April 18, 2021

HOW TO HAVE JOY IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE

Philippians 1:22-26
I rejoice, and I will continue to rejoice.

Four Secrets For Joyful Living

I. I need a perspective to live from.
Paul’s view of his circumstances:
Vs. 12 – Now, I want you to know brothers, that what happened to
me has really served to advance the gospel.
Face Problems Joyfully

It touched non-believers_______________________ Vs. 13
It encouraged others to share___________________ Vs. 14
Rom. 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the
good of those who love Him.
LESSON: God has a purpose behind every one of my problems.
II. I need a priority to live by.
Paul’s response to his critics:
Vs. 18 – But what does it matter? The important thing is that in
every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached,
and because of this, I rejoice.
Prov. 3:6 – In everything you do, put God first, and He will direct
you and crown your efforts with success.
LESSON: Focus on what really counts and let the rest go.

III. I need a power to live on.
Paul’s source of strength:
Vs. 19 – I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through
your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I
eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed.
Phil. 4:13 – I have the strength to face all conditions by the
power that Christ gives me.
LESSON: With God’s power nothing can devastate me.
IV. I need a purpose to live for.
Paul’s reason for living:
Vs. 21 – For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Phil.3:13-14 – Forgetting what is behind and straining
towards what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the
prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ
Jesus.
Paul’s concern:
Vs. 22-26
LESSON:
Jesus first.
Others second.
Yourself third.
For me to live is ___________________________________
HOW WOULD YOU FILL IN THE BLANK?