JOY-FULL

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Philippians 3

Where do you find joy?

Take a moment to answer the question privately. Do you find it in…recreation, other people, stuff, status, drama or some other pursuit from the world?
Philippians 3:1 ESV
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
What Paul is referencing in this letter is not just a feeling, but a choice to be filled with joy. In his case, despite circumstances.
There are undertones of false teaching referenced throughout the letter. Take note as you read that Paul’s aim is to direct the readers focus back toward what really matters. A restored focus on what matters will end up providing joy in your life.
What is the source of joy?
John 15:11 ESV
11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Jesus is the joy supplier. True joy is found only through Him. Without Him, true joy cannot be experienced.

Paul warns of the “Robber of Joy” - “Flesh Confidence”

Philippians 3:4 ESV
4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:
Flesh confidence is the robber of joy. He even goes so far as to state a warning of its value. He speaks of his own position, his confidence in the flesh and its value first concerning his HISTORY and second his HARD WORK.
This is a reminder that even though their gift was appreciated, it is not a position in which to boast. Nor does it provide an opportunity to experience true and lasting joy.
Philippians 3:8 ESV
8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
What really matters, for Paul, for the Philippians, and for us today…is the reality of knowing Christ Jesus as Lord.
Every....Thing....Else...is a loss. This is where joy is found, regardless of circumstance.

The treasure worth pursing is UPWARD!

(verse 8)
Everything else is a loss compared to its worth. Rubbish is the term Paul uses here - meaning dung, waste, refuse. That is the value of everything of the world compared to the value of knowing and walking with Jesus.

So…Press on!

Goal = Upward Call
Philippians 3:13–14 ESV
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Our citizenship is not here...
Philippians 3:20 ESV
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Are you primarily focused on this temporary shelter? Have you even thought about your permanent home?

At heart, we all desire to achieve greatness…well, here it is!

And it’s not found by living as an enemy of the cross. Here, Paul fully exposes false teachers and opponents of the cross. Before we go on, let me ask you this question…Are you living your life as an enemy of the cross? Here is how Paul describes these people.
Philippians 3:18–19 ESV
18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

As we look at these, evaluate your own life. How do you measure up?

Their mind is focused on the earth. Where is your mind focused?
Their glory is in pride where there should be shame for their actions/attitudes/activiities. Where do you find glory?
Their god is focused on following after their own appetites/cravings. What god are you pursuing?
Their end is destruction. What will be your end?

Which prize are you pursuing?

Maybe you need a healthy dose of perspective.
Where are you searching for joy? (in all the wrong places?)
Paul is clear in this passage and in this letter to the Philippian believers. The message is the same for us today...
Don’t FRET about the PAST
Don’t FOCUS on the PRESENT
But FIX your eyes on the PRIZE....THE UPWARD CALLING!
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