The Books Philippians (1:1-11)

What is up Vertical. Man we are so excited to start a new semester. Especially more excited to walk through the book of Philippians during the next 8 weeks.

This book is packed with great advice as we continue to mature in our faith. Ultimately, Scriptures will shape our understanding of God, in order to live a life that is pleasing to him.

I am not much of a football player, in fact I grew up playing soccer. When I first saw football, I couldn’t understand how many coaches there were involved and even more when I saw this (QB on a phone)

Why would a QB need to call during the game? The answer is Vantage Point.

The coach in the press box is one hundred yards from the field. From there, way above the field, he can see the whole field at once.

In the same way, the book of Philippians reminds us that God has a different perspective than ours. God knows better because He sees everything and our job is to trust that His ways are better.

Today we will only cover a few verses of chapter 1. So let’s jump in

Here is my main point for today:

Main Point: Happiness is based on happenings.joy is based on relationships, legacy and love.

Principle # 1- Joyful Relationships

Phil 1:3-6 “3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

There are two primary relationships Paul talks about the Church and Jesus.

We need to remember that Paul is writing this letter from a Roman prison. And unlike the prisons you have seen on TV (Roman Prision Pic), this one was not a very comfortable one. Plus the Roman were cruel people and they did not have a need to provide food, clothing or any basic needs to prisioners.

Yet Paul is praying with JOY and thanking the church of Philippi, because they have care for Him.

Then Paul uses the phrase “Partnership in the Gospel.” A Biblical scholar puts it this way. Partners in the things of God.

Do you have fellow believers that care for you? Do you have fellow believers that will keep you in the things of God?

Not only there is joy in relationship with other believers but joy in our relationship with Jesus.

Far too often we see Jesus and tie him to a list of rules, but Jesus wants relationship- so much so that he did all the work and he will continue to do all the work

Literally, He began the work and will complete the work. How can you not find joy in that relationship?

Are you seeking happiness or joy?

Main Point: Happiness is based on happenings, but joy comes from relationships, legacy and love.

Principle #2- Joyful Legacy

Phil 1:7-8 “7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.”

There is joy in understanding our part of the kingdom of God. Paul says that whether he is in chains there is a grace that we share.

This grace is the unmerited gift of Jesus on the cross. That is our legacy, we do not live for ourselves but live to bring glory to God.

You see, when your legacy depends upon you- there is a lot of pressure. However, when we do not have the pressure of building a legacy for ourselves but embracing God’s, then we can experience joy despite what happens.

Part of Paul’s legacy was the churches he planted. The relationships he had, were not only friends but partners in the things of God. There is such joy know that you have share Jesus with someone, especially if they accept Christ. That is a legacy you want to have.

Are you sharing Christ with your friends and family at school?

Charles Stanley once said” God's plan for enlarging His kingdom is so simple - one person telling another about the Savior. Yet we're busy and full of excuses. Just remember, someone's eternal destiny is at stake. The joy you'll have when you meet that person in heaven will far exceed any discomfort you felt in sharing the gospel.”

Main Point: Happiness is based on happenings, but joy comes from relationships, legacy and love.

Principle #3- Joyful Love

Phil 1:9-11 “9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”

Today’s definition of love is so twisted. Paul points out three words that are connected to love. Knowledge, depth and discernment.

Knowledge is spiritual wisdom found in Scripture.

Insight is application of this spiritual wisdom to practical living

Discernment is result of growth in knowledge and insight. Discernment here is the ability to examine or test things that differ.

Paul is telling us that real joyful love requires knowledge and insight of God. When we put those two together, we will know what is best, pure and blameless.

Real love bring joy.

Real love is what will transform us. Rules only take us so far, our love for God is the fuel of our transformation. It is the fuel of our joy.

On the rest of the book we will see a theme of Joy. Joy that lasts through challenges and pain. That is the thing with joy. Joy creates a paradox because you can be going through the worst thing possible and still be a joyful person that brings glory and praise to Jesus through the fruit of righteousness.

Main Point: Happiness is based on happenings, but joy comes from relationships, legacy and love.

Let’s pray.