PHILLIPIANS AND JOY

HILLIPIANS

TODAY WE ARE STARTING THE BOOK OF PHILLIPIANS. ITS MAIN THEME IS HAVING JOY IN OUR LIVES NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCE. HERE IS A BLUEPRINT OF WHAT IT IS ABOUT, TOMORROW WE START THE SCRIPTURE.

1.   Joy in suffering (1: 1-30)                    

2.   Joy in serving (2: 1-30)                    

3.   Joy in believing (3: 1-21)                    

4.   Joy in giving (4: 1-23)

Although Paul was writing from prison, joy is a dominant theme in this letter. The secret of his joy is grounded in his relationship with Christ. People today desperately want to be happy but are tossed and turned by daily successes, failures, and inconveniences. Christians are to be joyful in every circumstance, even when things are going badly, even when we feel like complaining, even when no one else is joyful. Christ still reigns, and we still know him, so we can rejoice at all times.

Humility Explanation: Christ showed true humility when he laid aside his rights and privileges as God to become human. He poured out his life to pay the penalty we deserve. Laying aside self-interest is essential to all our relationships. We are to take Christ’s attitude in serving others, which can mean renouncing personal recognition and merit. When we give up our self-interest, we can serve with joy, love, and kindness.

Self-Sacrifice Explanation: Christ suffered and died so we might have eternal life. With courage and faithfulness, Paul sacrificed himself for the ministry. He preached the gospel even while he was in prison. Christ gives us power today to lay aside our personal needs and concerns. To utilize his power, we must imitate leaders who show self-denying concern for others. An attitude of self-centeredness helps no one; it only fuels greed and selfish resentment for what we don’t have.

Unity Explanation: Every church in every generation has divisive influences (issues, loyalties, and conflicts). In these situations, it is easy for believers to turn against one another. Paul encouraged the Philippians to agree with each other, stop complaining, and work together. We are called to do the same today. Believers should not contend with each other but strive together for unity. When we are unified in love, Christ’s strength is most clearly expressed through us. Keep before you the ideals of teamwork, consideration of others, and unselfishness.

Christian Living Explanation: Paul shows us how we are called to live the Christian life. We can become mature by being so identified with Christ that his attitude of humility and self-sacrifice becomes ours. Christ is both our source of power and our guide. Developing our character begins with God’s work in us. But growth also requires self-discipline, obedience to God’s Word, and concentration.

Joy Explanation: Believers can have profound contentment, serenity, and peace no matter what happens. This joy comes from knowing Christ personally and from depending on his strength rather than our own. We can have joy even in hardship. Joy does not come from outward circumstances but from inward strength. As Christians, we must not rely on what we have or what we experience to give us joy but on Christ within us.Tyndale. NIV Life Application Study Bible

ON THE WAY HOME WALK WITH JESUS AND LETS GET READY TO STUDY PHILLIPIANS!! and like some even being in jail we need to have JOY!!

onthewayhomeministries.org by RICHARD DEAN BROOKS