'Let The Real Men Take A Stand'

STANDING FOR CHRIST DURING TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS

A person will definitely fall for everything that comes his\her way if such do not take a stand for everything in life,

We live in a world where everything else wants our attention, how we  keep away from distraction depend on what we are living for,

WHAT ARE YOU LIVING FOR?

Genesis 39:7-9; Daniel 3:14-17; Romans 8:35-39

Trials and temptations are challenging situations that confront every Christian youth on the pilgrimage to heaven. Temptation is an enticement to do evil. It comes to all and sundry. Our spiritual height or attainment does not give any immunity against it. Trials, on the other hand, come in form of persecutions, calamities, denial of rights, failure, sickness, afflictions, hardship, etc. Throughout the scriptures, saints of God were at one time or the other subjected to varying degrees of temptations and trials. The examples of Joseph, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Paul, the apostle in our text, give Christian youths today a great challenge that no matter how fierce the trials and temptations could be, they can be steadfast for Christ. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38, 39).

1.       REALITY OF TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS

John 16:33; Isaiah 43:1, 2; Psalm 34:19; James 1:2–4; II Timothy 3:12; I Peter 4:12-14

Every believer of whatever status is bound to experience trials and temptations. As long as we are on this side of eternity, no believer is excluded from them. Even our Lord Jesus Christ was not spared and He did not promise us a problem-free life. He only promised a defeat-free battle. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Great Bible heroes and heroines had great trials of faith and temptations, yet they maintained uncompromising convictions and became victorious. Consider the following examples:

i.       Joseph experienced undue hatred and cruelty from his brothers, untimely separation from his loving father, false accusation and imprisonment in Egypt. His righteous conviction remained unshakable and he eventually became the prime minister there.

ii.      Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were confronted by King Nebuchadnezzar to bow down and worship his idol. They risked their lives and chose to be thrown into the fiery furnace.

iii.   Daniel was thrown into the lion’s den because of his righteous convictions about God (Daniel 6:16, 20-23).

iv.     Job lost his children, livestock, properties and health to the attack of the devil.

v.       Others include Elizabeth, Zechariah, Paul the Apostle, etc. The grace of God that was sufficient for them is sufficient for you too. 

2.       RESOLUTE DETERMINATION TO STAND FOR CHRIST

          Proverbs 1:10; Genesis 39:7-9; Daniel 3:14-17

Trials and temptations characterize the narrow way to heaven. Believing youths cannot escape them. However, God expects him to stand for Christ during trials and temptation. “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not” (Proverb 1:10). The conviction of a Christian youth must not be shaky or unstable in times of trials. To stand for Christ:

(i)                 Realize that others had successfully passed through the same trials (Hebrews 11:32-40). Know that God is with you and will moderate the trials so that you are not destroyed (I Corinthians 10:13). Trials are opportunities in disguise and they have expiry dates (Romans 8:28).

(ii)              Read your Bible and pray every day (Joshua 1:8).

(iii)            Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7).

(iv)             Run from the tempters and the temptresses (I Thessalonians 5:22).

(v)                Reject any unscriptural suggestions (Proverbs1:10).

(vi)             Report church members who are objects of temptations.

(vii)           Recall the testimonies of past heroes who stood uncompromisingly on their righteous convictions to the end.

(viii)         Rely on the unfailing promise of God (Numbers 23:19).

(ix)            Rejoice in the Lord always.

(x)               Receive counseling from matured Christian leaders or pastors, when necessary.

3.       REWARDS FOR STANDING FOR CHRIST

          I Peter 1:4-6; 5:10; Daniel 3:28, 30; II Timothy 4:7, 8  

>Temptation on it's own isn't a sin, but falling into it is, >Saints of old were rewarded for their steadfastness during trials and persecution. Joseph’s righteous stand earned him the position of a Prime Minister in a strange land. As for Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego, the Son of the Living God appeared to them and honoured their unwavering trust in God. When Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, God shut their mouths and brought him out unhurt. God restored to Job all that he lost during his trials. When you endure persecution and overcome temptation, there are rewards reserved in heaven for you. Eternal inheritance awaits you, with a crown of righteousness when you eventually get to heaven. Moreover, there is promotion from God even in this world.

As temptation and persecution come your way, you have to keep fighting the good fight of faith and stand steadfast in the way of the Lord. The Lord is assuring you that if you want to stand, there is grace available for you. And when the trumpet shall sound, those who overcome and endure to the end will reign with the Lord forever and ever. 

Interactive Session  HOW BEST  CAN YOU COPE WITH INNER PRESSURES?

QUESTIONS

1.     Differentiate between trials and temptation.

2.     Give examples of Bible characters that experienced trials and temptations.

3.     How can we stand for Christ during trials and temptations?

4.     Mention some rewards for standing for Christ.