Philippians 1:1-11 Joy in the Journey: People are a cause of joy

I. A study in joy

A. To a group of people (a church)

(ESV) Philippians 1 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I. Joy in the Journey: Being thankful for people Phil 1:3-4

B. An attitude of appreciation

(ESV) Philippians 1 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,

1. No grumbling / backbiting / criticizing

2. Overlook weaknesses / embrace the value

3. Joy in appreciation vs. negative spirit

C. Genuine God-focused appreciation

(ESV) Philippians 1 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you allmaking my prayer with joy,

1. Genuine – before God

2. No hypocrisy here

3. The fruit of the Spirit genuinely flowing forward

4. Praying for them in every situation

a) Rejoice in good things

b) Saddened in hard things

c) Uplifting in difficult times

d) Understanding in weak times

5. Joy of taking people to God in every situation

II. Joy in the Journey: Working together Phil 1:4b-5

A. Ministry is not a lone ranger event or clique group

(ESV) Philippians 1 4 … making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

1. Need each other

a) To do the task

b) Each other’s giftedness

c) Each other’s encouragement

B. Ministry is a partnership of the church

(ESV) Philippians 1 4 … making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

1. Focused beyond one’s self

2. More than just friends hanging out together

3. Supernatural ministry

a) Advancing the kingdom

b) Sharing the gospel – in life and words

III. Joy in the Journey: Seeing God at work in other’s life Phil 1:6-8

A. The Lord already at work

(ESV) Philippians 1 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

B. He will continue the work

(ESV) Philippians 1 6 And I am sure of this, that hewho began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

C. Deep love for others

(ESV) Philippians 1 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, … 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

D. Based in grace

(ESV) Philippians 1 7 … for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.