Watch Night 2024

Joy in 2025

Philippians 4:1 HCSB

So then, my brothers, you are dearly loved and longed for—my joy and crown. In this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends.

He begins with his famous conclusion -

But Paul describes the Philippians in an intimate and strange way - the congregation to Paul is what the victor’s wreath was to the Greek runner.

There is joy in victory -

Paul’s ultimate message in Philippians -

The laser sharp focus on the gospel was their ultimate partnership as a church

But there was something happening -

Philippians 4:2 HCSB

I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord.

There was disunity -

These two people used to contend with Paul in his mission, which was the spread of the gospel.

but had since moved to their own endeavors and mission.

How do we focus on staying on track? Other things get in the way of our spiritual growth.

Friends there is no joy in disunity. Unity demands sacrifice.

Where might you find sacrifice this year to bring unity to the mission of our church?

Philippians 4:3 HCSB

Yes, I also ask you, true partner, to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.

Oh that we would all remember our first call - to be disciples of Jesus!

Nobody knows who this ‘true partner’ is in verse 3 - but we know that Paul’s greatest joy was in contending for the gospel.

And doing it as a team.

But, teamwork requires conversations?

Are we having real conversations?

Commit to a journey together through it all.

We belong to an eternal fellowship, not normal earthlings!

Finally, Philippians 4:4-5

Philippians 4:4–5 HCSB

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

Joy - 7x

Rejoice - 8x

His emphatic repeat -

He asked that they not go into hiding, but that they come out openly, avow their faith, take their stand, and rejoice as they do it.

Why? Because the Lord is near! He’s imminent!

The Wesleyan Bible Commentary, Volume 5: Romans–Philemon B. Be Not Anxious (4:4–7)

It means an attitude that will “pardon human feelings and look … to the intention and not to the act, to the whole and not to the part, to remember good rather than evil.”

How are you being called to serve joyfully in 2025?