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JOY IN THE CAUSE

"Life is 10% what happens and 90% how we respond to what happens."

A. How Paul Viewed His Present Circumstances.

"Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:12-21)

B. How Paul Viewed His Future.

"But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, so that your proud confidence in me may abound in Christ Jesus through my coming to you again." (Philippians 1:22-26)

Questions To Ponder:

1. How do you typically react to less-than-favorable circumstances?

2. What grid do you usually view your circumstances through?

3. What does this grid tell you about your present purpose in life?

4. If you were to wholly embrace Christ’s purpose for your life, how might that change the way you view your circumstances?

 Creekside Community Church ● 951 MacArthur Blvd ● San Leandro, CA ● (510) 430-0607