Harmonious Joy

Intro

Good evening! Welcome.

Thank you for being here, I pray that you’ve been enjoying your time here.

Today we are wrapping up our series in the book of Philippians in Chapter 4.

Just a brief recap: Paul wrote this book to the Church at Philippi, Paul wrote this letter from prison under some pretty terrible circumstance but he was filled with joy so much so that he in his situation was able to encourage the Church at Philippi.

The book has purpose of this :

First, he wanted to express in writing his thanks for the Philippians’ gift (4:10–18).

Second, he wanted the Philippians to know why he decided to return Epaphroditus to them, so they would not think his service to Paul had been unsatisfactory (2:25, 26).

Third, he wanted to inform them about his circumstances at Rome (1:12–26).

Fourth, he wrote to exhort them to unity (2:1, 2; 4:2).

Fifth, he wrote to warn them against false teachers (3:1–4:1).

and so the overarching tone of this book is one of joy and rejoicing in spite of the circumstances.

So we’ve studied “True Joy”, Immortal Joy, Mindful Joy, we had our guest Joshua last time we were here, and today we finish with Harmonious Joy.

James 4:1 ESV

1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?

James 4:1–3 ESV

1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.

My Favorite Illustrations Harmony in God’s Will

Often I have said that in every disagreement there are three sides: yours, mine, and the right one. Where religious matters are involved the right one is God’s side. A proper resolving of the problem comes only when contending parties find and accept God’s side or do His will

You probably heard it said that in every disagreement there are three sides: yours, mine, and the right one. Well you can be sure that the right one is always God’s side. The problem can only be resolved when all parties find and accept God’s side or do His will.

Harmony refers to being agreeable, to sticking together no matter what.

So how do we maintain harmonious joy.

Harmonious joy comes by:

Dealing with Conflict

Pursuing Contentment

Staying Connected

Dealing with Conflict

Philippians 4:1–9 ESV

1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Do you normally avoid conflict, or rush into it? Why?

How have you been dealing with disagreements with others?

Pursuing Contentment

Philippians 4:10–20 ESV

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Hebrews 13:5 ESV

5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

H

1 Timothy 6:6–8 ESV

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Staying Connected

Philippians 4:21–23 ESV

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Greeting here is not just hi and bye, it’s a bridge between relationships that isn’t burned. People stay connected.

These 3 things are just 3 more things we do if it is divorced from a living, breathing relationship with Jesus Christ.

These things are good and well but as we said in the beginning Joy, true joy is knowing that in spite of my circumstances all is well between me and the Lord.

Let’s Pray