The Joy Choice: Purpose

Philippians 1:12-18.

In the Greek: Xaris-Grace...Xara-Joy...Xar-Rejoice

Philippians 1:12  Now  I  want you to know,  brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the Gospel. Verse 18b...And because of this, I rejoice.

C+P=E: Circumstances + Perspective=Experience

How Paul looked at his difficult circumstances:

• The Gospel goes forth: 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.
• The Church grows strong: Verse 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the Gospel without fear.
• God takes care of what I can’t control: Verse 18b The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice.

Purpose Statements That Lead To Joy:

• I am a messenger of grace. How could  God use my difficult circumstances to advance the Gospel?
• I am called to encourage others and build them up in the grace God offers. How could  God use my difficult circumstances to encourage other believers?
• I am a servant of the living God and I can trust the “Grace Giver” to handle what I can’t control. What could God do in me if I released what I can’t control?