How To FIGHT For Your JOY-FILLED Life, Pt. 2

Philippians 1:27-30; Selected Scriptures By D.Z. Cofield, Th.M., D. Min. September 6, 2020 1. You need to realize FIGHTING for the faith ACTIVATES God’s POWER on your behalf. Philippians 1:28b-30 (NLT2) – … This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. 30 We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. A. You need to realize through these BATTLES you will be SAVED. Philippians 1:28b-29 (NLT2) – … This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. 29 For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. Saved – B. You need to realize these BATTLES prove you are SUFFERING for Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:29 (NLT2) – For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. John 16:33 (ESV) – I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” 2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT2) – Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. C. You need to realize these BATTLES prove you are STRUGGLING just like other BELIEVERS. Philippians 1:30 (NLT2) – We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. Struggle – 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (ESV) – Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Isaiah 41:10-13 (ESV) – fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 11 Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. 12 You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. 13 For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” L.I.F.E. Group Questions 1. Who’s a great fighter you’ve heard of? What makes them great? 2. As a Christian are you more likely, or unlikely, to fight? Explain. 3. As a believer why’s it important to be willing to fight for your joy? 4. How would you like the reputation of being a fearless Christian? Explain 5. How important is it to know you are not in this spiritual battle alone? Explain 6. What do you need to do to identify and fight the enemies within you? 7. What do you need to do to identify and fight the enemies around you? 8. How important is it to know that the physical manifestation of enemy activity in your life is rooted in the spiritual world? 9. What do you need to do to better battle the spiritual attacks the enemy sends against you? 10. What’s the toughest thing you’ve had to fight through as a Christian? 11. What about your life-style do you most need to change in order to become a fighter for your joy? 12. What can you do today to encourage someone who is struggling in their fight to become all God wants them to be?