Dr. Stanley examines the apostle Paul’s triumphant joy in the face of dire circumstances. As Christians, we’re enabled by the Holy Spirit to experience overflowing joy even when we're in despair. Explore what it means to trade in superficial happiness for steadfast joy.
Sermon Outline
The way we react to adversity reveals a great deal about our faith. This week, to help us adjust our response to life’s challenges and better display God’s Spirit to others, Dr. Stanley explores the apostle Paul’s outlook in times of severe difficulty.
Key Passage: Philippians 4:1-4
Supporting Passages: Romans 8:28-29, 38-39; Galatians 5:22; 1 Peter 1:3-8
Are you the same person regardless of whether things are going right or wrong, or do you let the hard times get you down?
► “Happiness depends on circumstances. Joy depends upon a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
What is the difference between happiness and joy?
Happiness rises and falls with changes related to circumstances, possessions, and people.
Happiness is temporary and circumstantial, not a spiritual state.
Joy remains steady because it depends on our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Joy provides an unchanging foundation for life.
Joy is a spiritual gift; it is an outflowing of the Holy Spirit within us (Gal. 5:22).
We experience triumphant joy because …
Christ walks through suffering with us. We never face trials alone.
Christ controls our circumstances. Nothing touches our life without His permission.
God works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28). Even painful circumstances serve His loving purposes in our life.
Nothing can separate us from God’s love (vv. 38-39). No trial, regardless of its severity, is able to break our connection to Him.
We can thank God for His work within us (v. 29). He uses every experience to conform His children to the image of Christ.
► “In Paul’s letter, there’s no mention of his sorrow over being in prison.”
The apostle Paul …
Refused to complain about his circumstances.
Expressed gratitude for opportunities to share the gospel.
Focused on his relationship with Christ rather than his surroundings.
Maintained an attitude of worship and praise.
We must remember that our trials …
Serve a purpose.
Test the genuineness of our faith (1 Pet. 1:7).
Result in praise, glory, and honor when we respond with triumphant joy.
After Watching
Forced perspective is a photography trick that makes things look larger by putting them closer to the camera or smaller by moving them away. (Tourists do this with the Leaning Tower of Pisa by acting as if they’re holding it up.) When problems loom large, imagine pushing them toward the background until they get smaller. This will help you see them more accurately.
In hardships, we can ask for God’s help by using words and thoughts from Scripture. Choose a verse like John 16:33, 1 Peter 4:12, or James 1:2-4 to create a short prayer. For example, one based on Romans 8:28 might be: Lord, give me Your wise perspective and allow me to see how You’re working out Your good purpose in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
This post is a part of the series Expressing Godly Character.
