Introduction

Memory Text: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12, 13, NKJV).

Crucibles are part of our spiritual life; the definition of a crucible helps us to understand this better. “This week will give us reasons why we may suddenly find ourselves under pressure and experiencing tests in places in which circumstances cause us to change, develop, and grow in character.

Why should we not be surprised when fiery trials come our way?

1 Peter 4:9-12 encourages us not to think it strange when fiery trials come our way as it is a honour to suffer for Christ. Job suffered many things but God was glorified, however to some of the people that saw him, God was blasphemed but that is not true.

Why are the works of Satan compared to the walking of a roaring lion?

A lion especially when hungry can catch and eat anything, the Devil moves about in that manner looking for whom he may devour.

How should Christians react to Satan’s prowling?

“Be sober, vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

What is God’s promise to those who are suffering for His name’s sake?

Peter writes thus “But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).

Why does God sometimes allow us to experience the consequences of our sinful actions?

God allows us to experience the consequences of our actions sometimes so we understand how deeply damaging and offensive our sin really is.

What are the three reasons why refining and testing may feel like a crucible?

Refining and testing may feel like a crucible because first God allows circumstances to bring our attention to our sin. Second, we experience anguish as we feel sorrow for the sin we now see clearly. Third, we experience frustration as we try to live differently.

For what significant reason can God let thorns stay in your life as it did with Paul?

In the case of Paul, the thorns in his life was not for specific sins that he committed but to prevent him from committing sin in the future as he had the weakness to sin, so God can in like manner leave things to stay in your life for a reason.

In Conclusion,

God lets us go through crucibles to build our relationship with Him more, while sometimes the crucibles may be because of our sin, in which case the result will still bring us close to Jesus. 1 Peter tells us not think it as strange when we go through persecutions, God is trying to achieve something with us, I pray that God gives us the strength to bear whatever crucibles we may be in now and if not maybe yet, I pray that God helps us to walk better with Him in Jesus’ name.