Introduction

Wallace Stegner: Most things break, including hearts. The lessons of life amount not to wisdom, but to scar tissue and callus. There is a time for all things, not just the good, but also the bad. But our belief, our faith must lead us to knowing that it is in those times of adversity that the Lord builds character in us. This character will strengthen us naturally, yet it is the spritiual benefit that we rejoice in. That godly character transforms us into the likeness of His Son and not only makes life livable down here, but also prepares us for life in the realms of glory.

Living After The Flesh

We are not debtors to the flesh to live after the flesh, which means that we owe this world nothing. As sons and daughters of God, we owe nothing to the world. But rather we have an obligation to serve the Lord.

• For if we live after the flesh, we shall die.
1. if I live after the flesh, we live contradictory to the standards of God.
2. and as hard as life is already, I need Someone on my side who can anchor me when things gets rough.
3. but if I live after the spirit, I shall live.
4. because life in the spirit positions me in the perfect will of God.
5. and in a world of pain and woe, the only comfort that we have is Jesus and what he can do for us.
6. Jesus said in the book of St. John 16:33 that " In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world".
7. he overcame the world so that we can overcome in this world as well.
8. the tribulation and trials, the heartaches and pains that we must suffer have been overcome in this world.
9. even though we experience the tribulations, he promises us another day.

This World.....

This world is a cruel world that can sometimes hit us and bring us to our knees. This is a life of suffering that affects us on so many levels.

• PHYSICAL SUFFERING
1. sickness is a part of this world.
2. but Jesus has overcome it.
• EMOTIONAL SUFFERING
1. sometimes the things that we deal with in this world causes a mental strain.
2. and if you don't know Jesus, it's almost enough to make you go crazy.
• FINANCIAL SUFFERING
1. I don't think I have to explain that for anyone living in this economy.
• But Jesus says that even in the midst of all of this tribulation, "BE OF GOOD CHEER".
1. which means to us to keep your head up and don't let it get you down, it's a part of living in this world.

BUT THE SUFFERING OF THIS PRESENT WORLD.........

This is his promise to me, that if I can go through it, there's coming something that what I have right now cannot compare. He says that I am an heir of God, Joint-heir with Jesus, which means that His victory is my victory.

• And he overcame everything that was contrary to me.
1. and for my perseverance, he promised me a glory to which this world could not compare.