I. EXORDIUM:
When do we rejoice?
II. AUDIENCE PROFILE:
Believers
III. OBJECTIVES:
To convince them to rejoice when problems and trials come
IV. TEXT:
Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
Pray:
Father-heart GOD help us to be of same mind that we rejoice in problems and trials for we know that these are good for us, giving us endurance,strength of character and our confident expectation of salvation.
V. THESIS:
Rejoice in problems and trials because it brings us endurance, strength of character and confident expectation of salvation.
VI. TITLE:
Rejoice in Problems and Trials
VII. EXPLICATION:
A. Author: Paul
B. Audience: Roman Christians
C. Key Text: Romans 1:16, Romans 5:1
Romans 1:16 (NLT)
16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.
Romans 5:1 (NLT)
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.
D. Sections: Doctrinal : 1-11, Practical: 12-16
VIII. MAIN BODY:
A. Rejoice in sufferings: problems and trials
1. We rejoice in GOD (Isaiah 61:10, Philippians 4:4, 1 Peter 4:13)
Isaiah 61:10 (NLT)
10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels.
Philippians 4:4 (NLT)
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!
1 Peter 4:13 (NLT)
13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.
2. Suffering produces perseverance (James 1:3, James 5:11, Hebrews 12:1)
James 1:3 (NLT)
3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
James 5:11 (NLT)
11 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
3. Perseverance produces character
a. In New Living translation, it says "strength of character"
b. Bereans vs. Thessalonians, Bereans are of more noble character (Acts 17:11)
Acts 17:11 (NLT)
11 And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those in Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
4. Character strengthens or produces hope (confident expectation of salvation)
a. Put our hope in GOD (Psalms 42:5)
Psalms 42:5 (NLT)
5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and
b. Put our hope in GOD's Words (Psalms 130:5)
Psalms 130:5 (NLT)
5 I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.
c. Put our hope in His unfailing love (Psalms 147:11)
Psalms 147:11 (NLT)
11 No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love.
d. GOD's plans are for our hope and good future (Jeremiah 29:11)
Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
IX. CONCLUSION:
It's easy to rejoice when everything is ok.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 5:3-4 (NLT)
3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
