Freedom from the World's Tyranny

Introduction

We’ve been going through our study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. We’ve learned that the Philippians were a very up and coming metropolitan church. They had grown quickly, not only in size, but in standing in the Christian community. They had an abiding love for the brothers and enjoyed their favor. But as with any movement of God, it was not long before they began to experience the persecution by a world that hated and rejected it. Such was their lot, such is ours.

The Philippians did have something very special going for them, they were a church that was actually born out of the very persecution they were now facing.  Paul the apostle started that church after spending the night in a Philippian jail and displaying the joy and peace that is only possible with a mature and completely dependent relationship with God Himself.  By choosing to worship God in the midst of a terrible dungeon, Paul released the power of God to perform such a miracle that a vibrant new church was instantly born.

Now that the church was suffering persecution, their old friend Paul would write a letter of encouragement and comfort to them.  Paul’s letter was written by a man who found true peace of mind. Even though he was imprisoned at the time! Even though he might soon be a martyr!

Paul had the joy that comes from peace of mind, and wanted to share it with others! As we study Philippians we are going to find that Paul lays out three principles for the people of his day all three principles speak of Joy and Peace. 

I want us to keep these in mind as we do our study, and I will revisit them at the beginning of each teaching until we’ve gone through the entire book, with the hope being that at the end we will have glimpsed at the heart of God, through Paul, to grant you His joy and His peace no matter what the circumstance.

The Nature

The Man

The Messiah

1. Paul reveals the the nature of true peace and joy!

Philippians 4:4–7 TLV

Rejoice in the Lord always—again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all people. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything—but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the shalom of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Messiah Yeshua.

Joy is found only in the Lord, and the peace that He give surpasses understanding, and once He gives it, He garrisons it like a fortress.

2. Her reveals a man who provides an example of what produces joy and peace.

3. Finally, Paul reveals the messiah Who is the ultimate source of this joy and peace.

He lays out the mindset of this Lord who provides peace and joy as well as the exaltation of Him who give the peace and joy.

Last week Paul laid out the dichotomy, “For to me, to live is Messiah, to die is gain.”

Philippians 4:8–9 TLV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise—dwell on these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—put these things into practice, and the God of shalom will be with you.