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  THINK IT NOT STRANGE CONCERNING THE FIERY TRIAL
  by A.B. Simpson
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Summary: The presence of God in our lives is often revealed in the midst
of challenges and temptations.

Topics: "Faith in Adversity", "Trials and Temptations"
Scripture References: 1 Peter 4:12

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DESCRIPTION
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A.B. Simpson emphasizes that after taking a step of faith, believers
often expect a smooth journey, but instead, they may encounter trials
and temptations. He explains that these challenges are a sign of God's
presence and blessings, as the adversary will challenge what is real and
valuable. Simpson encourages believers to anticipate difficulties and
understand that temptation is not sin, but rather a tactic used by the
enemy to create doubt. By recognizing this, believers can remain
steadfast in their faith despite internal struggles. Ultimately, the
sermon reassures that facing trials is part of the Christian experience
and can lead to deeper reliance on God.

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CONTENT
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Most persons after a step of faith are looking for sunny skies and
unruffled seas, and when they meet a storm and tempest they are filled
with astonishment and perplexity. But this is just what we must expect
to meet if we have received anything of the Lord. The best token of His
presence is the adversary's defiance. The more real our blessing, the
more certainly it will be challenged. It is a good thing to go out
looking for the worst, and if it comes we are not surprised. To the
contrary, if our path is smooth and our way unopposed, it is all the
more delightful because it comes unexpectedly.

But let us quite understand what we mean by temptation.

If you have stepped out with the assurance that you have died to self
and sin, you may be greatly amazed to find yourself assailed with a
tempest of thoughts and feelings that seem to come wholly from within,
and you will be impelled to say, "Why, I thought I was dead, but I seem
to be alive." This, beloved, is the time to remember that temptation
itself is not sin, it is a tactic of the evil one.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ab-simpson/think-it-not-strange-concerning-the-fiery-trial/
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