Where are you in your sanctification process? Are you a mature Christian? One of the best tests to measure our spiritual maturity is to evaluate what does it take to rob us of our joy? Paul, in this text, is an example of spiritual maturity in that while life’s circumstances were difficult, unpleasant, hurtful, or at times even life threatening; he did not allow them to rob him of his joy. Rather these life’s circumstances caused his joy to grow. Being a fruit that is born from Spirit control, joy is not always constant or full. 1 John was written that our joy may be full. What is it that causes our joy to be challenged? Selfishness that is often manifested in attitudes of dissatisfaction, bitterness, doubt, fear, or negativism. Today, we want to learn from Paul how he maintained his joy through difficult circumstances.