February 13 2011 Turning Tough Times Into Something Worthwhile

/ Great Plains Community Church/

*no sermon audio*

Turning Tough Times Into Something Worthwhile

(Philippians 1:12-20 - Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But 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. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.)

Four Steps To Turning Tough Times Around

1. See our opportunity for advancement

(Verse 12 - Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.)

Two opportunities:

  • To Witness

(Verse 13 - As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.)

  • To Strengthen our character

(Verse 14 - Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.)

Lesson: God has a purpose behind every one of my problems

2. Establish correct priorities for life

(Verse 15-16 - It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.)

(Verse 18 - But 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. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice)

Lesson: Focus on what really counts and let the rest go

3. Understand that strength is available

(Verse 19 - for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.)

(Philippians 4:13 - I can do everything through him who gives me strength.)

Lesson: With God's power every tough time can be turned into something worthwhile

4. Keep a correct motive

(Verse 20 - I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.)

Lesson: Jesus first. Others second. Myself third.