For SCC - 4-6-08 Joy In Your Circumstances

This past Sunday SCC continued our series Surprised By Joy and we looked at experiencing joy in our circumstances. Steve Gabe and Salsa did a fine job with the drama and helped us laugh a little. Anita Fritz and GLARE touched our lives with the song "Praise You In The Storm". We looked at a few verses found in the letter of Philippians and sought to glean a nugget of truth from God's Word that will help us live in joy and be more joyous.

The following is a brief of the message.

JOY IN YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES

1. Look beyond the circumstances and see God's work.

12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. 15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Philippians 1:12-18

Paul was able to see beyond his difficult circumstances and see what God was doing. He noted that despite his situation the Good News of Jesus was being spread. God was actually moving in the midst of Paul's difficulties and being glorified.

2. Look beyond the temporary and see the eternal.

21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

20But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. Philippians 3:20-21

We need to see more than the eye can see. Thee is more to this life than the the physical. Paul lived as we do in the physical and yet also was very aware of the hope that lies ahead in a new realm of life and he desired that others experience that realm. We need to use our "stuff" to impact the eternal and think more often about the hope we have in JC.

3. Look beyond the bad news and see the good news.

6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Just do it. An old saying that needs new practice.