Where’s the Joy?

Part I Joy found in Christ Philippians 3-4

What’s the common thread – happy. Where’s the joy. Last slide – only in Christ.

You will never be happy by pursuing happiness.

Joy is not the object. It is the side effect. Joy is the fruit of a life lived for God.

The real source of joy is explained by Paul.

Paul – Accused unjustly.   Imprisoned for over two years. Waiting a possible death sentence in Rome. Yet an epistle of joy.

I.       Joy in a righteousness from Christ

Paul gives us snippets of how to find joy and then elaborates more fully

(NKJV) Philippians 3 1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. , and have no confidence in the flesh, …

A.     A righteousness that is not self generated

(NKJV) Philippians 3 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

(NKJV) Philippians 3 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

1.      Not a matter of effort

(NKJV) Philippians 3 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

2.      A possession of righteousness by faith

(NKJV) Philippians 3 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

B.     A righteousness resulting in intimate knowledge of Christ

(NKJV) Philippians 3 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

1.      The joy of knowing Him

2.      The joy of experiencing the power of His resurrection

3.      The joy of joining in His suffering  -  paying the price

II.    Joy in a life centered in Christ

(NKJV) Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown,

A.     Standing fast in Christ

(NKJV) Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

B.     Knowing we have not arrived

(NKJV) Philippians 3 12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected;

C.     But aggressively moving forward

12 … but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

D.    Following the right examples

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame— who set their mind on earthly things.

III. Joy in turning things over to Christ

 (NKJV) Philippians 4 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

A.     Praying about everything

(NKJV) Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication,

B.     With a thankful heart

(NKJV) Philippians 4:5 … with thanksgiving,

C.     Trusting in God

(NKJV) Philippians 4:5 … let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

IV. Joy in contentment in Christ

(NKJV) Philippians 4 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again;

A.     Based in contentment in every situation

(NKJV) Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

1.      Good times

2.      Bad times

3.      Possible through Christ

B.     Then deep appreciation for every blessing

1.      Then truly enjoy the love of others / not obligation but icy

 (NKJV) Philippians 4 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.