Did You Know You Could Be a Christian Just Like Paul?

Introduction:
  I. The life of Paul.
     A. Suffering. 2 Corinthians 11:23-27
     B. Hated by the Jews.
     C. Envied and hated by Christians. Philippians 1:15-16
     D. In prison.
     E. Faced with death. Philippians 1:21
 II. Paul’s attitude:
     A. Paul’s attitude while faced with these situations.
     B. He was happy.
        1. Philippians 1:18
        2. Philippians 2:2, 17-18
        3. Philippians 4:10
     C. While he was in prison, he talked about being 
        happy?
III. What made Paul the way that he was?

Body:
  I. He trusted in prayer.
     A. Philippians 1:19; 4:5-7
     B. Mark 11:24
     C. James 1:5-7

 II. He believed in God’s providence.
     A. Philippians 1:6
     B. Definition – “The care, guardianship, and control 
        exercised by a deity; divine direction” American 
        Heritage Dictionary
     C. What do you think would be the worse thing that 
        could happen to Paul?
        1. To be in prison.
        2. Yet – Philippians 1:12-14
     D. Romans 8:28

III. He had the right attitude about things. 
     A. Philippians 3:4-8

 IV. He forgot the past.
     A. Philippians 3:13-14
     B. Paul could have drowned in self-pity.
     C. Same true with:
        1. Individuals
        2. Churches
     D. Press on
  V. He learned to be content.
     A. Philippians 4:11-13
     B. The secret of Paul’s contentment – Philippians 
        4:13.