The New Self in Tough Times

I. ITNRO

A. Where We’ve Been

a. The New Self is Different

II. BODY

A. In tough times the new self endures

a. the world in tough times

i. The world blames others, gives up, gets angry, loses hope, becomes disenfranchised

ii. What about us; u; me?

-If we don’t handle bad circumstances well, it is likely that there is a hope problem

b. The new self endures by rejoicing in hope

Romans 12:12 ESV

12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

The new self endures with patience,

The new self endures prayerful

​ ESV12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

1. How do we deal w/ bad circumstances?

in bad circumstances the new self rejoices in hope…but hope in what?

ii. What about us; u; me?

-If we don’t handle bad circumstances well, it is likely that there is a hope problem

in bad circumstances the new self rejoices in hope…but hope in what?

i. r we hoping things work out the way we want?

ii. r we hoping in our stocks? the government? our family?

iii Paul encourages us to hope in God!!

​ ESV2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

- Our hope is in our eternal salvation through Jesus

- This is more than grasping/clutching @ hope

b. in bad circumstances the new self is patient (suffers long)

i. that is, we faithfully endure persecution, empty bellies, leaky roofs, ridicule, & even betrayal

-why…why be patient in tribulation?

ii. because our hope is deeply rooted in our eternal salvation & that our all powerful God waists nothing, but uses everything for our good & the good of the saints

-& because our all powerful God who has saved us & waists nothing is also approachable

*How do we approach God?

c. in ALL circumstances the new self bring it to the lord in prayer

The new self endures prayerful

4. no matter what we are dealing w/, we bring it to the lord in prayer

i. Paul says, “be constant in prayer”

Did God provide? - pray a prayer of thanksgiving

- pray a prayer of thanksgiving

Did u sin & mess up? - pray a prayer of repentance

- pray a prayer of repentance

Did God show up miraculously? - pray a prayer of praise

- pray a prayer of praise

Feel like God has left you? - pray a prayer of remorse

- pray a prayer of remorse

Someone close to you pass away? - pray a prayer of lament

- pray a prayer of lament

Are you/someone u know going through hard season? - pray a prayer of petition

- pray a prayer of petition

ii. be constant in prayer

The new self endures prayerful

These 3 actions, rejoicing in hope, enduring hardship, & constantly praying r powerfully linked & necessary if we r 2 overcome!

i. if we have no hope, we cannot endure

ii. if we pray in faith, hope will well up inside

iii. w/out patient endurance we cannot c God deliver,

-we will never c God’s faithfulness 2 rescue frm/through circumstances

*which is what builds up our hope 4 future struggles.

-Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer