THREE
INGREDIENTS OF A HAPPY LIFE
Romans 12:12
"Rejoicing
in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"
INTRODUCTION:
1. Romans
12:12.
DISCUSSION:
I. Rejoicing in
hope.
A.
Rejoicing.
1.
Consider the various misconceptions concerning joy (a matter of personal
temperament, circumstances, etc.). Consider I Thessalonians 5:16;
Philippians 4:4.
2. True
joy is possible despite our circumstances in life. Consider James 1:2; I
Peter 1:6.
B. Hope –
joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation.
1.
Without hope, there can be no joy. Re: Ecclesiastes 9:4.
2.
Preoccupation with the things of this life can rob us of our hope (I
Corinthians 15:19).
II. Patient in
tribulation.
A. Patient.
1. From
"abide" and "under." To abide under (the pressure of)
misfortunes and trials, to hold fast to one's faith.
2. Not
just refraining from doing bad, but continuing to do good.
B.
Tribulation.
1. Could
be trials suffered for the cause of Christ (Acts 5:41) or those that are
common to all men (financial; sickness; death; etc.).
2. Our
hope serves as our anchor in times of tribulation (Hebrews 6:19). Hope
allowed the pilgrims to risk their lives at sea, the American explorers to
travel across our country in adverse circumstances, and those in the early
church to endure their afflictions. Our hope ought to allow us to endure
afflictions. Consider I Peter 1:3-6.
III. Continuing
instant in prayer.
A.
Continuing instant. ASV – steadfastly.
1. Jesus
spake a parable unto them, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint
(Luke 18:1).
2. We are
to pray, "without ceasing" (I Thessalonians 5:17).
B. In
prayer.
1. Prayer
is able to eliminate worry (Philippians 4:6-7).
2. Prayer
reminds us of the reason for our hope: a Christian is in the family of
God, has others to help bear his burdens, has his sins forgiven, has the
promise of a home in heaven (have you "called home" lately?).
CONCLUSION:
1.
Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.
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