1. Rejoice in Tribulations Romans 5:3

2. Appears Contradictory 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10–12 2

3. What is Tribulation? Pressure, distress, affliction “distress that is brought about by outward circumstances” “Distress, straits…anxiety, burden of heart” Applied to… Childbirth, John 16:21 War, Matthew 24:20-21 (Lk. 21:23-24) Divine retribution, 2 Thessalonians 1:6 3

4. Tribulations Are… Common to all Christians, John 16:33 Because of the word of God, Mk. 4:16-17 External forces of persecution, Acts 20:23 Burdens of the heart, 2 Corinthians 2:4 Not overwhelming, Acts 14:22 4

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6. How Do We Rejoice In Tribulations? Develop the spirit that counts it an honor to suffer for Christ’s sake, Acts 5:41 cf. Paul, who shared in Christ’s suffering on behalf of the church, Colossians 1:24; Philippians 3:10 (1 Peter 4:12-13) Worthy of God’s presence, 1 Peter 4:14 Hold Christ’s suffering before us and rejoice that we have a part in it with Him 6

7. How Do We Rejoice In Tribulations? Recognize that suffering prepares us for greater usefulness in the kingdom, Romans 5:3-4 Patience that matures faith, James 1:2-4 (Romans 12:12) Church is strengthened when each of us rejoice in tribulation (Rom. 5:3-4): Perseverance…Approved Character…Hope Rejoice in spiritual blessings, 2 Cor. 12:10 7

8. How Do We Rejoice In Tribulations? Tribulations help us long for heaven with greater intensity Rejoice in heavenly reward, Matthew 5:12 Heaven becomes more real and impactful in our lives, 1 Peter 1:6-7; 4:12-13 Do not faint – Be renewed, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 8

9. How Do We Rejoice In Tribulations? Remember that God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us, Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Stand on solid ground of faith (Heb. 11:1) Tribulations cannot separate us from Christ’s love…Victors in Christ, Rom. 8:35-37 Do not fear because God knows and does not forsake His faithful ones, Rev. 2:9-10 9

10. Rejoice in Tribulations Rejoicing in tribulations is more than rhetoric or a trite expression We share in the suffering of Christ, Revelation1:9 (Phil. 3:10) We will glory in this! Our approach to living for Christ, because “all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12) 10