Four Principles on Rejoicing Through Trials Rather than Blaming God

Dr. Don Carson was the speaker this past Sunday morning at Colonial Baptist. I wanted to share my notes from his message with you concerning how we react when faced with a trial. The way I approach trials that I am going through is totally the wrong way, and his message outlined principles that I hope to keep in mind the next time I go through a trial. So here are the notes that I took. Maybe they will be useful to someone else :)

Four Principles on Distinguishing Between Blaming God and Rejoicing

James 1:12-25

1. When you are struggling under trial, remember the Christian's goals (vs. 12)

            *During trials, our faith generates perseverance

            *Perseverance generates maturity

            *The Crown of Life is the Christian's goal. It will be life at its consumative best! It will be          worth it all!

2. When you confess God's sovereignty, do not misunderstand God's motives (vs. 13-15)

           *Genesis 22- God tested Abraham to prove Abraham's faith, NOT to induce him to sin

           *Definition of temptation- impulse to do evil. God has nothing to do with evil, so He would not tempt us

3. When you feel abandoned or crushed, do not doubt the goodness of God (vs. 16-18)

           *God is ONLY good

           *He gave us birth through the Word of truth. The Word of truth is the Gospel, so this new birth is referring to regeneration (vs. 18). This is the greatest demonstration of God's love to us!

IMPORTANT- when you are going through great trials, cling to the Cross!

4. When you hear Gospel instruction, do not merely listen to it.

           *The Gospel has already saved us, but it continues to save us or TRANSFORM us

           

I hope that maybe this was a blessing to someone. I know it was to me when I heard it on Sunday.