Trials, Temptations and Tribulations
1. TRIALS AND TESTS ARE TO BE EXPECTED:
Psalm 34:19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all
Acts 14:22 We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation taken you but such as is common to man
1 Thessalonians 3:3 No man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto
Hebrews 12:7 What son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try [test] you
1 Peter 4:17 Judgement must begin at the house of God … at us
1 Peter 5:9 Knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren
(See also Psalm 26:2; 139:23–24.)
2. TRIALS OFTEN RESULT WHEN THINGS DON’T GO OUR WAY:
A. Often God will grant our heart’s desire:
Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart
Psalm 84:11 No good thing will he withhold from them [the upright]
Psalm 145:19 He will fulfill the desire of them that fear him
Proverbs 10:24 The desire of the righteous shall be granted
(See also Psalm 21:2; 145:16.)
B. But sometimes He withholds it because it’s not His time:
Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 There is … a time to every purpose under the heaven
(See also Psalm 37:34; Ecclesiastes 8:5–6.)
C. Or because it would choke out our fruitfulness:
Mark 4:7,19 The lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful (See also Matthew 13:22; Luke 8:14.)
D. Or seriously stumble or offend others:
1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain [even] from all appearance of evil
Romans 14:14–16,21 Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died
(See also 1 Corinthians 8:8–13.)
E. Or bring reproach on God’s work or ministry:
2 Corinthians 6:3 Giving no offence … that the ministry be not blamed
(See also 2 Peter 2:2.)
F. Or because of unrepented sin in our heart:
Jeremiah 5:25 Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you
(See also Psalm 66:18; Isaiah 59:1–2.)
G. Or because we’re asking with the wrong motives:
James 4:2–3 Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts
H. It’s not always good to get the desire of our heart:
Psalm 73:3,7,16–22 I was envious at … prosperity … they have more than heart could wish … then understood I their end
1 Timothy 6:9–10 They that will [desire to] be rich fall into temptation … and many hurtful lusts … erred from the faith
I. We may miss something better God had planned for us:
Psalm 81:10–13,16 He would have fed them the finest of wheat … honey
J. Nonetheless, we have trials when we can’t have something:
1 Samuel 1:6–8,10 The Lord had shut up her womb … therefore she wept … heart grieved … bitterness of soul
Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred maketh the heart sick
(See also 2 Samuel 13:1–2.)
K. Warning against stubbornly insisting on getting our way:
Psalm 78:27–31 He gave them their own desire … their lust. But … the wrath of God came (See also Psalm 81:12.)
Psalm 106:14–15 He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul (See also Numbers 11:4–34.)
(See also 1 Samuel 8:4–22; 12:1,13,16–19, on asking for a king.)
L. What we give up for God, He will often return:
Matthew 19:29 Every one that hath forsaken … father, or mother, or wife, or children … shall receive an hundredfold
Hebrews 6:15 After he patiently endured, he obtained the promise (See also Ecclesiastes 11:1; Hebrews 10:36.)
3. WHY GOD ALLOWS TRIALS AND TESTS:
A. To draw us closer to Him:
Psalm 107:12–13 He brought down their heart with labour … then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble
B. To see if we will remain true:
Exodus 20:20 God is come to prove [test] you
Deuteronomy 8:2 The Lord … [tested you] to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments
Deuteronomy 13:3–4 God … proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord
Judges 2:21–22 [God kept adversaries in the land to] prove Israel, whether they keep the way of the Lord, or not
Jeremiah 12:3 Thou knowest me … Thou hast … tried my heart
Jeremiah 17:10 I the Lord search the heart … to give every man according to his ways, and … the fruit of his doings
John 6:5–6 This He said to prove [test] him, for he himself knew
C. To draw us closer to His Word:
Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man whom Thou chastenest, O Lord, and teachest him out of Thy law
Psalm 119:71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes
D. To prune away dead wood so we can be more fruitful:
John 15:2 Every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth [prunes], that it may bring forth more fruit
E. To teach obedience:
Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered (See also Hebrews 2:10.)
1 Peter 4:1–2 He that … suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin
F. To make you a better and more useful vessel:
Jeremiah 18:4 The vessel that he [the potter] made of clay was marred … so he made it again another vessel
1 Corinthians 5:7 Purge out the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump
2 Timothy 2:21 [If purged] … he shall be a vessel … meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work
G. To purify us, as precious metal is refined:
Malachi 3:3 He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver
Zechariah 13:9 I will bring [them] through the fire, and refine them
Psalm 66:10 Thou, O God, hast … tried us, as silver is tried
Job 23:10 When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold
Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the Lord trieth the hearts
Isaiah 48:10 I have refined thee … in the furnace of affliction
Daniel 11:35 [They] shall fall, to try them … and to make them white
1 Peter 1:7 The trial of your faith [is] much more precious than gold … though it be tried with fire
(See also Isaiah 1:25.)
H. To prepare us for future blessings and ministries:
Deuteronomy 8:16 That he might humble thee … and prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end
Psalm 105:17–22 [Joseph imprisoned, abased and tested, then exalted]
Proverbs 18:12 Before honour is humility
I. To teach us patience:
Romans 5:3 Tribulation worketh [teaches us] patience
James 1:3–4 The trying of your faith worketh patience
J. To make us wiser through sorrow:
Ecclesiastes 7:3–4 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by … sadness … the heart is made better
K. To teach us compassion toward others:
Hebrews 4:15 Be touched with the feeling of [others’] infirmities
2 Corinthians 1:4 That we may be able to comfort them … in trouble
4. TRIALS OVER SUFFERING PERSONAL LOSS:
A. Be willing to suffer loss of position or possessions:
Job 1:21 The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord
Acts 20:23–24 Bonds and afflictions … none of these things move me, neither count I [even] my life dear
Philippians 3:8 I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ
Hebrews 10:34 Ye … took joyfully the spoiling of your goods
B. Lay aside weights to run the race:
Hebrews 12:1 Let us lay aside every weight … and let us run the race
1 Corinthians 9:24 So run, that ye may obtain [the prize]
Philippians 3:13–14 Forgetting those things which are behind … I press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling
C. The futility of trying to hang onto things:
Proverbs 23:5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? For riches certainly … fly away
Luke 12:15 A man’s life consisteth not in … things he possesseth
(See also Ecclesiastes 5:13–15; 1 Timothy 6:7.)
D. Paul’s trials in missing loved ones:
(See Philippians 1:7–8; 1 Thessalonians 2:17–18; 1 Thessalonians 3:10; 2 Timothy 1:3–4.)
E. God wants you to love Him first of all:
Psalm 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee
Psalm 142:4–5 Refuge failed me; no man cared … thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living
Isaiah 54:1,5–6 Sing … for thy maker is thine husband … the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken
John 16:32 Ye … shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the father is with me
5. SOME BIBLE EXAMPLES OF TRIALS AND TESTS:
Genesis 26:34–35 [Esau disobeyed and married pagans] which were a grief of mind to Isaac and Rebekah (Also Genesis 27:46; 28:8.)
Exodus 4:10–13 [Moses felt incapable to speak to the Hebrew nation]
Numbers 11:10–12,14 [Moses said:] I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me
Judges 6:14–15 [Gideon felt incapable to be the deliverer of Israel]
Ruth 1:12–13 [Naomi, unable to help her daughters-in-law, said:] It grieveth me much for your sakes
1 Samuel 30:1–6 [David’s men grieved at the loss of wives and families]
1 Kings 19:1–4,10 [Elijah, persecuted and feeling all alone, prayed to die]
Psalm 6:6–8 [David’s tears and grief because his enemies triumphed]
Psalm 38:4–9 [David’s trials about an unhealed affliction]
Psalm 102:1–8 [David’s deep trial because of his enemies’ reproach] (See also Psalm 69:16–20.)
Isaiah 53:3–9 [Jesus’ sorrows and trials]
Jeremiah 15:10 [Jeremiah’s depths of despair over being rejected, despised, and mocked] (See also Jeremiah 20:7–10,14,18.)
Jonah 3:4–5,10; 4:1–9 [When things didn’t work as he’d hoped, Jonah was so angry and displeased, he wished to die]
Luke 10:40 [Martha, working alone, felt unfairly over-burdened]
John 21:17 Peter grieved [because Jesus seemed to be bringing his love and loyalty into question]
2 Corinthians 1:8 [Paul’s] trouble … we were pressed above strength, so we despaired even of life (See also 2 Corinthians 4:8; 7:5.)
6. WHY IT’S WORTH IT TO ENDURE TESTS AND TEMPTATIONS:
A. For the sake of lost souls:
Isaiah 53:10–12 [God “put Jesus to grief” to save our souls]
2 Timothy 2:10 I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain … salvation
B. Because you’ll be spiritually stronger as a result:
2 Corinthians 4:16 We faint not; [for] though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day
2 Corinthians 12:9–10 My [Jesus’] strength is made perfect in weakness … that the power of Christ may rest upon me [Paul]
C. Because God will reward you after testing you:
Psalm 66:12 Thou hast caused [us to go] through fire and water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place
Hebrews 12:11 No chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward … [good] fruit
James 5:11 Endure. Ye have heard of … Job, and have seen the end … the Lord is of tender mercy (See also Job 42:10–17.)
(See also Psalm 118:5; Lamentations 3:32.)
D. Heavenly rewards:
Romans 8:18 The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be … in us
2 Corinthians 4:17 Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us [an] eternal weight of glory
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation … he shall receive the crown of life
1 Peter 4:13 Ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings … when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also
(See also 1 John 2:17; Revelation 21:7.)
7. BE THANKFUL FOR YOUR TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS:
A. God uses your trials and temptations for good:
Romans 8:28 All things work together for good to … the called
James 1:2–4 Count it joy when ye fall into diverse temptations
1 Peter 1:6 Rejoice, though now for a season ye are in heaviness
B. Chastenings prove God loves you and that you’re His child:
Deuteronomy 8:5 As a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord chasteneth
Proverbs 3:11–12 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord
Hebrews 12:5–12 Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth … every son
Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten
(See also Job 5:17; Psalm 11:5; 1 Corinthians 11:32.)
C. Remember that sorrow will give way to joy:
Psalm 30:5 Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted
1 Peter 5:10 God … after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you
8. HELPING OTHERS WHO ARE GOING THROUGH TRIALS:
A. How to help them:
Job 6:14 To him that is afflicted pity should be showed
Job 19:21 Have pity upon me … the hand of God hath touched me
Romans 15:1–2 We … ought to bear the infirmities of the weak
1 Corinthians 12:25–26 Whether one member suffer, all … suffer with it
Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens
Hebrews 13:3 Remember them … which suffer, as being yourselves also in the body
B. Encourage and strengthen them:
Job 16:4–5 I would strengthen you with my mouth … assuage grief
Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad
Isaiah 50:4 Speak a word in season to him that is weary
C. Admonish them with hearty counsel:
Proverbs 27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel
Colossians 3:16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you … teaching and admonishing one another … singing
9. WHERE TEMPTATIONS COME FROM:
A. From our own lusts:
James 1:13–14 Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of own lust, and enticed
1 John 2:15–16 The lust of the flesh and … eyes … is of the world
B. They are also instigated by the Devil:
Genesis 3:1–6,13 [Eve:] The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat
1 Chronicles 21:1,7–8 Satan … provoked David to [sin and do foolishly]
Matthew 4:1–7 [Jesus was tempted by the Devil, “the tempter”]
Luke 22:31 Simon, Satan hath desired to … sift you as wheat
(See also 2 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5.)
10. AVOIDING TEMPTATION:
Matthew 6:13 [Pray:] Lead us not into temptation
A. Avoid the pathway to temptation:
Proverbs 4:14–15 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not … Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away
Matthew 7:13–14 Enter ye in at the strait [narrow] gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way … to destruction
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts
B. Beware of those who would entice you:
Psalm 1:1–2 [Walk] not in the counsel of the ungodly
Proverbs 1:10 If sinners entice thee, consent thou not
Proverbs 16:29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into the way that is not good
2 Peter 3:17 Beware lest ye also being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your steadfastness
(See also Proverbs 22:24–25; 2 Peter 2:18–19.)
C. Know your weaknesses, and be on guard against them:
Romans 13:14 Make not provision [forethought, plans] for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof
Galatians 6:1 Considering thyself, lest thou also be temped
D. Warning about evil, beguiling influences:
Deuteronomy 7:25–26 [Do not] bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: utterly detest it
Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes
Psalm 106:35–36 They were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. Their idols … were a snare unto them
2 Corinthians 11:3 Lest … as the serpent beguiled Eve though his subtlety, so your mind should be corrupted
2 Peter 2:7–8 Lot … in seeing and hearing [the wickedness of Sodom], vexed his righteous soul … with their unlawful deeds
11. HOW TO RESIST AND OVERCOME TEMPTATION:
A. Keep your eyes on Jesus:
Hebrews 11:27 He [Moses] endured, as seeing him who is invisible
Hebrews 12:2–3 Looking unto Jesus … consider him … lest ye … faint
(See also Proverbs 4:25; Colossians 3:2–3.)
B. Pray and ask God to help you:
Psalm 17:5 Hold up my going in thy paths … that my footsteps slip not
Psalm 56:13 Thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling
Matthew 6:13 Lead us not into temptation … deliver us from evil
Matthew 18:19–20 [Have others pray with you in special times of temptation] (See also James 5:16.)
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation (See also Luke 21:36.)
C. Resist the Devil:
Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil
James 4:7 Resist the devil, and he will flee from you
D. Cling to the Word:
Psalm 119:80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed
John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word
2 Peter 1:4 Precious promises: that by these ye might [escape] the corruption that is in the world through lust
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word … I will keep thee
E. Be willing to give up your own desires out of love for Jesus:
Galatians 5:16 Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh
Galatians 5:24 They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts
Ephesians 4:20–23 Put off … the old man … the deceitful lusts
(See also Romans 6:16; Philippians 3:8.)
F. Exercise willpower and determine not to yield to temptation:
Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members … unto sin
1 Corinthians 9:27 I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection
1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you [behave] like men, be strong
2 Timothy 2:3 Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee youthful lusts: but follow righteousness
1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, not [conforming] to former lusts
1 Peter 2:11 Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul
(See also 1 Corinthians 10:5–6.)
G. Fear God and be afraid to disobey Him:
1 Samuel 12:24 Fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart
Proverbs 14:27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death
Proverbs 16:6 By the fear of the Lord men depart from evil
Proverbs 23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the Lord all the day long
H. Be serious and sober about being a believer:
1 Thessalonians 5:8 Let us … be sober, putting on the [armour of God]
Titus 2:12 Denying … worldly lusts, we should live soberly … in this present world
1 Peter 1:13 Gird up … your mind, be sober, and hope to the end
1 Peter 4:7 The end … is at hand: be ye therefore sober 137 trials, temptations, and tribulations
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil … walketh about, seeking whom he may devour
I. Keep your heart and mind on the final goal:
Hebrews 11:25–26 Choosing rather to suffer affliction … than to enjoy the pleasures of sin … for he had respect to the reward
Hebrews 12:2 [Jesus,] for the joy set before him, endured the cross
12. GOD WILL DELIVER YOU:
A. God’s promises to help you:
1 Corinthians 10:13 God … will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will … also make a way to escape
1 Corinthians 15:57 Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
Hebrews 2:18 He is able to succour them that are tempted
2 Peter 2:9 Lord knoweth how to deliver godly out of temptations
B. Jesus has compassion on us, knowing what it’s like:
Hebrews 4:15 [Jesus] was in all points tempted like as we are
C. He is with us when we are tempted:
Isaiah 43:1–2 Fear not: I have called thee by name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee
1 Peter 4:19 Let them that suffer … commit the keeping of their souls to him … as unto a faithful Creator
(See also Deuteronomy 4:30–31.)
13. HOW RIGHTEOUS MEN FELL THROUGH TEMPTATION:
A. Example of Balaam the prophet:
(See Numbers 22:1–21; 24:2,10–11,15,19; 25:1–3; 31:16; Joshua 13:22; 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11; Revelation 2:14.)
B. The fall of King Solomon:
2 Samuel 12:24 The Lord loved him
1 Kings 11:1–11 King Solomon loved many strange women … his wives turned away his heart after other gods … The Lord was angry with Solomon [and said], I will rend the kingdom from thee, and give it to thy servant
Nehemiah 13:26 Solomon … was beloved of his God … nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin
C. Other examples of people falling through temptation:
Genesis 3:1–6 [Eve] saw the tree was good for food … pleasant to the eyes, and to be desired to make one wise … did eat
Genesis 25:29–34 [Esau sold his birthright to Jacob for some pottage]
Joshua 7:1,20–21 [Achan coveted] a godly Babylonish garment … silver and a wedge of gold
2 Kings 5:20–27 [Gehazi coveted Namaan’s goods; was struck leprous]
14. EXAMPLES OF RESISTING TEMPTATION:
Genesis 14:21–23 [Abraham refused rewards from the king of Sodom]
2 Kings 5:15–16 [Naaman urged Elisha to take gifts; Elisha refused]
Job 2:9–10 [Job refused to sin with his lips and curse God]
Jeremiah 35:5–6 [The Rechabites obediently refused to drink wine]
Daniel 1:8 [Daniel refused to defile himself eating unclean food]
Acts 8:18–20 [Peter refused Simon the sorcerer’s money]