Under Pressure Week 4
Under Pressure | 11/28 | Church Online
Character Over Comfort | Vincent McMurtery
This season, for some, may be a season of more stressing than blessing.Psalm 34:18 ESV18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Philippians 1:12-25 ESV12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
James 1:2-4 ESV2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
1 Peter 4:12-13 ESV12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
"To refuse suffering is to refuse personal growth."God doesn't put us to something He won't bring us through.Psalm 23:4 ESV4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Suffering is not about where you are; it's about where you are going.God is more concerned with your character than your comfort.Your struggle is not about what God is doing to you; it's about what He's doing in you.Maybe you aren't meant to change your circumstances; maybe your circumstances are meant to change you.3 Perspective Changes:1. Have awareness.
In your pretending, you're really contending.James 1:2 ESV2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
Life is hard, but God is good.3 Perspective Changes:1. Have awareness.2. Have grace.
Where's the grace?James 1:2 ESV2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
Just because we fall doesn't mean we've failed.You can't have grace for others when you haven't experienced grace yourself.grace = favor from God that is not earned
John 1:16 ESV16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
Ephesians 2:8 ESV8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
Grace gives us the perspective we need to struggle well with others.3 Perspective Changes:1. Have awareness.2. Have grace.3. Have hope.
Philippians 1:20-25 ESV20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,
Hebrews 6:19 NIV19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
Suffering is a room you are walking through – not a house you have to live in.