Where to Find Joy

Is there a difference between joy and happiness?

We have created a culture that is so self-absorbed.

Where do you find unshakable joy?

You find joy in your life, when you’re not seeking your own joy.

Selfishness always breeds unhappiness. If I’m greedy I’m never satisfied because I want more. If I hold on to resentment/bitterness/unforgiveness I allow my hurt and anger to take a hold of my life.

Fellowship of the gospel

Mind (vs. 3)

This is the opposite of what the world tells us

Heart (vs. 7)

We are told that he who dies with the most toys wins

We need to “keep up with the Jones’”

Joy (or words with the same meaning) is mentioned 19 times in Philippians, and this letter as a whole seems to be focused on joy in the Christian life, and encouragement.

Prayers (vs. 9)

This is an important topic because people these days are depressed, lonely, suicidal, confused....where can we find joy?

This joy comes by putting things in proper order:

What should be first, what should be second and what should be last?

One of the major threads in Philippians is Joy

Joy (or words with the same meaning) is mentioned 19 times

You can see a glimpse into the heart of Paul in the first chapter

The apostle has every reason to be frustrated and angry. Precious years of his life have been lost through the lies, cowardice and incompetence of other people. His great vision of taking the gospel to other lands and cultures has been thwarted—certainly delayed and perhaps abandoned altogether. And yet Paul is able to assure his friends that what has happened to him has actually helped to spread the gospel!

Paul was a convert to Christianity

The apostle has every reason to be frustrated and angry. Precious years of his life have been lost through the lies, cowardice and incompetence of other people. His great vision of taking the gospel to other lands and cultures has been thwarted—certainly delayed and perhaps abandoned altogether. And yet Paul is able to assure his friends that what has happened to him has actually helped to spread the gospel!

He is in a Roman prison

Probably in chains at times

He had a call to preach the gospel, but was stuck in one place

Christ First (vs 12-21) changes your outlook

Your circumstances are more than what you see

Point out the negatives in this passage

His imprisonment worked to advance the Gospel (12-13)

Chains on his wrists....were his “bonds in Christ”

Enemies were preaching Christ out of selfish ambition.....but Christ is being preached. (15-18)

Is there a chance I could die?…Christ will be honored in my life or death. (vs 20)

Your circumstances are opportunities to glorify Christ (they are not their to overcome you)

Paul was in a Roman prison, but he was not a prisoner of Rome, he was a prisoner of Jesus Christ (vs. 13)

The soldiers chained to his wrist were not guards, they were souls for whom Christ died.

The apostle has every reason to be frustrated and angry. Precious years of his life have been lost through the lies, cowardice and incompetence of other people. His great vision of taking the gospel to other lands and cultures has been thwarted—certainly delayed and perhaps abandoned altogether. And yet Paul is able to assure his friends that what has happened to him has actually helped to spread the gospel!

Others Second (vs 3-8)

You are on my mind (vs. 3)

You are in my prayers (vs. 4)

Believe in you (vs. 6)

Heart if for you (vs. 7)

I’m passionate about you, and are filled with compassion (vs. 8)

Prayers (vs. 4)

Selfishness always breeds unhappiness. If I’m greedy I’m never satisfied because I want more. If I hold on to resentment/bitterness/unforgiveness I allow my hurt and anger to take a hold of my life.

You Last (21-26)

My life or death is an advantage

If I live I can preach Christ

If I die, I get to be with Christ

It is better for him (vs 23)

Because Christ will be glorified in his death

He get to be with his Lord and Savior

But to remain alive was better on account of the Church (vs. 24, 25)

Next week Cam is bringing the Word

Worship Night on March 1st same time at the studio

Where to Find Joy

Introduction

Philippians

Philippians

Order