Intro to the Book

Announcements

Sabbath Dinner 25th

Calendar meeting , update on the state of the church for early 2026 28th

Call To Worship

Say: Let us now begin to worship the Father the Son, the Holy Spirit, Our Call to worship Comes to us from

Psalm 139 ESV

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. 1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. 7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. 13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. 19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! 20 They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain. 21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? 22 I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Introduction

In the New year I have a question for you, would you like joy throughout the coming year?

Philippians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary Chapter 1: The Epistle of Joy (Philippians 1:1–2)

We live in a generally sad world, a fallen world well acquainted with despair, depression, disappointment, dissatisfaction, and a longing for lasting happiness that often never comes to pass. Moments of pleasure and satisfaction are scattered through the general pain and sorrow of life. Many people have little hope that their situation in life will ever change much, if any, for the better. Hopelessness tends to increase with age. Long years of life often become long years of sorrow, unfulfillment, loss of loved ones and friends, and often physical limitations and pain. Such decreasing times of happiness tend to produce a morbid sadness and lessening satisfaction with life.

Most people define happiness as an attitude of satisfaction or delight based on positive circumstances largely beyond their control. Happiness, therefore, cannot be planned or programmed, much less guaranteed. It is experienced only if and when circumstances are favorable. It is therefore elusive and uncertain.

Joy is a constant theme in the NT and is said again and again. Rejoice the verb form is used 96 times and joy 59 time, both of which show up 13 times together in our epistle.

The Text

Philippians 1:1–3 ESV

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

Our Problem today

We are looking for joy and fulfillment in all the wrong places!

According to the Washington Post 15,000 self helps books are published a year. It’s a $13 Billon industry.

I read one study that their are 40,000 motivational speakers in the US.

We are looking for something. People are not happy

That’s how our situation is. Paul is providing the answer for it.

Now let’s look at our letter

Phil was written when Paul was imprisoned for the first time.

Acts 28:14–31 ESV

14 There we found brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us. On seeing them, Paul thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came into Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who guarded him. 17 After three days he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 When they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar—though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We have received no letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or spoken any evil about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for with regard to this sect we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” 23 When they had appointed a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. From morning till evening he expounded to them, testifying to the kingdom of God and trying to convince them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets. 24 And some were convinced by what he said, but others disbelieved. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26 “ ‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 27 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 28 Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” 30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

In that time, he was imprisoned and yet he still had joy! Paul must know something we don’t.

He had a joy from the Lord that is not one.

John Mac Says this about joy

Philippians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary Chapter 1: The Epistle of Joy (Philippians 1:1–2)

Spiritual joy, on the other hand, is not an attitude dependent on chance or circumstances. It is the deep and abiding confidence that, regardless of one’s circumstances in life, all is well between the believer and the Lord. No matter what difficulty, pain, disappointment, failure, rejection, or other challenge one is facing, genuine joy remains because of that eternal well-being established by God’s grace in salvation. Thus, Scripture makes it clear that the fullest, most lasting and satisfying joy is derived from a true relationship with God. It is not based on circumstances or chance, but is the gracious and permanent possession of every child of God.

Defining Joy

Joy according to the Tyndale Bible Dictionairy is

Tyndale Bible Dictionary Joy

Positive human condition that can be either feeling or action. The Bible uses “joy” in both senses.

Feeling

Tyndale Bible Dictionary Joy

Joy as a Feeling Joy is a feeling called forth by well-being, success, or good fortune. A person automatically experiences it because of certain favorable circumstances. It cannot be commanded.

It is like Mt 18:13

Matthew 18:13 ESV

13 And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray.

It is the feeling when you see someone you love do well! It isn’t some in your control, but it warms the soul

Action

Tyndale Bible Dictionary Joy

Joy as an Action There is a joy that Scripture commands. That joy is action that can be engaged in regardless of how the person feels.

Matthew 5:11–12 ESV

11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

or

Philippians 4:4 ESV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Joy is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

God cares about your mental state just as much for your physical and spiritual state.

He has a plan for you to have joy.

It is my prayer that this letter helps you grow in joy.

Six ways to grow in Joy

1) Joy is a gift from God

Psalm 4:7–8 ESV

7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Do you see the Psalmist here say God put joy in his heart.

God will give you joy, it will be more then you can understand it will surpass the joy of food.

If you have not joy today ask Matt. 7:7-8

Matthew 7:7–8 ESV

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Have you asked for joy throughout this coming year? one thing I have noticed is that many don’t want to be a burden, this seems even truer, for my senior saints in the room! You are not burdening God to ask for joy. He wants to give you good things.

2) Joy for those who believe in the Gospel

Luke 2:10–11 ESV

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Yes a Christmas verse, I still have my tree up!

belief creates joy in the soul of the believer!

Jesus says this

John 15:11 ESV

11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

This is a Supernatural joy. I think it’s the feeling of being in God’s hands

John 10:28–30 ESV

28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”

When I pick up one of my boys I notice one thing. They after a momment lay their head on my shoulder in saftey and peace. We have the joy of our Lord’s embrace, it is a relief in the midsts of life storms.

If you’re not a bleiever you’re missing out!

3) Joy made by God the Holy Spirit

Paul say Rom. 14:17

Romans 14:17 ESV

17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

he also says

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

The Holy Spirit, the divine helper and comforter will create joy in your heart.

Those situations that pop up in your life, the joy in your relationships.

If you’re married we are commanded men to rejoice in our wives Proverbs 5:18

Proverbs 5:18 ESV

18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,

I never understood the whole ‘ball and chain’ or the my ‘husband is dumb tropes’ you see on TV. Instead seek joy in one another!

Joy is made by the Holy Spirit in you!

4) Joy is experienced by believers when they obey God

Jeremiah 15:16 ESV

16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

Or

Psalm 1:3 ESV

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

You will have joy as you obey God’s word.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The word is completing. God takes you as you are and uses the word, the preaching and teaching and reading of it makes you more of the person who God wants you to be. Grace perfects, not replaces.

The more you obey the more you experience joy.

Let me give you a counter example. The hardest times when parenting is when your kids just outright do the opposite of what you’ve taught them to do.

It destroys the peace in the home and life.

You experince loss of peace when you disobey God’s word

5) Joy is deepened through Trials

1 Peter 1:3–6 ESV

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

(expand)

6) Joy comes from the hope in Jesus

1 Peter 4:13 ESV

they 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

(GIVE THE GOSPEL)

Benediction

Jude 24–25 ESV

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.