Opportunity in Tragedy
Notes
Transcript
Opportunity in Tragedy
Do hardships become an excuse or opportunity?
-Grandfather's rise from orphan to newspaper editor.
-could have been an excuse for a lifetime of poverty, instead rose above it.
Coronavirus Quarantine- excuse to stop or an opportunity to change.
James 1:2-3
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
READ Philippians 1:12-18
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.
The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.
The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
PRAY
4 Ways Trials Become Opportunities
Gospel is Advanced (12-13)
Gospel is Advanced (12-13)
Paul knew struggles
Arrested in Jerusalem.
Imprisoned two years in Caesarea.
Jews attempted to kill him.- appealed to Rome
Shipwrecked on way to Rome.
“advance” = used in Roman world to describe blazing a trail before an army.
These trails forged new territory for the Gospel.
Paul shared with people he never would have otherwise.
Solder, Roman officials etc.
Remember- Philippi was started by retired military. Retired military have proved throughout early Christian history as being some of the best missionaries.
APP- Coronavirus has provided opportunity we would not have otherwise.
Captive, bored audience stuck on Facebook for interaction.
Our first month of on-line church saw our influence many times more than a normal Sunday.
Christians are Emboldened (14)
Christians are Emboldened (14)
As Christians saw Paul was able to endure it they were emboldened to proclaim Christ without fear.
Wurmbrand - VOM movie Tortured for Christ.
Richard Wurmbrand was arrested by communist regime.
It mentioned in movie that other pastors were bold because of how Richard persevered through his persecution.
Our trials are testimonies to others that God helps us overcome.
Michael Sattler was one of the first Anabaptist leaders and was hated by Catholics and Reformers.
Believers Baptistism - Not infant baptism - also separation of church and state. Pacifists. (Mennonites)
The sentence to execution read, "Michael Sattler shall be committed to the executioner. The latter shall take him to the square and there first cut out his tongue, and then forge him fast to a wagon and there with glowing iron tongs twice tear pieces from his body, then on the way to the site of execution five times more as above and then burn his body to powder as an arch-heretic."[11]
Did this stop the movement? No just made them bolder.
Going through persecution is an encouragement to those who witness it make you stronger.
Preaching is Empowered (15-16)
Preaching is Empowered (15-16)
Those who love Christ and his messengers use the testimony as a way to preach Christ.
Why was Paul in prison?
“I am put here”= literally- “I have been sent here”= divine purpose.
Galatians 1:15
But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,
“Defense of the Gospel”= not to be declared innocent. But opportunity to defend his faith to some of the most powerful people in all the world.
1 Peter 3:13-17
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.
APP- facing Corona virus with hope= opportunity to witness about the sovereignty and goodness of God.
Tell who we build our life upon and why sickness and death cannot shake that foundation.
Accusations are Rejoiced (17-18)
Accusations are Rejoiced (17-18)
In order to accuse they have to mention the name of Christ.
God can use the slanders of the persecutors to proclaim Christ.
If he can make the rocks cry out...
Luke 19:40
He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”
We live in a polarizing time.
Everyone has an opinion and easily offended.
Let us not get off on political agendas and conspiracy theories.
Let believers stick to Christ.
Let us proclaim his name- and when those who don’t agree try to slander our faith, know that their efforts only proclaim the name of Jesus to those who need to hear it.
CONCLUSION
Difficult times are not about the trials or persecutions, they are about Jesus.
Jesus is our creator and our Savior.
Is Jesus to you a magic Genie or the one whom you have surrendered your life to.
We need to surrender to Jesus because.
Romans 3:23
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:9
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Will you take advantage of this opportunity and submit to Jesus?
Will you take advantage of this opportunity and submit to Jesus?