Title: “Great Faith Requires Great Trials” (Philippians 1:12-30)

1. Intro – Faith & Choices
   • Newly-wed humor sets up the theme of daily choices.
   • Question posed: What is faith without tribulation?

2. Defining Faith
   • Complete trust that must be tested to be real—like sitting on a pew or starting your car.

3. I. Your Situation Shouldn’t Dampen Your Faith (vv. 12-18)
   • Paul writes from prison yet rejoices because chains advance the Gospel.
   • Joy is a choice; attitude is not dictated by circumstances.

4. Story: Wind Shell – Orphan in Haiti with no hands who still cooks, crochets and radiates joy → illustration of chosen attitude.

5. II. Hardships Aren’t Meaningless (vv. 19-26)
   • “To live is Christ, to die is gain.”
   • Trials become platforms for fruitful ministry.

6. Biblical Snapshots
   • Job – unwavering devotion in loss.
   • King Nebuchadnezzar – pride broken to recognize God.
   • Ruth – loss turned to lineage of Christ.
   • Joseph – stress transformed into trust and obedience.

7. III. Trials Don’t Change Gospel Truth (vv. 27-30)
   • Conduct must stay worthy of Christ whatever happens.
   • Believers carry the only light in a dark world; our response either magnifies or muddies it.

8. Modern Illustration – 10-year-old cancer patient grateful that friends don’t suffer → perspective of purpose.

9. Conclusion & Invitation
   • John Newton’s broken-carriage analogy: don’t lament a short, rough walk on the way to a vast estate.
   • Fix eyes on the big picture; let God use every adversity to advance His kingdom.
   • Call to embrace Christ who redeems every trial.