I Will Not Fear. I Will Be Content.

Review / Introduction:



Sit in your PEW

  1. Persecution

  2. Endurance

  3. Witness

Make a MESS

  1. Make the most of every situation.

  2. Evil people will hate you.

  3. Share Christ.

  4. Stand strong.

FLY little songbird

  1. Fear no evil.

  2. Live with persecution.

  3. Yearn for witnessing opportunities.

Psalm 6:2-3 - Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O LORD—how long?

Psalm 77:7-9 - "Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?"


How Can I Be Content in Hardship?


  1. Learn to see Hardship as Dependance.

    2. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.


  2. Learn to see things to be Thankful for.

    3. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - give thanks in all circumstances...


  3. Learn to see the Bigger picture.

    4. Hebrews 12:2 - looking to Jesus... who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God


Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Questions (Whole Group):
Read Acts 25:1-12 

  1. If God is sovereignly using a trial in your life, is it OK to pray for the ongoing trial to end?

  2. What advice would you give someone who says, "I have been suffering with this hardship for years. I have been so discouraged because God obviously isn't answering my prayers."?

  3. What is your big take-away from this passage / message?

Breakout Questions:

What hardship have YOU been enduring for a long time? How are you doing with being content in the trial? What do you need to do if you are struggling with being content?