NOËL

• A term signifying the holiday season, Noël comes to us from the Latin verb nasci, meaning “to be born.”
• In the book of Ecclesiastes, the birth of Jesus is called natalis. (nativity)
• A variation of this word, nael, made its way into Old French as a reference to the Christmas season and later into Middle English as nowel.
• Today it refers both to Christmas and to Christmas carols.

PHILIPPIANS 1
3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.[1]
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word, fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation, through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.[2]

• To rejoice you have to do more than just accept your circumstances.
• You have to trust and be thankful.
• The trust is based on the character of the one who began the good work (1:6).
• It is trust in the faithfulness which He has shown.
• For Paul, this meant trusting God because He chose him—an unlikely leader of the early church—to be an apostle.
• Without trust, what else would Paul cling to? Nothing.
• Too often our trust in the Lord is based on our own understanding, or only engages part of our heart.
• When the storms of life come, faulty foundations are destroyed.
• What we need to do is trust the Lord with all of our heart and not lean on our own understanding.

LUKE 1
5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. 7 But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.
8 When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified and overcome with fear. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.”[3]
 
39 In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah 40 where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and your child will be blessed! 43 How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For you see, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!”
1joy – noun
1 - the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires: delight
2 - a state of happiness or bliss
3 - a source or cause of delight[4]
Bible Dictionary – joy - A quality or attitude of delight and happiness, which is ultimately grounded in the work of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Among the many situations in which joy is experienced, Scripture recognizes as supreme being accepted in the presence of God.[5]
 
MARY’S PRAISE
46 And Mary said:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 because he has looked with favor
on the humble condition of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations
will call me blessed,
49 because the Mighty One
has done great things for me,
and his name is holy.
50 His mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear him.
51 He has done a mighty deed with his arm;
he has scattered the proud
because of the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has toppled the mighty from their thrones
and exalted the lowly.
53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering his mercy
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he spoke to our ancestors.[6]

• One of the greatest litmus tests for trust is thanksgiving, a theme that resonates throughout Philippians.
• If I’m afraid of my situation or grumbling about it, then chances are I’m leaning on my own understanding.
• This same perspective leads me to say my situation is wrong, unfair, or needs to change.
• If I’m really trusting God to be in control of all things, then this will be reflected in my perspective.
• I may not like my predicament, but I can still choose to trust God to accomplish His purposes no matter how dire things get.
• My choice to trust in God’s character enables me to give thanks for His provision even though it is not what I would choose.[7]

Joy is understood when you have to trust and are thankful.
 
LUKE 2
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered.

• God used the decree of a pagan emperor to fulfill the prophecy of Micah 5:2 - 2 Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. [8]

2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
4 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant.

• Censuses were only taken for the purpose of enlisting military and registering property owned for the purposes of taxes. It is possible, the only reason they had to travel was because Joseph owned land in Bethlehem.

6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.

• One should not romanticize the occupation of shepherds.
• In general shepherds were dishonest and unclean according to the standards of the law.
• They represent the outcasts and sinners for whom Jesus came.
• Such outcasts were the first recipients of the good news.[9]
• Shepherds were out in the fields with their flocks usually during the months of March to November. [10]

9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14 Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors!

• How amazed the angels must have been when they saw the Creator born as a creature, the Word coming as a speechless baby.[11]

15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told. [12]

• Returned to their old jobs as new men!
• When you experience the Messiah… you will never be the same.

 
GALATIANS 5
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.[13]

JOHN 16
20 Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. 21 When a woman is in labor, she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. 22 So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you.
23 “In that day you will not ask me anything. Truly I tell you, anything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. 24 Until now you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.[14]
 
NOEL – Chris Tomlin – “Adore”
– Featuring Lauren Daigle (4:17)
Start – 0:00
First note – 0:03
0:10 - Love incarnate, love divine
Star and angels gave the sign
Bow to babe on bended knee
The Savior of humanity
Unto us a Child is born
He shall reign forevermore
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
4 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
 
0:51 - Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel – 01:29
 
01:33 - Son of God and Son of man
There before the world began
Born to suffer, born to save
Born to raise us from the grave
Christ the everlasting Lord
He shall reign forevermore
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
 
2:14 - Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel – 2:52
 
13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14 Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors!
15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.[15]
 
3:24 - Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel, Noel – 4:10

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Php 1:3–6). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Php 1:12–20). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Lk 1:5–17). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.
[5] Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (Lk 1:39–55). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Runge, S. E. (2011). High Definition Commentary: Philippians (Php 1:18–20). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[8] Christian Standard Bible (Mic 5:2). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] Stein, R. H. (1992). Vol. 24: Luke. The New American Commentary (108). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[10] Stein, R. H. (1992). Vol. 24: Luke. The New American Commentary (108). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[11] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Lk 2:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[12] Christian Standard Bible (Lk 2:1–20). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[13] Christian Standard Bible (Ga 5:22–26). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[14] Christian Standard Bible (Jn 16:20–24). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[15] Christian Standard Bible (Lk 2:1–18). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• We started out Philippians with Paul in prison in Rome and talking about how to find joy in our loneliness.
• Then last week we talked about Paul rejoicing in his suffering because no matter what, the Gospel was being spread.

ADVANCE OF THE GOSPEL
PHILIPPIANS 1
18 …Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

• “Salvation” – not a spiritual salvation, but a physical salvation from his imprisonment.
• One of the few things we share in the human race… death.
• We are born spiritually dead… then we will face physical death.
• Genesis 2:16 – If you sin… you will die
• Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death
• Romans 5:12 - Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned
• Every hour 6,393 people die.
• The first person that I deeply loved that died was my grandfather… Brownie Brunkow
     - Tulsa Pipe Coating
     - Claude’s Hamburgers
     - Pool table
     - Cancer
• It is awkward to talk about death in today’s society…
• We don’t show death on the news
• We send people away to die in nursing homes & hospitals
• Death is an enemy… I Corinthians 15
• What awaits us on the other side…
• Universalism – is a huge lie… “They are in a better place now.”
• Anilationism – Our soul ceases to exist and we are no more.
• Daniel 12:2-3 – Many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to eternal life, and some to disgrace and eternal contempt. 3 Those who have insight will shine like the bright expanse of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.[1]
  Reincarnation – You die and come back in order to work off your sin.
• Purgatory – A place you go to work at redeeming your sins.
• Hebrews 9:28 - so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.[2]
• What about the religion that says we all die and all go to hell? Where is that one?
• Here is what the Bible says about death…
• I Thessalonians 5:23 – Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.[3]
• We are three parts… body, soul & Spirit.
• At death, the soul & Spirit are separated from the body…
• Where does the spirit & soul go at this point?
     Luke 16 – holding place that has two sections… with chasm that separates the two sides
     Sheol (Hebrew) of Hades (Greek) had two sides:
     1) Abraham’s Bosom or Paradise – The saved side.
     2) Hell – a place of torment for the unrighteous dead.
• 2 Corinthians 5:8 - In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.[4]
• Jesus speaks of hell more than anyone in the Bible.
     Gihenna is spoken of 12 times
• If you are a non-believer… this world is as good as it gets.
  If you are a believer… this world is as bad as it gets.
• Paul has incredible insights to death…
  
  
• Dependent on the Spirit working in his life and his situation.

20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

LIVING IS CHRIST
21 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better--24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.

• Brent & Deanna Higgins Video
• Kimberly Schilling - Questions

27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.[5]
Our suffering is purposeful…
To live is Christ… to die is gain…
Everyone of us will die…
Horatio G. Spafford was a lawyer in Chicago that lived during the 19th century. During his later life, he experienced many personal tragedies. The Spaffords were pretty well known during the 1860s, not only for their law practice, but also because Horatio Spafford and his wife, Anna were close supporters and friends of D.L Moody. During the 1870s things went very wrong for the Spaffords. In 1870, the Spaffords' only son was killed by scarlet fever at the age of four. A year later in 1871 they were ruined financially by the Great Chicago Fire. Horatio Spafford decided that he and his family needed a break from the events from the events that had happened recently and so they went to England for a break.
In 1873 when Horatio Spafford's wife and four daughters were leaving from New York to England, the ship that they were travelling on, 'Ville de Havre' struck another ship and sunk, killing his four daughters.His wife, the only survivor, sent him a telegram 9 days after the ship left the harbor of New York, with two words, "Saved alone".
Horatio Spafford, upon hearing the news, left for England to join his wife. As the ship he was on passed the place where his daughters perished, the captain called him to the bridge. "A careful reckoning has been made", he said, "and I believe we are now passing the place where the de Havre was wrecked. The water is three miles deep." That night, in his cabin, Horatio penned the lyrics to one of the most famous hymns of all time.
“It is Well with My Soul” – Audrey Assad

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

​It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Da 12:2–3). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 9:28). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (1 Th 5:23). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 5:8). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Php 1:18–30). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

I am so stuck on this truth… that I come across as this is what you would expect the pastor to say…

• Theology in suffering must replace the therapy of suffering in the church today.
• Bible tells us that suffering is the result of sin
• We enter and leave the world by causing others to suffer
• Throughout life we deal with suffering… Psalm (1/3), Lamentations, every prophet (except Haggai) include a lament in their book, Jesus lamented over Israel.

Those suffering around us today:

• 4 Families in Idaho who lost their college students
• Hospitals are full with RSV patients
• Homicide rate in Indianapolis is setting records
• We’ve all got friends who are going through relationship issues
• There is grief for loss in this room as we are in the holiday season
• Financial issues for many

It overwhelms us… it encompasses every human being. You will suffer. You will not avoid it. Will you suffer with purpose or without purpose?
This is not a message about who has suffered the most…
Paul –
2 Corinthians 1:8-10 - We don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of our affliction that took place in Asia. We were completely overwhelmed—beyond our strength—so that we even despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death, so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a terrible death, and he will deliver us.[1]
2 Corinthians 11:23-30 - I’m talking like a madman—I’m a better one: with far more labors, many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, many times near death.
24 Five times I received the forty lashes minus one from the Jews. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I received a stoning. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the open sea. 26 On frequent journeys, I faced dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, and dangers among false brothers; 27 toil and hardship, many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, often without food, cold, and without clothing. 28 Not to mention other things, there is the daily pressure on me: my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
30 If boasting is necessary, I will boast about my weaknesses.[2]
2 Corinthians 12:6-9 - For if I want to boast, I wouldn’t be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will spare you, so that no one can credit me with something beyond what he sees in me or hears from me, 7 especially because of the extraordinary revelations. Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. 8 Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”
Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.[3]
Paul in prison in 62 AD in Rome.
 - Epaphroditus was sent to deliver an offering to Paul and care for him.
 - Epaphroditus got sick on the way.
ADVANCE OF THE GOSPEL
PHILIPPIANS 1
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word, fearlessly.

• It is not a question of “if you will suffer”… it is “when will you suffer”
• It is going to happen… why do you think you can avoid suffering even for a day?
• Will you suffer with purpose or without purpose?
• Will suffering compel you to love Jesus more?
• Will suffering purify your motives?
• Will your suffering reorient your focus on Jesus and the Good News?

I am begging you not to waste your suffering!!!

• Will your chains of suffering be an opportunity for you to share about the sufferings of Jesus and how He has triumphed?

1. You ask the question… “Why are chained here?”
    - You are not “chained here”… you are free!
    - You are free to tell others of the Truth!
   
   
2. Will the other Christians benefit from watching you suffer? WE WATCH!!!
   
   
3. Will non-Christians become Christians because of your suffering?
   -People are watching you suffer!!!
   
   
4. Will you suffer with purpose or will you waste your suffering?

Misconceptions of Suffering…
       1) Suffering is not avoided by you having a lot of faith.
       2) Suffering does not automatically make you a victim.
       3) Suffering is not necessarily a result of sin.
       4) Suffering is not to be pursued. (It makes us holy…)
       5) Suffering is not to be avoided.
       6) Suffering is not to be excused because God uses it. (Because God uses it doesn’t justify the sin)
       7) Suffering is no excuse to allow injustice and evil. (We must still be just and avoid evil)
       8) Suffering is for us… not an act of atonement… but for sanctification. (We aren’t paying God back for sin… don’t believe in karma… penance… purgatory)
       9) Suffering is not to be fully understood in this life.
      10) Suffering is not beyond the sovereign goodness of God.
15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment.
 - Some Bible teachers teach from very corrupt motivations.
        - It is about producing numbers…
        - It is about controlling the behavior of their congregation
18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.[4]
 - Paul… are you sure that is what you meant to say!?!

• Paul tells us that in suffering… the key is to rejoice.
• You wrongly identify joy with an emotion… and you can’t command an emotion!
• I couldn’t command Sam and Chloe to mourn last weekend!
• Roughly 18 times in the NT… Joy and suffering are mentioned together.

You suffer through your finances… your poverty… your loss of loved ones… separations and divorces of relationships… your unemployment… your addiction… your sin… your unmet expectations!
Jesus is the perfect example of suffering…

1. Jesus took our sin and purchased our salvation through His suffering
2. Jesus suffered for us
3. Jesus continues to suffer with us (“Saul, why do you persecute me?”)
4. Jesus will put an end to all suffering… this world comes to an end.
5. John 16:33 – In this world… you will have tribulation… you will suffer!

• You will suffer… suffer well… suffer with Jesus… let Jesus use the suffering!
• Don’t waste any of your suffering… It cost you much!
• Invest in the people who know Jesus and the people who need to know Jesus!

Romanian pastor… “Christians are like nails… the harder you hit them… the deeper they go.”
I pray that you go deeper in Christ by each blow of suffering that you receive!

[1] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 1:8–10). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 11:23–30). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 12:6–9). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Php 1:12–18). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.