The Gospel Brings Joy and Community

INTRO:

Recap last week -

Saints - What is a saint?

Saints have grace

Saints have peace

Sainthood creates joy with one another

Together for the Gospel

Philippians 1:3–5 ESV

3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

Joy in Paul’s thoughts toward the Philippians

- Chara: Gladness

Same word the disciples felt when they saw Jesus resurrected

John 20:20 ESV

20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

Jurassic Park/ World franchise - really cool dinosaurs/ Chaos/ heroes are saved/ big hugs, sighs, tears, joy or gladness it is all over and they are safe

Paul isn’t glad about being saved from the Indominus Rex, instead:

Rooted in the Gospel, which brings unity and in this he has JOY!

Why is Paul joyful about the work of the Gospel?

Romans 3:23 ESV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 5:8–9 ESV

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

The Philippians got this…their lives were changed by the Gospel!

Gospel-centered teaching

flows to Gospel-centered worship (joy in Christ)

yields Gospel-centered COMMUNITY (fellowship with believers)

leads to Gospel-centered Mission (your purpose in God’s plan)

Because of this Paul is:

Thankfulness/Gratefulness

THANKFUL * He is thankful...    * Any-time he thinks of them    * And    * Whenever he prays for them

No greater joy for a teacher than for a pupil to get what is taught! - celebration

Luke 15:10 ESV

10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Because of this

Partnership in the Gospel

Philippians 1:5 ESV

5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

Partnership • Companionship / Partnership

Same word used in 2 Corinthians to describe marriage unity

- We are in this together through thick and thin

-Marriage vows

Gospel brings about joy and community

STOP

Discussion time:

1. Where did Paul’s joy come from and why is that?

2. What are some fruits of joy in the Gospel?

3. How does the Gospel lead you into joy and community?

*Memorize: By GRACE alone, through FAITH alone, in CHRIST alone, according to SCRIPTURE alone, to the GLORY OF GOD alone.