WORD POWER: Tribulation (thilipsis)- pressure, adversity, problems and affliction.

INTRO: The Certainty of Tribulation
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

⁃ Tribulation is Expected. 2 Tim 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted 2 Tim 3:12

⁃ Tribulation is used by God to develop Christ-like Character.
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Rom 5:3-5

⁃ Answers to this situation are in Scripture.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. 2 Tim 3:16-17


ANALYSIS/APPLICATION: Growing through the Fire of Tribulation

1. Trust God as you acknowledge the Tribulation.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. Vs 16-17

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:1-2

2. Stay True to Jesus when facing Tribulation.

But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Vs 18
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; Exodus 20:3-5

3. You may Fall Down but don’t Stay Down in the midst of Tribulation.

And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.Vs 23

Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;For the Lord upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:24

4. Walk with Him in the Tribulation.

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the for. Vs 24-25

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.Psalm 23:1-6

5. Prepare for Promotion after the Tribulation.

Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon. Daniel 3:30

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;Let them ever shout for joy, because You [f]defend them;Let those also who love Your nameBe joyful in You.12 For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;With favor You will surround him as with a shield.Psalm 5:11-12