J. O. Y.

Philippians 1:1–14 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. 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, 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; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. 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. 12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Prayer

Psalm 19:14 “14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of all of our hearts and minds Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer.”

Introduction

I defy you to find anywhere a more joyful letter than Paul’s epistle to the Philippians. The apostle cannot contain himself. Authentic Christianity (1), 188

David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Welsh Preacher and Writer)

Many commentaries have the word “Joy” in the title of the commentary.

104 verses—19 Times - use of the word JOY, REJOICE, or REJOICING

Saul of Tarsus - Not so joyful.

Paul penned the Letter of Joy.

I. EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE BRINGS ABOUT AN OPPORTUNITY TO REJOICE IN JESUS!

10 times in 18 verses Paul mentions Jesus Christ.

Imprisonment in Philippi

Paul forbidden by the Holy Spirit from traveling from Galatia

Fruit of imprisonment:

Lydia

Prison guard and his family

Church in Philippi grew to need deacons and elders

Imprisonment in Jerusalem.

Imprisonment in Caesarea.

Imprisonment in Rome.

Prison epistles

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

Philemon

Philippians 1:12–14 “12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”

II. CHRISTIAN JOY IS FOUND IN LOVING OTHERS!

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: How to Increase Your Joy (Philippians 1:1–11)

Isn’t it remarkable that Paul is thinking of others and not of himself

Philippians 1:3–8 “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, 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; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.”

8 times - YOU

How many times do you pray 8 times more for others than yourself?

Matthew 5:44 “44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,”

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: How to Increase Your Joy (Philippians 1:1–11)

It was not Paul’s love channeled through Christ; it was Christ’s love channeled through Paul.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: How to Increase Your Joy (Philippians 1:1–11)

How can we tell that we are truly bound in love to other Christians? For one thing, we are concerned about them

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: How to Increase Your Joy (Philippians 1:1–11)

“love keeps no record of wrongs” (NIV).

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: How to Increase Your Joy (Philippians 1:1–11)

Paul found joy in his memories of the friends at Philippi and in his growing love for them. He also found joy in remembering them before the throne of grace in prayer.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter One: How to Increase Your Joy (Philippians 1:1–11)

Perhaps the deepest Christian fellowship and joy we can experience in this life is at the throne of grace, praying with and for one another.

III. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD!!

Philippians 1:1 “... To all the SAINTS in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:”

Lexham Theological Wordbook ἅγιος

ἅγιος (

Philippian church was small.

Yet they alone contributed to Paul’s ministry

Epaphroditus (Phil 2)

Philippians 4 - gifts to Paul

2 Corinthians 8

Every church can make a difference!

Every person can make a difference!

What will YOU do to advance the Gospel of Jesus and bring the Joy of Christ to Others?

Closing Prayer and Invitation