Unshakable Joy(Philipians 4:10-13)
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
In my vehicle, I had an issue with a slow leak . Matter fact I thought it was my driver front tire. I initially thought my gauges were reading incorrectly. Then I begin to suspect that my tire was having issues so I would add air to this particular tire. The problem was about perspective. The car indicator in my car is in reverse. So the real issue was in the rear tire and not the front time. Not only was my perspective wrong, but I was making decisions based on this.
Sometimes we make the same mis-take w the verse we will speak about today.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
It is popular amongst athletes as they wear the verse tattooed on massive biceps or in other areas, but at the end of the day, many people are drawn to the success of these people who cling to this verse.
Eric J. Bargerhuff, “The Most Misused Verses in the Bible: Surprising Ways God’s Word Is Misunderstood
Again, when we take Scripture out of context and try to use the Bible how we see fit, we can easily set ourselves up for defeat. In fact, we can become so disillusioned with God that we practically shipwreck our faith because he’s not meeting our expectations
The New Testament book of Philippians was written by the apostle Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome. Facing an uncertain future, Paul was not sure whether he would be executed by the Romans, who were widely known for persecuting the church. Still, he felt compelled to write a letter to the first church he started in Greece, in the region of Macedonia.
from a Jail cell Paul shares with us one of the main themes in Philippians is Joy. According to the ESV Rejoice is used 9 times and joy 5.
This was obviously something the Philippians struggled with. They loved the Lord but had put a lot of confidence in their own ability to live out the Christian life. As a result, they were getting worried, agitated, and seemingly irritated with each other.
Pivot:
Little has changed for us today. It is easy to become consumed by worry. Where are we going to get the money?
Where can I find the time to get all this done?
How’s this going to work out?
These types of worries can quickly hijack our faith and keep us from serving the Lord (see Jesus’ teaching in Mark 4:19).
19 but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.
The truth is, when we are wrapped up in worldly things and distracted by our circumstances, it hinders our spiritual growth and squelches our usefulness in God’s kingdom.
How can we learn to Have Joy in the prison’s of life?
Emotional Prison:
Definition: A state where an individual is trapped by negative emotions such as fear, anger, guilt, or sadness. These emotions can dominate their thoughts and actions, preventing them from experiencing peace and happiness.
Relational Prison:
Definition: Being in a relational prison means being stuck in toxic or unhealthy relationships, which can include abusive partnerships, manipulative friendships, or strained family ties. These relationships can trap a person in cycles of negativity or pain.
Definition: This prison refers to being trapped by external circumstances such as poverty, illness, unemployment, or any challenging life situation that feels inescapable. These situations can create a sense of hopelessness and despair.Example: Someone dealing with chronic illness may feel imprisoned by their condition, unable to live the life they desire.
We need help Just like the Philippians needed help. we might be serving, we might be giving, but there are times in my life I may not feel like smiling.
In the 4 the Chapter of Philippians, Paul calls the Philippians his joy and crown to stand firm …Hold your ground in Jesus
If we do this by faith in christ, we will have Unshakable Joy !
Paul deals with a few things that can rob you of your joy and shake us up:
Worry v6
4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Negative thinking v9
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
JOY (שִׂמְחָה, simchah; χαρά, chara). Closely related to gladness and happiness, although joy is more a state of being than an emotion; a result of choice. One of the fruits of the spirit (Gal 5:22–23). Having joy is part of the experience of being a Christian.
In the Old Testament, joy is closely related to victory over one’s enemies.
6 And now my head shall be lifted up
above my enemies all around me,
and I will offer in his tent
sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make melody to the Lord.
some day, we will shout the sounds of Joy over our enemies…until we get there, let us learn a few points about Unshakable Joy:
1. ( Content in Christ)
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
N. T. Wright, “ people were put in prison in Paul’s world, they were not normally given food by their captors; they had to rely on friends helping them.”
the Philippian Church filled up Paul’s commissary.
Paul’s reason for joy was how the church restored concern for him . People in prisons, hospitals, or even dealing with loneliness at home can be extremely difficult.
Paul was in the classroom of life just like us: In order for him to have unshakable joy in Christ, Paul had to learn to be content. What did he learn?
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Poverty and prosperity are two extremes of life’s circumstances, yet true contentment lies not in the abundance of wealth or the lack thereof, but in the strength and peace that comes from relying on God, who sustains us in both situations.
The Greek verb translated here as “learned” (myeō) is known for its association with ancient mystery religions, referring to people being initiated into secret rites; it also was used as a metaphor for gaining insight (or insider knowledge) into an organization. Paul is saying that his “insider” experiences in the ways of God have led him to the amazing discovery that God is present in all events, whether they involve poverty or prosperity.
Contentment thus involves the sufficiency of God to turn all things around for the sake of the kingdom. What matters is not having everything go your way, but knowing Christ (Phil 3:8
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
10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Preach your Joy can become unshakable when you realize that God is in it all! Whether your living high off the hog or eating chittlings; whether your eating hot dogs and beans or crab cakes; whether your living like Good times or the Jeffersons. when you know Christ is with you every step of the way, you know the secret of contentment and this should give you joy. This Joy I have the world can’t give it , the world cannot take it away.
2. Strength of Christ!
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Paul reaffirms his sufficiency through the sufficiency of Jesus .
“I have the power to face all such situations in union with the One who continually infuses me with strength.”
when I’m weak because i’m in union with Jesus by His shed blood death burial and resurrection, He keeping me …
He’s all over me, He keeping me alive
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Popular songwriter tells us:
You are my strength
Strength like no other
Strength like no other
Reaches to me….
When you got the Power of Jesus
Jesus can ”Turn your scars into stars."
Transform your past wounds or hardships into something that shines and guides your future.
Jesus can,”Bloom where you're planted."
Thrive and make the best of your situation, no matter where you are or what circumstances you face.
"Every cloud has a silver lining."
Even in the darkest situations, there is always something positive or hopeful to be found.
"When one door closes, another opens."
If you face a setback or loss, new opportunities will eventually arise.
"Dance in the rain."
Instead of waiting for the storm to pass, embrace and find joy in the challenges you're facing.
Celebrate:
Timothy Dwight (American Congregational Minister)
Bible is a window in this prison-world, through which we may look into eternity.
An acronym for JOY could be:
J - Jesus
O - Others
Y - Yourself
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life:
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Jesus is my bread when I’m hungry, Water when I’m thirsty, Roof over my Head ; shelter in the time of storm, Doctor in the sickroom, lawyer in the courtroom; Jesus can fix it….He carries me when life gets hard, He walks with me and talks with me!
He’s the wheel in the middle of a wheel, He is the First and the last, the beginning and the end, He’s all I need in this life and the next! Do you got Jesus Joy this morning? I need Unshakable Joy. You and need to be content of Christ and the Strength of Christ.
Joy, joy, God's great joy Joy, joy, down in my soul Sweet, beautiful, soul saving joy Oh, joy, joy in my soul Joy, joy, God's great joy Joy, joy, down in my soul Oh, sweet, beautiful, soul saving joy Oh, joy, joy in my soul