Joy in Community

Introduction

JOY ILLUSTRATION

Everyday Joy Series intro

Joy is not based on circumstances but on perspective.

Transition to Community

Main Idea: Find Joy in Community

Be United in the Gospel

The first section of this scripture I want to look at is Philippians 1:27-30

Philippians 1:27–30 NLT

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.

Here, we see Paul beginning

One Spirit: Connected by God

One Purpose: Connected by our mission

-Karly and I—outward focused

Be United by Sacrificial Love

What we receive, we practice. If God has made us one with him, then we should be one with each other.

Don’t be selfish.

Don’t try to impress others.

Be humble

Look out for others interests

AKA subvert your preferences.

Be United Like Jesus

Jesus is God…

But he didn’t flaunt it or use it for his own gain / We’re always trying to get ahead. If we don’t have status, we’re trying to get it. If we do have status, we’re trying to cling to it

KENOSIS.

Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters The Mind of the Messiah (Philippians 2:5–11)

As you look at the incarnate son of God dying on the cross the most powerful thought you should think is: this is the true meaning of who God is. He is the God of self-giving love.

NT Wright