Your Hope in the Midst of Trials
Those in Christ are freed from the power and penalty of sin ( Rom. 6:3-7,14,18,23 ). The past is dealt with once and forever. To listen to the past is to listen to demons, and to dishonor the Blood of Christ ( Heb.l0:10,14-22 ). We are to give our time and effort to the present.
God will not allow believers to be tested or tempted beyond what they can bear. He gives His grace and strength to endure every test and resist every temptation so that you never have to sin ( Rom. 8:35-39 ; 1 Cor. 10:13 ; 2 Cor. 4:7-10 ; 2 Cor. 12:9-10 ; Phil. 4:13 ; Heb. 4:15-16 ; 2 Pet. 2:4-9 ).
Our Lord Jesus Christ will grant mercy and provide grace to help in every need . He constantly intercedes as an advocate for you to God the Father and fully understands your weaknesses ( Heb. 2:18 ; Heb. 4:15-16 ; Heb. 7:25 ; Rom. 5:10 ; John 20:23 ). Don't defend self when treated unfairly, or suffering injustices. As your advocate, let Jesus handle evil done to you on earth. Our job is to love our enemies, do good to those who persecute you, to express goodwill to them: put them in the hands of God; pray that they may receive spiritual blessings in Christ ( Rom. 12:19 ).
Trials and testings will develop and mature you in Christ if you respond to them in God's way ( Rom. 5:3-5 ; James 1:2-4 ). He never devises evil or harm for you, rather His plans for you are for good ( Gen. 50:20 ; Deut. 8:2,5,16 ; Ps. 145:17 ; Jer. 29:ll-13 ; Rom. 8:28-29 ; Prov. 24:10 ; Prov. 21:22 ).
God's peace and joy are available to believers regardless of others, possessions or circumstances ( Luke 6:35-38 ; Matt. 6:33 ; Rom. 5:3-12 ; John 14:27 ; John 15:11 ; John 17:13 ; Rom. 14:17 ; Phil. 4:4-7 ; 1 Pet. 1:6-9 ). Follow God's will, His word which is His righteousness and the Kingdom of God is yours to proclaim. We reign in life through righteousness.
Only God can change people ( Ezek. 36:26-27 ; Phil. 1:6 ; Phil. 2:13 ). You cannot and are not responsible for changing others. You are accountable to God solely for your own deeds ( Jer. 17:10 ; Ezek. 18:1-20 ; especially verse 20; Matt. 16:27 ; Rom. 2:5-10 ; Col. 3:23-25 ; 1 Pet. 1:17 ), and are to do your part in living at peace with others ( Matt. 5:23-24 ; Mark 11:25 ; Rom. 12:9-21 ; Rom. 14:19 ; 1 Pet. 3:8-9 ; 1 Pet. 4:8 ).
When you confess your sins, God forgives and cleanses you ( 1 John 1:7-9 ; Rom. 5:10 ; Heb. 7:22-25 ; Heb. 10:22-23 ). Our job is to honor the Blood of Jesus by acting and proclaiming ourselves forgiven by His great sacrifice for us. To act guilty, condemned or self-pitying is to make the cross ineffective. Self-pity is negative pride, worshiping the devil.
As we follow God's way, walking in His word, living by His truths as so stated, we enter into His promises of an abundant life now, here on earth, as well as in eternity ( 1 Cor. 6:17 ; John 5:24 ; John 4:24 ; John 10:10 ).
Work Out Your Salvation (Phil. 2:12-13)
John l6:33 : Meditate on this verse, read and listen to it carefully, mull it over until you really understand. We are 'overcomers' in Christ. It is about time, we begin to replace evil with righteousness.
Note : During the meditating process, seek others interpretation of the verse, ask Holy Spirit to reveal deeper meaning, etc. For example, on the memory verse, Jesus on the Cross exclaimed: "It is Finished!" To me this verse means that Satan is defeated, I am no longer in union with Satan, my sins are forgiven, I am set free from the world, the flesh and the devil, I am complete in Christ, I am an overcomer in Christ, now in Christ I can work through all the trials , tests and temptations of life and overcome them because Jesus overcame the world so can I in Him. When I do sin, I confess and I am immediately cleansed and I begin to praise Him for His great sacrifice. ( 1 John 1:9 )
BSAF on Heb. 6:19-20 .
Continue working on 'problem areas' via Section A.4, “Victory Over Sin Worksheet” .
Reference: See page 99, [5][BCF1] for further reading.