Shalom Church (Reformed Baptist)

Christ Provides - He Tests His Church -1 Pet 4-12-19--1. Introduction--a. Recap last Sunday - Eph 4-11-16-b. Today - How does the church know she is growing in Christlikeness----2. Christ Asks - Do You Suffer with the Right Response- -v12-13---a. Situation -- 'fiery trial - intense, localised sufferings.--b. Purpose-- Trials for Christ's churches are a given. v12-- Trials for Christ's churches are meant to test their character. v12-- Trials for Christ's churches identify them with Christ's sufferings. v13--c. Conduct -- Present - Meet trials with joy. v13-- Future - Meet Christ with exceeding joy. v13--d. Apply-- A. C. E. D. - Alone, Commitment, Exceeding Joy, Deliverance---2. Christ Asks - Do You Suffer for the Right Reasons- -v14-16---a. Distinguish-- Genuine trials. v14, 16-- Trials that bring us sufferings because our Christlike actions, driven by our desires to obey Christ, are offensive to others.-- Mistaken trials. v15-- Trials that bring us sufferings because our sinful actions, driven by our desires