Real Joy: Trusting God in Adversity Part 1

Real Joy: Trusting God in Adversity Part 1
Philippians 1:12-18

I. Can be a place of celebration

Habakkuk 3:17-18 “Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.”

Hebrews 10:34 “For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one.”

Matthew 5:10-11 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.”

Acts 5:41 “So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.”

Colossians 1:24 “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.”

1 Peter 4:13 “But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.”

II. Can be a place of growth

1. Gospel is spreading

2. Courage is increasing

III. Can be a place of applauding other’s success

IV. Can be a place that exposes our heart

Psalm 73:25-26 “Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Faith Sheet

Transformation Verse - “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”     John 3:16 

Main Points: We can trust God in adversity. Joy increases as we trust God. Trials give us an opportunity to show Christ is real.

#1- Reviewing this Past Sunday  
1. Read Philippians 1:12-18 and discuss the message with someone.
2. What is most difficult for you to surrender in order to take the Gospel to the world? (Comfort, fear, security, finances, reputation, etc.)
3. What is the best way to handle adversity and troubles? (Matthew 11:28-30)
4. What tends to trouble your heart the most and why?
5. Sincerely pray for someone suffering for following Christ.

#2- Preparing for Next Sunday
Confident in God in a Prison Cell-Part 2    Philippians 1:12-26
1. Read Philippians 1:12-26. What stands out to you?
2. What compelled Paul to greatly rejoice? (18)
3. What did he “know” and what did he “expect”? (19-20)
4. What was Paul’s purpose for living and what was his great confidence? (21-22)
4. What was his struggle during this stage of his life? (22-24)
5. Why did he ultimately want to remain on earth? (25-26)
6. Pray to be used for someone’s “progress” and “joy” this week. (25)