The Lord Our Security And Stronghold Part II

Psalms 71:1,3,7 (NLT)
"O Lord, I have come to You for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. 3 Be my rock of safety where I can always hide. Give the order to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress. 7 My life is an example to many, because You have been my strength and protection."

Titus 2:13-14 (KJV)
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

A. Peculiar: The word peculiar is formed from two Greek words meaning to be and around. As a circle surrounds a dot at icenter, we are surrounded by the Lord and nothing touches us without His consent.

Satan complained about God’s care and protection concerning Job:
1. Job 1:9-10 (NKJV)
"So Satan answered the Lord and said, Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land."

Why do bad things happen to good people?
1. The answer is God has allowed it for their good:

A. Romans 8:28-29 (MSG)
"That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. 29 God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him."

JESUS UNDERSTOOD GLORY IS BIRTH OUT OF SUFFERING:

Luke 12:50 (NLT)
"I have a terrible baptism of suffering ahead of Me, and I am under a heavy burden until it is accomplished."

John 12:27 (NKJV)
"Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? Father, save Me from this hour? But for this purpose I came to this hour."

Trials do several things for the believer:
1. They develop faith or character such as patience, faith,
compassion, humility, and a dependence upon God.
2. They help demonstrate our faith in the Lord.
3. They develop our capacity for ministry

A. 2 Corinthians 1:3-6 (NKJV)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation."