Turning Troubles Into Triumph

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18
 
Introduction: Have you ever said, “I can’t win for losing?” When things seem to go wrong, how can our Lord make them right? There was a man in the Bible that experienced one setback after another; his name was Paul. And yet, because of his trust in Jesus, he was able to “Triumph while in Trouble”! 
 
**GOOD NEWS**
You and I can to!! Applying these three (3) insights derived from Scripture will launch every true believer in Jesus Christ into a wave of Triumph:
 

1. Have you had a “Christ-like TRANSFORMATION”? (2 Cor 4:1-7)

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Personal Application: Our Lord Jesus has called us to serve Him, and share His glorious gospel to those who have been blinded by the god of this world
 

2. Do you have a “Holy Ghost-Powered CONNECTION”? (2 Cor 4:7-15)

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12So then death worketh in us, but life in you. 13We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; 14Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.”

  • The word “vessel” is thēsaurós, which means treasure, wealth, storehouse
  • The word “earthen” is ostrákinos, which means clay
  • The word “troubled” is thlíbō, which means pressed as grapes, afflicted
  • The word “distress” is stenochōréō, which means crushed, hemmed in, cramped
  • The word “perplexed” means puzzled, no way out
  • The word “despair” is exaporéomai, which means to be utterly at a loss
Personal Application: Because we have the Holy Ghost power as a treasure chest within us, things may seem to be crushing us, but really our Lord is holding us together by His mighty power.
 

3. Are you Focused in your “God-given DESTINATION!” (2 Cor 4:16-18)

“16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Practical Application: The heartaches and suffering we endure on this earth thru trouble and trials will pale in comparison to the glory of being with Jesus in heaven. Trials today. Triumph tomorrow.
 

Conclusion: If we are going to “Turn Trouble into Triumph,” then we must have a “CHRIST-like TRANSFORMATION,” with a “HOLY GHOST-Powered CONNECTION,” in order to get ready for our “FINAL DESTINATION”!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese