“Rejoicing in hope….” (Romans 12:12)—The Lord will examine our service record. What does “Rejoicing in hope” mean to you?

We must have a right view of this world in which we find ourselves. (Galatians 1:4) (Psalm 74:20) (2 Timothy 3:13)

We must realize God’s purpose with respect to us. Our Lord came to redeem the world one person at a time. (John 16:33)

--He has overcome the world and is coming for us. (Titus 2:11-12) (1 John 3:2-3)

--We can rejoice in the knowledge that whatever the world may be like and whatever it may be doing to you, we are serving the Lord. We are to do so until He takes us home.

“Patient in Tribulation” You are delivered out of this evil world, and you have your eye set on that hope. “How are we going to live in this world?

--Tribulation means that things are pressing heavily upon you. How do trials and tribulations come?

(1) Circumstances over which we have no control

(2) When we fall into sin, our bad choices

(3) They come to test us, to teach us or to grow us.

(4) They come to get our attention.

--How then do we react?

We must not allow tribulation to do us any harm at all. We must patiently endure.

Do not be surprised at tribulation. (John 16:33)

We must allow tribulation to teach us things that nothing but tribulation can teach us. (Psalm 119:157) (James 1:12, 5:12)

“Continuing instant in prayer.” (Psalm 119:164) (Psalm 34:1) (1 Thessalonians 5:17) (Luke 18:1) (Psalm 27:1) (James 4:8) (Hebrews 4:16) Always keep in touch with our Lord. He will give you strength.