HOW TO RESPOND IN TRYING TIMES
Real Hope In Real Times Part 18

TEXT- 1 Peter 4:7-11

INTRODUCTION

This morning we are going to continue with our study from the book of First Peter which was written to Christians in the first century to give them hope during a time of sever persecution.  These Christians were suffering as a result of their faith in Jesus Christ.

The defendant in a lawsuit involving a   large sum of money was talking to his lawyer.  "If I lose the case, I'll be ruined," he said. "It's in the judge's hands now," the   lawyer replied. "Would it help if I sent the judge a box of cigars?" "Oh, no," said the lawyer.  "This judge is a stickler for ethical behavior.  A stunt like that would prejudice him against you. He might even hold you in contempt of court. In fact, you shouldn't even smile at the judge." in due time, the judge rendered a decision in favor of the defendant.  He told his lawyer as they were leaving the courtroom, "thanks for the tip about the cigars.  It worked."  "Well, I'm sure we would have lost the case if you had sent them."  "But I did send them."  "You did?"  "Yes, that's why we won the case."  "I don't understand," said the attorney.  "It's easy.  I sent the box of cigars to the judge, but I enclosed the plaintiff's business card."

Today our text is found in 1 Peter 4:7-11 and the title of my message is, "How To Respond In Trying Times."

Each one of us in our lifetime, either have or will experience, to some degree, some kind of suffering, troubles or trials.  It may be physically, emotionally, or  spiritually.

The question is however, "How do you behave when you experience problems?"  How do you respond in trying times?

Suffering can have either a positive or a negative affect upon our lives.  The way we conduct ourselves during times of troubles and problems, reveals what kind of Christians we are.  It’s like a tube of toothpaste.  Whenever you squeeze the tube, whatever is on the inside is going to come out.  Whenever Christians go through trying times, whatever is on the inside is going to come out.

Here in our text, Peter describes for us, four ways we need to respond in trying times.