Thanksgiving in Trials

Theme: God Calls His People to Give Thanks Even in Hard Circumstances, Knowing that the Testing of Our Faith Has a Purpose and Reward.
I. Looking to Jesus, Who for the Joy Set Before Him Endured the Cross - Heb 12:1-2
A. Looking unto Jesus – v. 2a
B. Who, for the Joy that was Set Before Him Endured the Cross, Despising the Shame
C. Run with Endurance the Race that is Set Before Us – v. 1b
II. God's Purpose in Sending Trials – Jas 1:2-4
A. Count it all joy when you fall into various trials – v. 2; Rom 8:28
B. Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience – v. 3
C. Let patience have its perfect work: That you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing – v. 4
III. Paul's Suffering for the Gospel – I Cor 11:22-33
A. The Facts of Paul's Sufferings – vv. 22-27
B. Paul's Care for the Weak – vv. 28-29
C. Boasting in Infirmity – vv. 30-31
IV. Singing Hymns in the Philippian Jail – Acts 16:20-28
A. Beaten with Rods and Jailed – vv. 22-24
B. Singing Hymns and Praying in Jail – v. 25
C. Caring About Their Jailer's Life – vv. 26-28