A Joyful Beginning

Series Title: Joyful Living: Embracing Christ’s Mindset in Every Season

Sermon 1: A Joyful Beginning

Text: Philippians 1:1-11

Introduction:

We’re beginning a series on the Book of Philippians, where Paul emphasizes joy, unity, and perseverance, no matter the circumstances.

Today, we’ll start by focusing on the joy Paul found in his relationship with the Philippians, his prayers for them, and his confidence in God’s work in their lives.

Before we start reading this letter let me first give you a little background bio on this letter.

Introduction to the Book of Philippians

The book of Philippians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia. Paul had a deep connection with this church, as he was instrumental in founding it during his second missionary journey (Acts 16:12-40). The Philippian believers were unique in their close partnership with Paul, supporting his ministry not only spiritually but also financially (Philippians 4:15-16).

Paul wrote this letter from prison, likely in Rome, around AD 61-62. Philippians is often referred to as the "Epistle of Joy," even though Paul wrote it while imprisoned, the letter is filled with joy and encouragement. Paul’s primary reasons for writing the letter include:

To Thank the Philippians for Their Support The Philippians had sent Paul a financial gift through Epaphroditus, who traveled to bring it to him (Philippians 4:18). In response, Paul wanted to express his heartfelt gratitude for their generosity and partnership in the gospel. This gift was not the first time the Philippians had supported Paul—they had consistently been a source of help and encouragement throughout his ministry.

To Encourage Joy and Unity Though written from a prison cell, Philippians is often referred to as the "Epistle of Joy." Paul repeatedly calls the believers to rejoice in the Lord, regardless of their circumstances (Philippians 4:4). Additionally, there were some signs of division within the church, particularly between two prominent women, Euodia and Syntyche, who were urged to reconcile (Philippians 4:2-3). Paul stresses the importance of unity, humility, and working together for the sake of the gospel.

To Address Concerns About His Imprisonment The Philippians were understandably concerned about Paul’s imprisonment. They had a strong emotional bond with him, and Paul wanted to reassure them that his suffering was actually advancing the gospel (Philippians 1:12-14). He emphasized that, even in chains, Christ was being glorified and that the gospel continued to spread.

To Warn Against False Teachers Paul also took this opportunity to warn the Philippians about the dangers of legalism and false teachers, specifically the “dogs” and “mutilators of the flesh” (Philippians 3:2), likely referring to Judaizers who insisted on circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic law for salvation. Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not by following the law (Philippians 3:9).

To Encourage Perseverance in the Christian Life Paul encouraged the Philippians to keep pressing forward in their spiritual journey. Using himself as an example, he urged them to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). His letter is a call to steadfastness, to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, and to hold fast to the faith even in the face of trials.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is one of gratitude, encouragement, and exhortation. He writes with a deep affection for this church, desiring to see them grow in their faith, stand firm in unity, and experience the joy that comes from knowing Christ.

Point 1:

Paul’s Thanksgiving and Prayer

Text: Philippians 1:1-2

Philippians 1:1–2 NKJV

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:3–5 NKJV

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,

Paul opens this letter with gratitude for the Philippians’ partnership in the gospel. He doesn't start by addressing his own suffering but with a joyful acknowledgment of their shared mission. This is a beautiful picture of Christian fellowship—our bond is rooted in our common faith in Christ.

Cross Reference:

Paul similarly gives thanks for the Thessalonians, remembering their work of faith and labor of love. Gratitude for other believers is a hallmark of Paul’s ministry.

Colossians 1:3–4 NKJV

3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;

Paul again expresses thanksgiving for the faith and love of fellow believers. His joy comes from seeing God’s work in others.

Paul’s thanksgiving wasn’t just a polite introduction; it was heartfelt. The Philippians supported him financially and through prayer, which fostered deep joy in Paul’s heart. True Christian joy stems from shared partnership in the gospel, not just in personal circumstances.

The Mary Hill Davis Offering for Texas Missions is a key partnership effort that supports state-wide missionary work throughout September. This initiative, named after a prominent advocate for missions, focuses on sharing the gospel and serving communities across Texas. Through prayer and financial support, churches and individuals can participate in this mission to impact lives, plant churches, and spread the message of Christ to every corner of the state.

Application:

Like Paul, we are called to give thanks for those who partner with us in the faith. Who are the people in your life that you can be thankful for? Whether it’s through prayer, encouragement, or resources, these partnerships reflect the body of Christ working together.

Point 2:

The Power of Prayer for Others

Text: Philippians 1:9-11

Philippians 1:9–11 NKJV

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Paul’s prayer for the Philippians is rich in its content. He prays for their love to abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so they may discern what is best and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. Paul isn’t just praying for their physical well-being, but for their spiritual growth.

Cross Reference:

Ephesians 1:17–19 NKJV

17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians also focuses on spiritual growth. He prays that God will give them wisdom and revelation to know Him better.

As your pastor, I pray for each of you in this manner, longing for you to grow in knowledge and wisdom of the revelation of Jesus Christ and know Him better.

Colossians 1:9–10 NKJV

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Paul’s prayer for the Colossians mirrors his prayer for the Philippians. He asks that they be filled with the knowledge of God’s will and live lives worthy of the Lord.

Paul’s prayer shows us the importance of interceding for one another’s spiritual development. It’s not just about praying for someone’s immediate needs but also for their growth in Christ.

Application:

How often do you pray for the spiritual growth of others? Paul shows us the importance of this kind of prayer. Take time to pray specifically for your fellow believers’ growth in love, knowledge, and discernment.

Point 3:

God’s Faithful Work in Believers

Text: Philippians 1:6

Philippians 1:6 NKJV

6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

Paul expresses confidence that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." This verse encapsulates Paul’s trust in God’s ongoing work in the lives of the Philippians. God is faithful to complete what He starts.

Cross Reference:

Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Paul reminds us that we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. God’s work in us leads to purposeful living.

Romans 8:29–30 NKJV

29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

God’s faithfulness is seen in His eternal purpose, where those He foreknew, He predestined, called, justified, and glorified.

Paul is confident not because of the Philippians' abilities but because of God’s character. The good work of salvation, sanctification, and transformation is God’s work from beginning to end.

Application:

We can trust that God is at work in the lives of those He justifies. So take heart—God finishes what He starts. His faithfulness is should never be in question.

Conclusion:

Paul’s relationship with the Philippians is marked by joy, prayer, and confidence in God’s work.

So let me close with some key takeaways from today's text.

Key Applications:

Be thankful for others in the church.

Our partnership in the gospel should bring us joy and gratitude, as we recognize how God uses each of us in unique ways.

Pray for spiritual growth.

Let your prayers go beyond immediate needs and ask God to grow others in love, knowledge, and discernment.

Trust God’s work in you and others.

No matter what season you’re in, you can be confident that God is completing His work in you, shaping you for His purposes.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Paul and the Philippians. Help us to live with joyful hearts, grateful for the fellowship we have with one another in Christ. Teach us to pray for one another’s spiritual growth and trust in Your faithfulness to complete the work You’ve begun in each of us. May our lives reflect Your love and grace as we walk in unity and joy. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.