Monday, April 30 – Sermon Outline For Discipleship Life Groups

Sunday’s Message

Standing Firm: The Power of Tested Faith

Sunday, April 28, 2024 – By Pastor Jesús Figueroa

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, 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 to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:6–7 (NKJV)

Introduction:

This morning I will be sharing the last part of this series on the theme of the believer’s trials.

We have used James 1:2-4 as the basis for these messages…

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2–4 (NKJV)

With this verse, we have understood that it’s not if we face trials, but what we do when we face these trials.

That is, let’s not be surprised by the trials that come into our lives.

We also understood that trials come in different forms for each believer.

And for a good time, we also talked about the importance of joy in our lives, that is, the right attitude when facing difficult trials.

Something that this morning’s portion reminds us of is this attitude, “in this you rejoice,” though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.

We concluded that this joy is not a natural joy, nor can one obtain it on one’s own.

But it is the joy of the Holy Spirit… this is very different.

• This joy has its supernatural source.
• This joy is independent of circumstances.

Paul and Silas… Acts of the Apostles 16:23–26 (NKJV) — 23 After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them securely. 24 Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

This joy is rooted in a relationship with God.

This joy is centered on an eternal perspective.

Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) — 2 Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

This verse implies that Jesus did not experience joy in the act of suffering itself. His joy came from what he knew his sacrifice would achieve.

Every suffering, every trial, every challenge, when viewed through God’s lens, reveals a divine purpose; nothing is wasted in God’s hands.

Romans 8:28–29 (NKJV) — 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Jesus understood and had joy amid suffering… because his focus was not on the moment, but on the future.

The joy of redemption: Jesus found joy knowing his sacrifice would redeem humanity and bring people into a relationship with God.

The joy of his glorification: He looked forward to returning to his rightful place beside God and the glory that awaited him.

The joy of fulfilling his mission: Jesus could have found joy in completing the task God had assigned him: reconciling humanity with God.

Here are some discussion questions based on the sermon:

1. We naturally always want to avoid pain and suffering: Humans are naturally programmed to avoid pain and discomfort.
2. Influences Of Our Culture: Our world prioritizes happiness and success, often defined in materialistic terms.
3. Lack of Immediate Gratification: the benefits of enduring trials are often not immediate and require a long-term view.
4. Our Limited Human Understanding: humans often have a limited perspective on their circumstances and the ways in which these circumstances might serve a greater purpose.
5. Lack of Spiritual Maturity: Rejoicing in trials requires a certain level of deep spiritual maturity, understanding that God uses these experiences for good, even when the immediate outcome is unclear.
6. The Level of Faith: rejoicing in trials largely depends on faith: belief in things not seen and trust in promises not yet fulfilled.
7. The Story of Our Past: Individual stories and past traumas can affect how one faces pain and adversity.
8. Understanding The Spiritual Warfare We Face: from a biblical perspective, there may also be spiritual elements at play, where spiritual warfare affects one’s ability to remain joyful.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials That is, every trial is transcendent, it is not permanent!