EXPERIENCE JOY IN EVERY SITUATION

Pastor Corey Mantz

Woodland Church

Sunday, March 6, 2022

(Philippians 1:25-26 NLT) “Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.26 And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.”

1. Joy transforms our difficult circumstances into blessings.

Philippians 1:12-13 (NLT) “I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.  For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ.”

Romans 8:28 (CEV) “We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him.”

2. Joy helps me to concentrate on what matters.

Philippians 1:15,18 (NLT) “It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives.  But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.

3. Joy encourages me to find strength in God.

Philippians 1:19 (NLT) “For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.”

• Prayers of others.

(1 Timothy 2:1 CEV) “First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them.”

• The Holy Spirit will give us strength.

Philippians 4:13 (GNT) “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.”

Psalm 28:7 NLT) “The Lord is my strength and shield.  I trust him with all my heart.  He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.   I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.”

4. Joy propels me to live out God’s purpose for my life.

(Philippians 1:21-22 NLT) “to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.  But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ.”

(Psalm 16:11 GNT) You will show me the path that leads to life; your presence fills me with joy and brings me pleasure forever.”

Growthwork

1. Start each day with God.

2. Ask for God’s strength.

3. Look for opportunities to serve.

4. Trust God to take care of you.