TRUE JOY
Regardless of your situation, God will give you true joy
(Philippians 4:10-13) I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me, but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need [we’ll look in a moment at how ironic that statement is], for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content – whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
1. A Word About CIRCUMSTANCES
A. We’re not talking about an unpleasant “event”
B. We’re talking about a long-term difficult circumstance
C. Difficulties are not an indication that God is unhappy with us
D. God uses difficult circumstances to bring about great good (Romans 8:28)
2. A Word About CONTENTMENT
(11) I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.
(12) In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content.
A. He was hurting.
B. He was content.
C. Real contentment!
3. A Word About CHANGING
A. Something that has to be “learned”
B. We have to change the way we “respond”
We find true meaning in life when we help Jesus find and save the lost.
Luke 19:10
We now have a better opportunity to be a true, New Testament church!
Philippians 1:9-11
My religion is whatever or whomever I worship and serve the most.
1 Samuel 15
