Maintain Your Joy

Introduction: Joy is the ability to live positively and comfortable in any situation knowing that all things are in the hands of God and God is in control. Paul continues this discourse of encouragement to this

Live with Gratitude (v.10)

Philippians 4:10 ESV

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.

Define concern- to take thought, to be considerate.

Paul expresses his gratitude for the level of concern the Philippians church showed him.The concern of the Church was continuous for Paul. Their concern was not limited because of their lack. They continued to show concern even though they were poor.

Illustration: The old adage is that people don’t have to be nice and when they are they don’t have to be nice to you.

Transition: Paul must have thought this way as he demonstrates his gratitude for the concern of the church in Philippi. We to can live with this level of gratitude as Paul did.

Application: Be mindful of those who consider you. Resist the opportunity to complain about who doesn’t show you concern. Pray for other people. Show other people you care about them.

Transition: To maintain our joy we must be grateful for those who help us ; however, the text also teaches us to maintain our joy we must also, Be Content

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2. Be Content (vv.11-12)

Philippians 4:11–12 ESV

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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.

Philippians 4:11 ESV

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Paul assures them in this verse that he is not asking for anything else and all that he doesn’t have he’s ok. Paul demonstrates his own contentment so that the Philippian church would be encouraged and better equipped to exercise what Paul had written in vv. 6-7.

Philippians 4:6–7 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul is making it clear that life will offer some difficulties but life is not over. He says, “I have learned” meaning i have gained some knowledge and experience which has taught me that God is in control. Paul speaks of this contentment insisting that it does not matter what life looks like and what he does not have he trusts God. Look at what Paul says in:

2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

Hebrews 13:5 ESV

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.”

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Illustration:

Application: Trust the hand of God in every situation. Don’t pull your hair out and go crazy worrying about stuff. Trust that God has it all under control.

Rely on the Strength of Christ (v.13)

Philippians 4:13 ESV

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Contrary to popular belief, this scripture is not about winning. It's about losing, it's about suffering, it's about conflict.

Paul states that he is confident in the strength of Christ in Him. The only way any thing works in the life of Paul is through the strength of Christ.

This church is poor they aren't winning. They are not a mega church they are a small broke church who's pastor is in jail.

Paul states that he is confident in the strength of Christ in Him. The only way any thing works in the life of Paul is through the strength of Christ.

Relying on Christ’s strength is a way of life. It is a choice. It is necessary if we are to maintain our Joy.

Illustration:

Application: Don’t face your struggles alone. Don’t leave Jesus out of the picture. Whatever you are dealing with you have the strength of Christ. On your job the strength of Christ, been laid off you’ve got the strength of Christ, marital issues, loneliness, brokenness, heartache, whatever the situation is you’ve got the strength of Christ.

I can do all things . . .