October 25, 2009 Sermon: Joy-filled Living in Troubled Times

Here’s the sermon from this past Sunday. It’s called “Joy-Filled Living in Troubled Times,” based on Philippians 4:4-9. Below the recording is the outline for the sermon. I hope it’s a blessing to you.

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Sermon outline:

“Joy-Filled Living in Troubled Times”
Philippians 4:4-9

We live in a world of trouble. But God wants us to live joyfully, even in the middle of our problems. In this passage from Philippians, He shows us 5 reasons we can rejoice, anytime!

1) 1st reason for rejoicing: Jesus is coming soon! Phil. 4:5

Return of Jesus is a fact that will happen: Acts 1:11

It has practical implications for our lives today (see also James 5:8-9)
• we can be patient, when others treat us wrong.

2nd coming should encourage us & give us joy (not fear/dread)
• 1 Thes. 4:18 2 Tim. 4:8

We can rejoice: Christ is coming for His people: “Then we will see Him face to face.” 1 Cor. 13:12 (See also 1 Thes. 4:17)

2) 2nd reason: God hears & answers prayer! Phil. 4:6-7

“Worry & prayer are as opposite as fire & water.”

In prayer, we turn over control to the One who truly is in control.
• 1 Peter 5:7 1 Thes. 5:16-18

God wants us to come to Him
• Lk. 12:32 Mt. 11:28-29 Mt. 7:9-11

We can rejoice: God fights the battles in our lives! 1 Sam. 17:47

3) 3rd reason: God gives us ability to enjoy blessings! Phil. 4:8

Only followers of Jesus can appreciate the blessings of life (& the source of those blessings). Psalm 19:1

We see His goodness in everything, knowing how much He loves us. And we can rejoice in it!

4) 4th reason: God gives us examples of faithfulness! Phil 4:9

This is consistent theme for Paul
• If you want to grow to be more like Christ, find people who follow Him in speech & lifestyle (This is true for individuals & churches)
• Prov. 13:20 Phil. 3:17 1 Thes. 1:7

We can rejoice because we see God working in the lives of others, & know the same God is at work in us!

5) 5th reason to rejoice: God gives us Himself Phil. 4:9

This is the best promise of all Jer. 21:33 Eph. 2:14, 19

We were once enemies of God because of our sin. Now we are His children.

We can rejoice because he promises us something better than anything we can ask for. He gives us Himself & His peace.

Our joy is based on fact that God is big enough, loving enough, powerful enough to handle every situation.

Application
Questions: are there places in your life where:
• You are trying to handle problems with your strength?
• You won’t let go of wrongs people have done to you?
• You are holding on to burden He wants to take for you?
• You need to find godly people to befriend & model?

Instead, of handling these yourself will you trust Him to be your reason for rejoicing today?