Gratitude in Grief

Philippians 1:1–11 NIV

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

Introduction: https://www.thetoptens.com/worst-things-could-happen-life/ 1. Buried Alive, 2. Lose a Child 3. Going to Hell 4. Losing a Parent 5. Listening to Justin Bieber

There are a lot of things that can make us unhappy.

Sometimes life makes us grieve.

Talking about Grief (not like we have necessarily lost something), but like Charlie Brown (Good Grief).

Meme’s of Unhappiness.

Bible Project Video of Philippians: - Through introduction.

1. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Philippi when he was in prison, a fact that makes his theme of joyfulness throughout the book all the more pertinent. “Of all Paul's epistles, Philippians is the most consistently positive and personal. It reflects a joyful spirit. One popular exposition of Philippians stresses the importance of living joyfully in spite of his circumstances. Paul did not rebuke this church sharply, nor did he refer to any major problems in it. His warnings are of a precautionary nature. His occupation with Jesus Christ also stands out. In a total of 104 verses, there are 51 references to the Lord Jesus by name” (Thomas L. Constable, Notes on Philippians, Sonic Light, 2017, <http://www.soniclight.com/constable/notes/pdf/philippians.pdf>).

2. So Paul is in prison, but the Philippian Church is also being persecuted for their Faith - because of their claim that Jesus is Lord in a community of retired Roman Soldiers whose allegience was Caesar.

The circumstances of Paul - in prison, and the Philippian Church - persecuted would make most people unhappy, not joyous

What have been some circumstances in your life that have made you unhappy, un-joyous. -

So Life is not always happy, How does Paul seem to be so joyous in this prayer?

Where do we find gratitude in this life?

Top 10 things that make us unhappy.

These are all pursuits that attempt to find our gratitude in our circumstances, that may or may not be shaky.

Side-note - Clinical Depression/Anxiety can be brought on by unhappy circumstances, and sometimes people have Clinical Depression/Anxiety and it colors their world. Sometimes the former can with strategies of gaining perspective can find joy, for the latter, they may need other aids to help them be able to gain that perspective.

link to cell-phone use to teen depression and suicide, and depression (Clinical Psychological Science Research) increase of 58% between 2009 and 2015, and depression/suicide has always been with us. Designer Kate Spade, and Celebrity Chef Anthony Bourdain.

Paul’s message may not be directed specifically to those who have life-long Clinical Depression or Anxiety disorders. There is help for these people, but it involves experts walking alongside them to help them get to a place in their mind where Paul’s perspective can be processed.

Paul’s message in Philippians about Joy is really a lense that puts things into perspective that will produce joy.

What is that perspective?

Gratitude flows from the gospel of grace.

What Paul has Joy over and what he rejoices in?

What Paul has Joy over and what he rejoices in.

In the Philippians - most specifically because of their participation in the gospel

Paul is not alone - It often feels like it, but rarely are we alone.

They too are living the gospel story

Sharers of grace - the Grace of the Gospel brings Joy.

1. “Grace, particularly that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, favor, acceptance, for a kindness granted or desired, a benefit, thanks, gratitude. A favor done without expectation of return; the absolutely free expression of the lovingkindness of God to men finding its only motive in the bounty and benevolence of the Giver; unearned and unmerited favor. Cháris standing in direct antithesis to érga, works, the two being mutually exclusive. God’s grace affects man’s sinfulness and not only forgives the repentant sinner, but brings joy and thankfulness to him. It changes the individual to a new creature without destroying his individuality” (Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament, 1469).

Our source of unhappiness because of our circumstances comes because

We are comparing ourselves with others.

Things are not working out the way we are trying to make them happen.

Worrying about what will happen in the future.

Hurts and Pains directed at us and the imprisonment of unforgiveness

Grace is God’s unmerited favor - It means comparison is out the window with God, because it is not based on how well we do against others. It is not something we make happen as it is a free gift. It therefore does not depend on our faithfulness, but God’s so we do not need to worry about our salvation. Finally it is forgiveness and heals that hurting relationship with God.

If there is nothing that appears we can have joy over, God’s grace is always something to be joyous about.

And they are supporting Paul in the thick and thin.

Conclusion: Practice Celebration - Write down during this series all of the ways Christ’s Grace has saved you. Write prayers of Thanksgiving, and share that with others who are also experiencing God’s Grace so that we can be an encouragement to each other.

Reference the Reformed Confessions: The Reformed Confessions are statements of faith written to clarify the Gospel at times when the Church was in crisis. Heidelberg Catechism: Q&A 1, 2, 52, 55-56, 58-60, 62-64, 86, Canons of Dort: Head I, Article 12; Head III & IV, Article 15; Head V, Articles 10-12, 15

Belgic Confession: Article 8, 11, 22, 24, 27, Canons of Dort: Head III & IV, Article 3, 6, 11; Head V, Article 1, 11