Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to

Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

a. What do we tell someone when they are ready to come to the Lord

b. God hasn’t changed, He is still there and He loves you.

a. God does not create evil

These 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 Peter 1:7

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20

For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. Philippians 1:21

a. Paul focused on the good things He had in Christ.

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body

by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

b. Paul died to his own selfish interests.

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes,

everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3:7-8

c. Paul allowed his circumstances to teach Him more about Christ

I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him,

sharing in his death. Philippians 3:10

d. Paul saw every problem as an opportunity

We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call

us impostors. We are ignored, even though we are well known. We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have

been beaten, but we have not been killed. Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual

riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything. 2 Corinthians 6:8-10

.

Paul thanked God for everything because . .

e. It directed Him back to Christ’s priorities.

That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure

that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. 2 Timothy 1:12

Paul thanked God for everything because . . .

f. He knew in whom He believed

I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.

Ephesians 4:1

Paul thanked God in every situation because . . .

g. He knew that God could use it to bring greater maturity, wisdom and usefulness.

“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that

the power of Christ can work through me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Paul thanked God for every trial because . . .

h. He knew it would result in a greater witness for Jesus Christ.

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.

Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. Acts 16:25-26

i. Paul sang songs of thanksgiving and praise to God in prison and found joy.

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes

from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Colossians 3:14-15

j. Paul rejoiced in the Lord. His thankfulness was not conditioned on any circumstance.