Rome On Fire

Dennis McCallum
Philippians 1:12-18

Paul's vertical perspective enabled him to endure the frustrations and trials of being imprisoned in Rome while his heart's desire was to roam the far reaches of the world to spread the Gospel. Yet, while chained to Praetorian guards for four long years, God was accomplishing that very desire. God used Paul's "down time" to do far greater work than if Paul had been free to go about. The Guards he was chained to heard him preach the Gospel to his visitors. They in turn took the message to the outer regions of the Roman empire. Paul wrote four important epistles that reached across the centuries to reach millions of people. And finally, his imprisonment emboldened the believers in Rome to preach more boldly.

Joy in God's Sovereignty

Jim Leffel
Philippians 1:12-20

Challenging circumstances can make us question what God is doing--if He's truly in control, just, and/or loving. Paul though has another attitude, even as he sits in jail, seeing how God is working in his difficult circumstances--not only fulfilling his goal of sharing the gospel but taking it beyond what he imagined. When we consider and account for God's sovereignty in difficult situations, we will find joy as we see His ability to work beyond circumstance and beyond our failings and limitations, and as we embrace the idea that God is always working for our ultimate good.

Obtaining Joy in Affliction

Conrad Hilario
Acts 16:19-40

Paul was the most accomplished spiritual leader of his time before he met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. After getting converted to Christianity, he became the most accomplished Christian leader ever. Ironically, he accomplished more for spreading the Gospel in the two years while he was a Roman prisoner than he did on his three missionary journeys. He was the ultimate model of obtaining joy in the midst of affliction. He discovered happiness and joy come from playing your part in God's plan.

Joy in Partnerships

Jim Leffel
Philippians 1:1-8

Joy is a sense of well-being that rises above circumstances--it can be experienced in bad circumstances and is often lacking in good, comfortable circumstances. This is because true joy is anchored in oneness with God, and substitute gods can't truly satisfy. One of the ways God cultivates joy in our lives is through partnerships--relationships--with others, as we work together to achieve God's purpose in this world. These relationships build our purpose, our gratitude to God, our prayer life (as we bring others' needs to God), and our joyful affection for each other.

Filled to Overflowing

Jim Leffel
Romans 15:13

God wants to fill us so completely that we overflow with peace and joy in abundance. Just like Paul's Roman audience, modern Christians live stress-filled lives that leave us too often feeling depleted, running on empty. The answer to feeling empty is to thirst for God. As you trust in him, he will fill you to overflowing with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Fruit of the Spirit

James Rochford
Galatians 5:22-25

What is the secret to becoming a more loving, courageous, happy, and patient person? With characteristic depth of insight, Paul shows us as he concludes Galatians chapter 5.

Joy and Suffering

Patty Young
James 1:2-8

Even though it is disheartening to hear as Christians, we will experience various trial, it is also true we can experience joy in the midst of difficult times. James is telling us the key is where we place our focus. By making a deliberate choice to focus on the attributes of God, His character, His promises, His faithfulness, we will experience joy in the middle of suffering.

Spiritual Growth under Trial

Dennis McCallum
James 1:1-8

Spiritual growth under trial takes a believer from the point of having begun a relationship with God to the level of a mature, strong follower who God can use in advancing His plan in the world. A believer who lives out James' teaching will be able to actively practice gratitude in the midst of trials, gradually become incredibly stable, be shaped by brokenness so God can use him more, and become wise.

From Trials to Triumph

Chris Hearty
Hebrews 12:2

James tells us when we endure trials to recognize the reality of the situation; Experiencing trials is inevitable for everyone. Believers, though, can actually respond to trials with a deliberate attitude of joy. We can have this attitude because we know the testing of our faith is not to see if we have any, but to strengthen it as metal-smith refines gold to remove its impurities and to strengthen the gold.