Phil 00_00 Mind Full of Joy

Mind Full of Joy (Philippians) February 4, 2018 Do you know that God is happy? He is. I Tim 6:15 says God is “the blessed [happy] and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.” Even the chaos of creation does not deter Him; He knows it will end in His glory one day. He is happy. So was Jesus. Jn 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” Despite all Jesus suffered, He was the happiest man who ever lived, and He wants us in on it. And Paul, jailed in Rome, persecuted, even by Xn colleagues, was happy. Phil 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice.” Do you have that kind of happiness, regardless of circumstances? This little book will help you get it. Read Acts 16:6-10 -- Few events have impacted world history as much as this one. Mid 2nd missionary journey, Paul wanted to go deep into Asia Minor. But the HS intervened. Paul was sent across the Aegean, setting foot in Europe at Neapolis, then 9 miles inland to preach at Philippi. This eventually led to the dynamic influence of Christianity on Western Civilization. You and I are Christians today largely because of this direction by the HS in Paul’s life. Paul went on to minister in many European cities – Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Rome, and others. But first -- Philippi – arriving in 50 AD. Founded in 368 BC by Philip of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great. It was strategically located. A range of hills divides Europe from Asia; east from west; and Philippi was in a valley on the road between Europe and Asia. A great battle occurred at Philippi in 42 BC when Antony defeated Brutus and Cassius. Later Octavian (Augustus) defeated Antony at the Battle of Actium to unify the empire. Recognizing Philippi’s value, Augustus gave the city full rights of Roman citizenship; it was called “Little Rome.” Paul’s words about citizenship in 1:27 and 3:20 resonated strongly with the Xns at Philippi. Philippi (visited on 2nd and 3rd journeys) was the first western church, a good one. Paul wrote them a letter in 61 AD that became part of the Bible. By that time Paul had been falsely imprisoned for nearly 5 years – 3 in Palestine, and 2 in Rome – the first of two Roman imprisonments. He had already written Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon from there. When he writes Philippians he hopes to be released soon – and probably was. He was imprisoned again 3-4 years later, when he wrote II Timothy and Titus, prior to execution by Nero. But despite being in prison, heavily persecuted, his joy persists! The term “joy” is found 4 times; “rejoice” 8 times, and “glad” 3 times. The message Christian joy can and should overcome any and all circumstances pervades the letter. But how can we be happy in any circumstance? Paul knew. He insists we must think properly. We must mind our mind. Joy is driven by how clearly we see reality! Phil 3:1 is key: “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord.” Not just rejoice – but rejoice in the Lord! Joy is grounded in Him. But Phil 2:5 is also key: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” or better “which was also in Christ Jesus.” It’s a progression. Rejoice no matter what. How? Think like Jesus. Have the mind of Christ. Christ is the theme – mentioned 37 times – Jesus 22 times. Rejoice like Him! So, at bird’s eye level today, I want to show you the mind of Christ revealed in this book. One aspect for each chapter. How must we train our minds to think to have this “above the circumstances” kind of joy? I. Chapter 1 – The Single Mind (Gospel-driven) From the time that he met Jesus, Paul had a one-track mind -- to get the gospel of Jesus to as many people as possible. In the Philippians, he found like-minded partners. In 1:5 Paul thanks God “because of your partnership in the gospel.” 1:7b: “for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” He assures them in 1:12b, “what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” And in 1:16b: “I am put here for the defense of the gospel.” Paul wanted the world to know Jesus died for their sins, was buried and rose again for their redemption. This was his and their single-minded purpose. You say, “Didn’t Paul ever just enjoy life?” Of course. Paul wrote I Tim 6:17b -- it is God “who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” But Paul also knew that things don’t last. Things have a shelf life. And he knew people are born at enmity with their Creator – they fall short of His glory. He knew that by His death, Jesus paid the penalty that rightfully belongs to us, but that people must accept that gift of life by faith. So the gospel is the most important thing in life to know – bar none. It is more important than any fact of science or religion or philosophy. So Paul was driven to share the gospel! The gospel is why he could rejoice after 5 years in jail. 1:18, “What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.” Listen, if his ultimate joy was in watching Olympic races and boxing matches, he’d have been in trouble sitting there. If his joy was in friends and family primarily, he’d have been in trouble. If his joy was in buying things or making money, he’d have been in a sad way. But his single-minded drive to bring the gospel left him happy in any circumstance. We all need something bigger than ourselves to live for. Otherwise, what’s the point? You’re born; you live; you have a little fun and lot of heartache and you die. To what end? Paul had an end. Do you have an end? Does your life having meaning beyond you? You’ll never have real joy if not. You’ll go from one thing to another searching for happiness without ever quite getting there. Abe Lincoln was subject to great fits of despair. Law partner, Wm Herndon said: "His melancholy dripped from him as he walked." Early in life he had a spell so severe that friend Joshua Speed hid his razor fearing for his life. Lincoln later reported he was prevented from suicide because he had not yet made his mark in the world. When he signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing southern slaves he said, “If I am to be remembered for anything, it will be for this.” He’d made his mark. But freeing slaves is nothing to getting the gospel to someone saving them from a lost eternity. We can all do that. Give to missions. Pray for laborers; go ourselves. Love people; share the gospel. Enjoy life – but get a single-minded drive to share the gospel at the heart of it all and you will find joy. It’s worth living for; it’s worth dying for. II. Chapter 2 – The Submissive Mind (Selflessly-oriented) In ch 2, Paul gives 4 examples of those who live selflessly, and urges the same for his readers. 2:17: “Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.” Paul knew about selfless living, and it brought him joy. Timothy and Epaphroditus knew selfless living. Epaphroditus nearly died in the process. Timothy was martyred in the process. But they had joy! But the ultimate example? Jesus. Phil 2:4-5: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus.” You want joy in your life. Then live selflessly, like Jesus. Where would we be if Jesus had been protecting His rights, insisting on His rulership, guarding His reputation, and hording the riches of heaven? He gave up everything – for you and me. Why? “For the joy that was set before him” (Heb 12:2b). You want real joy? Live like that. Let that be your mindset. Instead of thinking how you can get more, get focused on how you can give more – for His sake – for the joy set before you! I had a friend once working to put her husband thru college. Asked how she felt about that, she’d say, “It’s okay. I’m working for my master’s degree!” That’s the mindset Paul commends – selflessly pursuing our Master’s goals. Jill Briscoe had a friend whose husband walked out after years of marriage. She went into a deep depression. But God impressed upon her mind that she needed to find a place to serve. She found a need -- in the kitchen. She began with menial tasks, but soon became a leader in that ministry. She discovered the heartaches of others: began to listen and weep and care and pray with them. And she began to heal. She says, "I stopped asking for help and became a helper. That’s when my recovery began!" That’s when joy begins. God is calling all of us to live selflessly – like He did. I don’t know what it will cost you in money, time or effort – but I know this. I know God has put some people in your life He wants you to love. And I know a selfless mindset will get back far more than it costs, both here and in eternity. III. Chapter 3 – The Spiritual Mind (Eternity-focused) Here Paul contrasts the outward, worldly focus of his old life with a new life focus on Christ. 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” He got a new mindset – even when making tents in Thessalonica – even as he sits chained between 2 Roman soldiers. The prize is upward, not outward – there, not here. What is it? 3: 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.” Paul is focused upward. “Now” is temporary. He’s thinking ahead. He’s investing in eternity. Jail time is nothing compared to eternity: II Cor 4: 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” Most people can’t grasp this. Things we see, hear, taste, touch and smell seem so real -- vibrant – full of color and life. They call out – here’s reality! But Paul got the point. They are only temporary. Reality lies behind them. It’s the spiritual things we do not see that will last forever. He’s moved his focus from here to there – from now to then – from sooner to later. We should enjoy the things of this life to the full. But we mustn’t ask them to do what they can’t – provide ultimate joy! Jonathan Edwards was right when he said, “This world was made for a place of preparation for another. Man’s mortal life was given him that he might be prepared for his fixed state.” Janet Pashall talk show host in DC said: “The longer I live, the more I realize I really don’t belong here. This place is not home. Why have I wasted so many years consumed with concerns about the temporal when the eternal is much more fascinating?” Then she quotes C. S. Lewis: "You and I have need of the strongest spell that can be found to wake us from the evil enchantment of worldliness which has been laid upon us." That’s what Paul’s giving us in Phil 3 – a pix of Jesus to break the spell of worldliness. What joy to anticipate glory as a reality, not as a funeral anecdote! IV. Chapter 4 – The Secure Mind (God-centered) Perhaps you’re thinking, “Well, Dave. It’s great to be heavenly minded. But I’ve still got bills to pay. I’ve still got conflict at home. I’ve got health problems. I’m terrified of the state of the world. I’m desperately lonely. What about that?” Great question. So Paul gets intensely practical in the last chapter of Philippians. And his answer is this: you’ve got a big God. A God who is totally knowledgeable, totally loving, totally powerful and totally involved. Trust Him. Quit worrying and trust Him. I mean really trust Him. He’s not just for Moses and David and Peter and Paul. He’s for you, too. The secure mind is God-centered – trusting Him for peace, power and provision. Phil 4:6-7: “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.” You say, “Well, I have prayed. Nothing happened.” So, keep praying. Pray with thanksgiving. Pray for His will. Pray with urgency. Pray for His timing. Pray in faith. Pray with humility, but keep praying. Fix your mind on a big God. 4:13, “I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me.” 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Paul learned God is better than any bank account, any job, any human solution. We must seek Him, whatever the answer; whatever the timing and whatever the cost. The joy is in knowing He would never do anything that’s not for our good and His glory. A God-centered mind brings peace, joy and contentment – realizing you’re in good hands. Kind hands. Gentle hands. Omnipotent hands. Problem is we hold out. It’s hard to give Him everything. But ask yourself, “Who built your joy sensors?” He did. Psalm 16:11 “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” That’s who you’re dealing with. Do you really believe He can’t secure you? Do you really think that if you give yourself to Him and He gives Himself to you that somehow you’re going to miss out? See Him for who He is. Get God-centered. Man-centered living frustrates; God-centered living is joyful. Conc – So the message of Philippians. If you want joy you’ve got to be right-minded. Mind your mind! It matters what you think about! Rom 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Renew your mind with thoughts of God, eternity, others and the gospel? That’s Paul’s prescription for joy. And it is available to all of us. The message of Philippians is your mind is key to your Christian existence – and you are responsible for how you think. God instructs in II Cor 10:5b, “take every thought captive to obey Christ.” Do that, and you’ll not only be obeying God, you’ll be bringing deep seated joy right into your existence – regardless of circumstances. But you are responsible! Like the family that took a skiing vacation. Dad was knocked unconscious by a chair lift. He called his insurance company from the hospital, but they refused to cover his injury. He asked, “Why not?” The agent replied, “You got hit in the head by a chairlift. That company says that makes you a moron, and we consider that a pre-existing condition.” Well outside Christ, we have a pre-existing condition. We’re spiritual morons who live for self, have worldly ambitions and live as tho God didn’t matter. In Philippians, Paul is urging – grow up. Get your head on straight. Embrace the gospel, live selflessly, invest in eternity and trust a very big God. Do that – and watch the joy flood your soul. Let’s pray.