2 Timothy 3:16 - 17 16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.  17God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 

Trouble Completion Project

Introduction – the Truth of Trouble John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows (NIV – “trouble”). But take heart (NASB – “courage”; KJV – “be of good cheer”), because I have overcome the world.”

I. Trouble’s good James 1:2 – 4 Trouble – opportunity for great joy Faith is tested Endurance grows Complete – needing nothing

II. Opportunity for Great Joy 2 Corinthians 12:10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

III. Faith is Tested 1 Peter 1:6 - 7 6So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.  7These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 

1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 Destined for troubles Keep from being shaken Remain strong in your faith Standing firm in the Lord

IV. Endurance Grows

Endurance the ability or strength to continue or last, esp. despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina Adverse conditions (adversarial, adversity, adversary) Continue or last – implies a period of time Romans 12:12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 

V. Complete God’s Completion Project He who began a good work in you will bring it about to completion We want to present you to God, complete in Christ

2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 17-18 Pressed on every side by troubles but not crushed Present troubles are small Won’t last very long Produce for us a glory that will last for ever Don’t look at the present troubles but the eternal good

Greatest challenge is not the trouble, but the response God sees the end from the beginning Knowing the outcome helps the response

VI. Response to Trouble How to deal Ability or strength Fatigue and stress

Pray for peace Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry Pray – tell God what you need Experience God’s peace – which exceeds understanding, guarding your heart and mind

Prayer for strength for endurance Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Expectancy of rescue Psalms 34:6 In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. Psalms 34:17 – 18 The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 18The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Expectancy for overcoming Jesus said – take courage, I have overcome the world Romans 8:35-37

Interaction Time What do you need to do to see the good in your present trouble? Do you think that the amount of trouble we experience has anything to do with how we respond to it? Explain how present trouble can prepare you for the future. How can your experience with trouble benefit others? (See 2 Corinthians 1:4)