? [37:34]
3. How can you anchor your joy in God's eternal promises rather than in temporary circumstances? Identify one promise of God that you can hold onto during challenging times. [42:22]
4. Consider a current trial you are experiencing. How can you actively look for God's glory in this situation? Share a specific example of how you have seen God's goodness in past trials. [55:19]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of knowing the end of the story, which is the salvation of our souls. How does this assurance impact your daily life and decisions, especially during difficult times? [01:04:56]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper love and intimacy with Jesus, especially during trials? What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your life to strengthen this relationship? [53:01]
7. Reflect on the community aspect of the sermon. How can you be a source of encouragement and support for others in your church who are going through trials? What specific actions can you take this week? [01:08:56]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
Day 1: Servant Leadership in Action
The role of deacons is crucial in the life of the church, as they are called to serve the practical needs of the congregation. This service allows the ministry of the Word and prayer to thrive, reflecting God's faithfulness and embodying servant leadership. The introduction of deacons such as Victoria Strimple, Alison Bodle, Janine Dooley, Zach Ruiz, Colin Millar, and A.J. Scott is a testament to their commitment and unique gifts. Their willingness to serve is a model for all believers, demonstrating how practical service can support and enhance the spiritual life of the church. [18:58]
Acts 6:3-4 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
Reflection: Who in your life exemplifies servant leadership, and how can you follow their example in your own community?
Day 2: Joy Anchored in God's Promises
True joy is not found in the absence of trials but in the presence of God. By anchoring our joy in God's eternal promises, we can endure life's challenges with a steadfast faith. This perspective allows us to rejoice even amidst difficulties, knowing that our faith is being refined and strengthened. The assurance of God's promises provides a foundation for joy that transcends our circumstances, encouraging us to remain faithful and hopeful. [42:22]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you can hold onto today to find joy amidst your current challenges?
Day 3: Recognizing God's Glory in Trials
In the midst of trials, believers are encouraged to be on the lookout for God's glory. This involves recognizing His goodness and character breaking into our darkness, providing hope and encouragement. By seeking God's glory, we can find strength and perspective, understanding that He is at work even in the most difficult circumstances. This awareness helps us to see beyond our immediate struggles and to trust in God's greater plan for our lives. [55:19]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you actively seek and recognize God's glory in a current trial you are facing?
Day 4: Trials as a Path to Spiritual Growth
Trials are an inevitable part of the spiritual journey, serving to purify and strengthen our faith. By acknowledging their purpose, believers can face them with a perspective of growth and refinement. Just as self-sealing fuel tanks provided resilience in World War II, our faith can be fortified to withstand the trials we encounter. This resilience is cultivated through rejoicing in God and seeking His glory, even amidst challenges. [01:00:15]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What is one trial you are currently facing, and how can you view it as an opportunity for spiritual growth?
Day 5: Assurance of Salvation Amidst Trials
The ultimate outcome of our faith is the salvation of our souls, which provides assurance and confidence as we face trials. This assurance allows believers to navigate life's challenges with the knowledge that Jesus' victory over sin and death secures their eternal future. By holding fast to this truth, we can face trials with a sense of peace and hope, knowing that our faith is being refined for the glory of God. [01:04:56]
1 Peter 1:8-9 (ESV): "Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls."
Reflection: How does the assurance of your salvation influence the way you approach and endure trials in your life?
Quotes
"Trials are a reality for every single one of us on this side of heaven, and I'll be the first to tell you I wish they weren't. Like, my goodness, I wish life was like an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, but it ain't. It is filled with hard things, with trials, with challenges. How many of you would even say, man, there's been a trial in the last six to 12 months that I just didn't think I was gonna make it through? I wasn't sure that I would make it to the other side of that. There were moments where I was gonna throw my hands up and say, God, I'm done. Like, I'm done with this." [00:36:13]
"And I want a faith. And I want you to have a faith that's like a self-sealing fuel tank in a war. That says, hey, even though I'm under fire, I'm going to make it safely back to home. That you and I, as followers of Jesus, are going to go through warfare. We're going to go through trials. We're going to go through challenges. But the question is, will your faith make it all the way? Or will you have an explosion in the midst of a trial that leads to wreckage and death? I want a faith that makes it all the way." [00:39:34]
"I pray that you would sense the good news of an eternal God given to us in his always true word. And it would be like the wind of the spirit of God on your back. I mean, how many of us could use some encouragement today? My goodness, I know I could. And so let's look to the word. We're going to. Rewind to verse 3. And then we're going to walk through. Hey, how do you and I fireproof our faith? How do we have a fireproof faith?" [00:40:27]
"If you and I are going to fireproof our faith. If we're going to make it through the trials of life. There's two things we need to do and two things we need to know. Two things we need to do and two things we need to know. And the first is rejoice. And if you're walking through a trial right now, you might be a little bit like me and go, well, that doesn't sound too easy. I'm not walking through a season with sin. Sick kids just going, oh, God, you're so good." [00:42:22]
"Our rejoicing is not in the trial itself. It is through the trial in the eternal God. Last week we talked about verses 3 through 5. And we talked about how our joy often is a roller coaster if it's anchored in God's temporary blessings. It parallels our circumstances. But if our joy is anchored in the eternal blessings of God. Then we can safely make. It to the end. Our joy won't be rocked by our circumstances. He's saying in this you rejoice." [00:43:34]
"How can we rejoice in trials? He says, Peter says to the people, he says, listen, even though you haven't seen him, you love him. Believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. I would imagine you know some people that love each other. Hopefully you know some people that love each other. And there just tends to be joy around them. I think about our young adults. God, from the very beginning of our church, has given us a crew of young adults that I just thank him for often." [00:46:16]
"Man, when you're walking through a trial, there's two things you need to do. You need to rejoice in the Lord. You need to be on the lookout for glory. I would imagine we could fill this room for hours with stories of how glory is broken in in the midst of the trial. Last week on Zoom at 6 .30 and 8 p .m., we gathered as a church family and just shared stories of glory. How God moved over the 21 days of fasting and prayer." [00:55:19]
"If you and I are going to have a fireproof faith, we need to know that trials are coming, that our souls will be sifted through fire. If necessary, you have been grieved by various trials so that the tested genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found a result. In praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ." [01:00:15]
"We grieve knowing that our souls are being sifted through fire, but for a moment and here, verse 9, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. We need to do two things. We need to rejoice and we need to be on the lookout for glory. We need to know two things. We need to know that trials are coming and we need to know the end of the story. The end of the story. Obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your soul." [01:04:56]
"There might not be clarity on how he's winning in the moment in our temporary trials, but there is great clarity on his eternal victory over sin and death. If I can walk through a trial knowing, hey, my soul, my soul is secure in God. That my eternal life has been rescued by That when Jesus Christ died on the cross, was buried in the ground and rose from the dead, I can place my faith in him and be saved." [01:04:56]
"God, we say thank you so much for your word. We say thank you that we can rejoice in trials because our hope is in you and not in the alleviation of our circumstances. God, we thank you that you and your kindness saw fit to purify our faith. That you might prove its genuineness through trial. God, we thank you. We thank you that the end of the story is we get to see Jesus." [01:07:06]
"God, thank you so much for the gift it is to gather, to be with you, to worship you, to feel your presence with us. Lord, would we follow you this week with all our hearts and all our minds and all our strength. Your glory and our joy in Jesus' name. Amen." [01:22:07]
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