Overcoming Stressful Times
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1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
PAUL MENTIONS 3 THINGS CHRISTIANS SHOULD REJOICE IN
PAUL MENTIONS 3 THINGS CHRISTIANS SHOULD REJOICE IN
We rejoice in HOPE. (vs 2)
We rejoice in HOPE. (vs 2)
2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
We rejoice in our suffering. (vs 3)
We rejoice in our suffering. (vs 3)
3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
We rejoice in God. (vs 11)
We rejoice in God. (vs 11)
11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
I. We can rejoice because we have peace with God.
I. We can rejoice because we have peace with God.
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Four Ways You Know you have Peace with God
Four Ways You Know you have Peace with God
1. You loose your fear of God. John 15:15
1. You loose your fear of God. John 15:15
15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
2. You loose your fear of death. Heb 2:14-15
2. You loose your fear of death. Heb 2:14-15
14 Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. 15 Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.
3. You don’t panic when the devil suggest doubts. Eph 6:11, 16
3. You don’t panic when the devil suggest doubts. Eph 6:11, 16
11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
4. You have confidence in front of God even though you are not perfect. Romans 8:1
4. You have confidence in front of God even though you are not perfect. Romans 8:1
1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
II. We rejoice in suffering. Romans 5:3
II. We rejoice in suffering. Romans 5:3
3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,
There are two privileges in the Christian Life:
There are two privileges in the Christian Life:
There are two privileges in the Christian Life: Believing in Christ
There are two privileges in the Christian Life: Believing in Christ
There are two privileges in the Christian Life: Believing in Christ & Suffering for Christ.
There are two privileges in the Christian Life: Believing in Christ & Suffering for Christ.
12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
Suffering - Distress
Suffering - Distress
Misconceptions about “rejoicing in suffering.”
Misconceptions about “rejoicing in suffering.”
Rejoicing in suffering does not mean faking it.
Rejoicing in suffering does not mean faking it.
Rejoicing in suffering does not mean that you enjoy the suffering.
Rejoicing in suffering does not mean that you enjoy the suffering.
Why can a Christian rejoice in suffering? (vs 3)
Why can a Christian rejoice in suffering? (vs 3)
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
It produces something in us (3b)
It produces something in us (3b)
3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
1. Suffering produces endurance or perseverance.
1. Suffering produces endurance or perseverance.
2. Perseverance produces Hope.
2. Perseverance produces Hope.
3. Hope produces character.
3. Hope produces character.
Six Attitudes that Counteract God’s Purpose in Suffering
Six Attitudes that Counteract God’s Purpose in Suffering
1. Rebellion Prov 17:11; 1 Samuel 15:23
1. Rebellion Prov 17:11; 1 Samuel 15:23
11 Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severely punished.
23 Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
2. Resignation (Ecc 2:17)
2. Resignation (Ecc 2:17)
17 So I came to hate life because everything done here under the sun is so troubling. Everything is meaningless—like chasing the wind.
3. Murmuring 1 CO 10:10, Phil 2:14-15, Rom 9:20
3. Murmuring 1 CO 10:10, Phil 2:14-15, Rom 9:20
10 And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing, 15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
20 No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?”
4. Worry 1 Peter 5:7; Phil 4:6
4. Worry 1 Peter 5:7; Phil 4:6
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
5. Don’t Fear 2 Tim 1:7; Isa 43:1-2
5. Don’t Fear 2 Tim 1:7; Isa 43:1-2
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
1 But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
6. Self Pity Psalm 69:20
6. Self Pity Psalm 69:20
20 Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.
The Secret to Rejoicing in Suffering
The Secret to Rejoicing in Suffering
5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Suffering is evidence of God’s Love, not His wrath.
Suffering is evidence of God’s Love, not His wrath.
God’s purposes for your suffering
God’s purposes for your suffering
1. To give you the ability to stand up under pressure.
1. To give you the ability to stand up under pressure.
2. To develop Christlike Character.
2. To develop Christlike Character.
3. To have the confidence that comes from Hope in God.
3. To have the confidence that comes from Hope in God.