How adversity Advances The Gospel

JOY: Turning Circumstances Into Catalysts Not Constraints

— INTRO: Tuesday…

Jesus Overwhelming You

Over Yourself

(all) Jesus Offers You

COMFORT: Peaceful Morning, Family Breakfast, Productive Day, Got a Nap, dog didn’t poop inside, Tax Return, Paid off achilles, looking forward to quiet night with Savannah and ready to do it all over again Wednesday…

Jesus Overcame for You

JOY=

COMPROMISED: Savannah Calls… “I THINK I JUST BROKE MY FOOT...”

My first thought: “WHAT CHEER STUNT WERE YOU TRYING?!”

My next thoughts: REALLY GOD?!

— QUESTIONS:

More Medical Bills?

More set backs?

Savannah’s launching a business we can’t afford to lose clients!

How is she going to chase around 3 kids and a puppy?!

What’s she going to do when I have to be in Florida on Monday?

How can I do all I have to get done this week when I have extra work like keeping a couple hundred middle schoolers and leaders alive for an event literally called MARCH MADENESS?!

OH YEAH… ANNNNDDDDDD… I’m supposed to be preaching THIS SUNDAY ALL ABOUT HOW TO FIND JOY IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES & LIFE STRUGGLES, BUT I’M STUCK WAITING FOR A GOOD ILLUSTRATION TO BRING IT ALL TOGETHER … AHHHHHH

SAVANNAH GET’S HOME, GET’S HER FOOT ICED & ELEVATED, AND ASKS 2 questions:

“Hey, do we still have that walking boot laying around?” and

“What are you preaching on this week?”

— QUESTIONS:

WHERE DO YOU FIND JOY IN YOUR LIFE?

CONTEXT:

| Paul’s first trip to Philippi & First Converts

Lydia (vs 14-15) Wealth, Power, Moral Wealthy Empty

SLAVE TO Power, wealth, pursuit of more

Slave Girl (vs16-18)

Slave Girl (vs16-18)

SLAVE TO bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness for being sold

Jailer (vs 25-34)

SLAVE TO Duty, Culture, Empire, Fear

PAUL SEES THE GOSPEL TRANSCEND DIVERSITY & FREE SLAVES TO DYSFUNCTIONAL WAYS OF LIFE THAT PEOPLE CHOOSE…

THE GOSPEL OVERPOWERS BRINGS FREEDOM & JOY

SO....

PAUL CAN SEE THE GOSPEL TRANSCEND CIRCUMSTANCE

Paul was imprisoned by the Philippians on his first trip 10yrs earlier

WHAT PURPOSE DOES YOUR JOY SERVE?

Paul longed to go to Rome as a Preacher, ends up there a Prisoner

— SERIES: PHILIPPIANS FINDING JOY > LOVING OTHERS > LIVING FULLY

Committed no crime, “in chains for Christ”

JOY is one of those God sized words that encompasses alot more than we tend to fully understand…

Chained to a Roman Guard 24/7 (4/day) He shared and prayed with them

Opening Up Philippians Chapter 2: Paul Rejoices in His Imprisonment (1:12–26)

His words demand that we take a long and hard look at ourselves. What does the gospel mean to us? Does it mean enough that we are willing to suffer hardship in order for it to prosper? Or do we put our own comfort and ease above the gospel?

Opening Up Philippians Chapter 2: Paul Rejoices in His Imprisonment (1:12–26)

His words demand that we take a long and hard look at ourselves. What does the gospel mean to us? Does it mean enough that we are willing to suffer hardship in order for it to prosper? Or do we put our own comfort and ease above the gospel?

— Context: |

It’s more than happiness: its a feeling confident hope, a resolve in adversity, an expression of love, and embodiment of grace, way of thinking,

a mindset that FINDS & FOCUSES on the good & the good of others…

Opening Up Philippians Chapter 2: Paul Rejoices in His Imprisonment (1:12–26)

As we look at Paul’s rejoicing over his imprisonment, we see him giving emphasis to two major themes: the good that he could see and the good that he expected to see.

— QUESTIONS:

WHY IS PAUL SO FULL OF JOY & ENCOURAGING THE PHILIPPIANS TO HAVE THE SAME KIND OF JOY HE HAS?

WHERE DO YOU FIND JOY IN YOUR LIFE?

Family, work, success, security, friendships, hobbies, sports, art

WHAT PURPOSE DOES YOUR JOY SERVE?

Opening Up Philippians Contact with Unbelievers (v. 13)

Paul’s example teaches us to view every situation in which we find ourselves as an opportunity for spreading the gospel.

Is the purpose of your Joy self serving or to serve beyond yourself?

— CONTEXT: |

Opening Up Philippians Contact with Unbelievers (v. 13)

No Christian can instil faith in other hearts—that is the work of God. But wherever a believer goes, he should leave a favourable impression of his Christianity with those with whom he or she has associated.

THIS: “JOY IS THE RESULT OF CHOOSING Jesus Over Yourself”

PAUL’S CONFLICT: DESIRE TO PREACH, DETAINED AS A PRISONER

THE GOSPEL THAT TRANSFORMS THE MOST LOST LIVES, PRODUCES JOY THAT TRANSCENDS THE WORST CIRCUMSTANCES

(FIX THIS)

Roman Prisoner, No Crime, on his Own Dime

PAUL’S CONVICTION: TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS WITH ALL PEOPLE & CELEBRATE STORIES OF THE GOSPEL SETTING PEOPLE FREE

THIS: “JOY IS THE RESULT OF CHOOSING Jesus Over Yourself”

PAUL’S JOURNEY TO PHILIPPI 10YRS EARLIER

— Context: |

REMEMBERING: LYDIA, SLAVE GIRL, JAILER ALL FREED FROM SOMETHING

“THE GOSPEL THAT TRANSFORMS ALL PEOPLE, PRODUCES JOY THAT TRANSCENDS ALL CIRCUMSTANCES”

“PROCLAIMING THE GOSPEL THAT CAN TRANSFORM ALL PEOPLE, PRODUCES JOY THAT TRANSCENDS ALL CIRCUMSTANCES”

— Text:

New Living Translation Chapter 1

12 And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.

13 For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.

14 And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.

THIS: “IF YOU LIVE LIKE THE GOOD NEWS IS JUST FOR YOU, YOU DON’T KNOW THAT GOOD NEWS...”

orTHIS:”IF YOU THINK THE GOOD NEWS IS ABOUT YOU, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE GOOD NEWS”

orTHIS: “IF THE GOSPEL DOESN’T COMPEL YOU TO JOYFULLY SHARE GOOD NEWS, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE GOSPEL”

orTHIS: “IF THE GOSPEL STOPS WITH YOU, YOU GOT FAKE NEWS, NOT GOOD NEWS”

orTHIS: “THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL IS THAT ITS NOT ABOUT YOU… ITS FOR ALL PEOPLE!”

orTHIS:”THE GOSPEL DOESN’T SEND YOU TO SAVE, IT SENDS YOU TO SHARE & SHOW”

THIS: “JOY IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY ADVANCES THE GOSPEL FURTHER THAN COMFORT EVER WILL”

Paul’s example teaches us to view every situation in which we find ourselves as an opportunity for spreading the gospel.

Opening Up Philippians Contact with Unbelievers (v. 13)

Opening Up Philippians Contact with Unbelievers (v. 13)

His words demand that we take a long and hard look at ourselves. What does the gospel mean to us? Does it mean enough that we are willing to suffer hardship in order for it to prosper? Or do we put our own comfort and ease above the gospel?

THIS: “UNDERSTANDING THE GOSPEL RIGHTLY TURNS CIRCUMSTANCES FROM CONSTRAINTS INTO CATALYSTS TO CARRY THE GOOD NEWS”

Paul’s example teaches us to view every situation in which we find ourselves as an opportunity for spreading the gospel.

WHAT’S THE POINT OF THE GOSPEL?

THIS: “IF YOU LIVE LIKE THE GOOD NEWS IS JUST FOR YOU, YOU DON’T KNOW THAT GOOD NEWS...”

THIS: “JOY IS THE RESULT OF CHOOSING Jesus Over Yourself”

orTHIS:”IF YOU THINK THE GOOD NEWS IS ABOUT YOU, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE GOOD NEWS”

orTHIS: “IF THE GOSPEL DOESN’T COMPEL YOU TO JOYFULLY SHARE GOOD NEWS, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE GOSPEL”

orTHIS: “IF THE GOSPEL STOPS WITH YOU, YOU GOT FAKE NEWS, NOT GOOD NEWS”

orTHIS: “THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL IS THAT ITS NOT ABOUT YOU… ITS FOR ALL PEOPLE!”

orTHIS:”THE GOSPEL DOESN’T SEND YOU TO SAVE, IT SENDS YOU TO SHARE & SHOW”

— Text:

New Living Translation Chapter 1

20 For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.

21 For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.

22 But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better.

23 I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me.

WHAT’S THE POINT OF THE GOSPEL?

THIS: “JOY IS THE RESULT OF TRANSFORMATION & TRANSCENDS CIRCUMSTANCES”

THIS: “IF YOU LIVE LIKE THE GOOD NEWS IS JUST FOR YOU, YOU DON’T KNOW THE GOOD NEWS...”

orTHIS:”IF YOU THINK THE GOOD NEWS IS ABOUT YOU, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE GOOD NEWS”

orTHIS: “IF THE GOSPEL DOESN’T COMPEL YOU TO JOYFULLY SHARE GOOD NEWS, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE GOSPEL”

orTHIS: “IF THE GOSPEL STOPS WITH YOU, YOU GOT FAKE NEWS, NOT GOOD NEWS”

—

orTHIS: “THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL IS THAT ITS NOT ABOUT YOU… ITS FOR ALL PEOPLE!”

orTHIS: “RECEIVING GOOD NEWS RELAYS GOOD NEWS REPEATEDLY”

orTHIS:”THE GOSPEL DOESN’T SEND YOU TO SAVE, IT SENDS YOU TO SHARE & SHOW THE LOVE & HOPE OF THE SAVIOR”

THIS: “WHEN SUFFERING REVEALS THE SUFFICIENCY OF JESUS, JOY REVEALS JESUS TO A WORLD SEARCHING FOR SUBSTANCE”

THIS: “JOY IS THE RESULT OF CHOOSING Jesus Over Yourself”

WHAT’S THE POINT OF THE GOSPEL?

THIS: “IF YOU LIVE LIKE THE GOOD NEWS IS JUST FOR YOU, YOU DON’T KNOW THAT GOOD NEWS...”

orTHIS:”IF YOU THINK THE GOOD NEWS IS ABOUT YOU, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE GOOD NEWS”

orTHIS: “IF THE GOSPEL DOESN’T COMPEL YOU TO JOYFULLY SHARE GOOD NEWS, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE GOSPEL”

orTHIS: “IF THE GOSPEL STOPS WITH YOU, YOU GOT FAKE NEWS, NOT GOOD NEWS”

orTHIS: “THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL IS THAT ITS NOT ABOUT YOU… ITS FOR ALL PEOPLE!”

orTHIS: “RECEIVING GOOD NEWS RELAYS GOOD NEWS REPEATEDLY”

orTHIS:”THE GOSPEL DOESN’T SEND YOU TO SAVE, IT SENDS YOU TO SHARE & SHOW”

— Text:

— Text:

New Living Translation Chapter 1

Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.

THIS: "JOY IS STRENGTHENED THROUGH STORIES & SHARED EXPERIENCES WITH OTHERS”

STORY: SHARED JOY OF STAR WARS >> SHARING ISAAC’S DECISION

—Text:

New Living Translation Psalm 51

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.

Renew a loyal spirit within me.

11 Do not banish me from your presence,

and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and make me willing to obey you.

13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels,

and they will return to you.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God.

Renew a loyal spirit within me.

11 Do not banish me from your presence,

and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

and make me willing to obey you.

13 Then I will teach your ways to rebels,

and they will return to you.

Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

THIS: “REMEMBERING YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS RESTORES JOY & RESULTS IN LOVE”

“JOY IS THE RESULT OF CHOOSING J.ESUS - O.VER - Y.OURSELF”

J.ESUS - O.VER - Y.OURSELF”

WHAT’S THE POINT OF THE GOSPEL?

THIS: “IF YOU LIVE LIKE THE GOOD NEWS IS JUST FOR YOU, YOU DON’T KNOW THAT GOOD NEWS...”

orTHIS:”IF YOU THINK THE GOOD NEWS IS ABOUT YOU, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE GOOD NEWS”

orTHIS: “IF THE GOSPEL DOESN’T COMPEL YOU TO JOYFULLY SHARE GOOD NEWS, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE GOSPEL”

orTHIS: “IF THE GOSPEL STOPS WITH YOU, YOU GOT FAKE NEWS, NOT GOOD NEWS”

orTHIS: “THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL IS THAT ITS NOT ABOUT YOU… ITS FOR ALL PEOPLE!”

orTHIS: “RECEIVING GOOD NEWS RELAYS GOOD NEWS REPEATEDLY”

orTHIS:”THE GOSPEL DOESN’T SEND YOU TO SAVE, IT SENDS YOU TO SHARE & SHOW”

THE POWER & PURPOSE OF THE GOSPEL…

THIS: “IF YOU LIVE LIKE THE GOOD NEWS IS JUST FOR YOU, YOU DON’T KNOW THAT GOOD NEWS...”

orTHIS:”IF YOU THINK THE GOOD NEWS IS ABOUT YOU, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE GOOD NEWS”

orTHIS: “IF THE GOSPEL DOESN’T COMPEL YOU TO JOYFULLY SHARE GOOD NEWS, YOU HAVEN’T HEARD THE GOSPEL”

orTHIS: “IF THE GOSPEL STOPS WITH YOU, YOU GOT FAKE NEWS, NOT GOOD NEWS”

orTHIS: “THE GOOD NEWS OF THE GOSPEL IS THAT ITS NOT ABOUT YOU… ITS FOR ALL PEOPLE!”

orTHIS:”THE GOSPEL DOESN’T SEND YOU TO SAVE, IT SENDS YOU TO SHARE & SHOW”

— Close: “WHERE DO YOU NEED THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL TO FREE YOU FROM BEING A VICTIM SO YOU CAN LOVE OTHERS & LIVE FULLY?”

“WHERE DO YOU NEED THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL TO FREE YOU FROM BEING A VICTIM SO YOU CAN LOVE OTHERS & LIVE FULLY?”