Joy Defined:

o Chara which means “_________.” Gladness is an issue of the heart. It is based upon an internal reality and not on external circumstances.

GLADNESS

o Joy is the settled assurance that God is in _________ of all the details of my life, the quiet ____________ that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined _______ to praise God in every situation.

CONTROL

CONFIDENCE

CHOICE

Joy in Trials

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has

actually resulted in the advance of the gospel, so that it has become

known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that

my imprisonment is in the cause of Christ. Most of the brothers in the

Lord have gained confidence from my imprisonment and dare even

more to speak the message fearlessly. To be sure, some preach Christ

out of envy and strife, but others out of good will. These do so out of

love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the

others proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, seeking to cause me

anxiety in my imprisonment.

Philippians 1:12-20 (HCSB)

What does it matter? Just that in every way, whether out of false

motives or true, Christ is proclaimed. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I

will rejoice because I know this will lead to my deliverance through your

prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. My eager expectation

and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as

always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly honored in my body,

whether by life or by death.”

Philippians 1:12-20 (HCSB)

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various

trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But

endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and

complete, lacking nothing.”

James 1:2-4 (HCSB)

Trials Defined:

TEST, TRIAL OR TEMPTATION Peirasmos = A ________________________. A putting to proof by the use of an experiment. A test or a trial proves the character and quality of the object being tested or tried.

The Principles of Trials & Tests:

1) Trials & Tests are __________ to all. COMMON

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity.

God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you

are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of

escape so that you are able to bear it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 (HCSB)

The Principles of Trials & Tests:

1) Trials & Tests are __________ to all. COMMON

“No trial has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is

faithful, and He will not allow you to be tried beyond what you are able,

but with the trial He will also provide a way of escape so that you are

able to bear it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 (HCSB)

The Principles of Trials & Tests:

2) Trials & Tests reveal what is in my ______. HEART

“Test me, LORD, and try me;

examine my heart and mind.”

Psalm 26:2 (HCSB)

The Principles of Trials & Tests:

2) Trials & Tests reveal what is in my ______. HEART

“Guard your heart above all else,

for it is the source of life.”

Proverbs 4:23 (HCSB)

The Principles of Trials & Tests:

3) Trials & Tests are used by God to _______ me.REFINE

“You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to

struggle in various trials so that the genuineness of your faith—more

valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result

in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

1 Peter 1:6-7 (HCSB)

The Principles of Trials & Tests:

3) Trials & Tests are used by God to _______ me.REFINE

“For You, God, tested us;

You refined us as silver is refined.”

Psalm 66:10 (HCSB)

The Principles of Trials & Tests:

3) Trials & Tests are used by God to _______ me.REFINE

“But who can endure the day of His (the Messiah’s) coming? And who

will be able to stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s

fire and like cleansing lye. He will be like a refiner and purifier of silver;

He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then

they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.”

Malachi 3:2-3 (HCSB)

The Principles of Trials & Tests:

3) Trials & Tests are used by God to _______ me.REFINE

“Look, I have refined you, but not as silver;

I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.”

Isaiah 48:10 (HCSB)

The Principles of Trials & Tests:

4) Trials & Tests result in growth & ___________ in my life.CHARACTER

“Most of the brothers in the Lord have gained confidence from my

imprisonment and dare even more to speak the message fearlessly…

My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about

anything, but that now as always, with all boldness, Christ will be highly

honored in my body, whether by life or by death.”

Philippians 1: 14, 20 (HCSB)

The Principles of Trials & Tests:

4) Trials & Tests result in growth & ___________ in my life.CHARACTER

“we also rejoice in our afflictions (TRIALS), because we know that

affliction (TRIALS) produces endurance, endurance produces proven

character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not

disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our

hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Romans 5:3-5 (HCSB)