11/11/2019
TODAY'S SERMON WAS PREACHED BY DADDY (G.O) PASTOR JK IBITOYE. TITLED:-
Holiness and Trials of Faith.
B/R 2tim 2:13, 2Cor 11:23-32. The message is divided into 3 parts:
a) Records of the Tested & Tried.
b) Reasons for Trials of the Righteous
c) Remedies during Trials.
I am yet to see a (holy) man, who has not passed through one trial or the other
(1) Abraham the father of faith had his own share of trails of faith. He got married, for 25years, he had no child
(2) Job was a righteous and holy man and one that feared God and eschewed evil and yet he suffered uncommon sickness, lost his children and properties all in one day. Job1:1-2, Job 14:1
(3) Joseph, a very young and innocent boy suffered hell in the house of portiphar- tempted with adultery, hatred by his brethren and thrown into the pit. (Gen 37:39)
(4) Daniel was blameless and righteous and yet he was thrown into the den of lions. (Dan 6)
(5) Paul the apostle was holy, yet he suffered many things in the hands of the jews. (2Cor. 11:25-33)
(6) Elijah, Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego were holy and yet they didn’t have It free.
(7) Jesus Christ – the Head of the church was holy and righteous, yet He went through trials and persecution
MODERN THEORY IS MISLEADING
There are modern preachers who teach others that once you are born again, you will never pass through hard times and if you pass through any, it is because of your sins
They teach and tell their followers that when somebody is passing through hard times, afflictions and trials of faith, it is because of his/her sin. It is not usually true. It is not always sin. John 9:1-3, if it were sins, that means that Jesus, Paul the apostle, Abraham, Joseph, Job, Daniel etc were all sinners. But not true.
REASONS FOR THE TRIALS AND AFFLICTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS
(1) That he may know that God has power to step in and deliver him from them all, 2Tim 13, Ps 34;19. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from them all
(2) To test our faith, faithfulness and confidence in God
(3) That God will show up and prove His power to the shame of our Adversaries
(4) To strengthen us spiritually so that we can reign with Him eternally. 2Tim, 2:12
(5) To test our attitude and reactions at such times. 1Pet 4:12-13, Job did not charge. God foolishly
(6) Each victory has a reward at the end
That the works of God may be made manifested in Him. John 9:1-3
(7) That believer will be able to counsel, teach and encourage others when they are tried. Ps 51: 13
REMEDIES DURING TESTS AND TRIALS OF FAITH.
(1) Look unto God for help. Heb 13:2. (2) Whatever problem or challenge and trial of faith that God cannot tackle, no man can tackle it. Lk 1:37
(3) Remember the word of Jesus and God’s promises to the tried. Mt 26:75, Jn 16:33, Ps 46:1. He is our present help in times of trouble.
(4) Encourage yourself. Don’t give in defeat, evil though and scriptural imaginations. David encouraged himself . 1SAM 30:6
(5) Pray and leave it there at the feet of Jesus . Once you poured your heart to God, leave the problem with God. Lk 18:1, 1Thess 5:17
(6) Turn It to praises and worship when every other thing fails. Acts 16:25-26
(7) Tell it to elders of the church and let them pray. James 5:13-16
(8) Remember the miracles that you have enjoyed in the past and remember that God has not changed.