Philippians 1-2 Where's the joy part 2
Where’s the Joy?
Part II Joy found in ministry to others Philippians 1-2
Part 1 – joy found in Christ
Part 2 – joy found in ministry to others
I. The Joy in praying for others
(NKJV) Philippians 1 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,
A. To Continue faithful
(NKJV) Philippians 1 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,
6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
B. That Love might grow
(NKJV) Philippians 1 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
1. Abounding
2. Based on knowledge
3. With discernment
C. Embrace what is best
(NKJV) Philippians 1 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent,
D. To Be transformed
(NKJV) Philippians 1 10 … that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
II. Joy in sharing the gospel
(NKJV) Philippians 1 18 … Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
A. A new perspective on problems
(NKJV) Philippians 1 12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;
B. Impacting others to share
14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
C. Knowing the gospel transcends sin
15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.
III. Joy in discipling others
(NKJV) Philippians 1 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith,
A. A life lived for Christ
(NKJV) Philippians 1 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.
B. A life lived to minister to others
(NKJV) Philippians 1 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.
IV. Joy in proper attidude to others
A. Unity
(NKJV) Philippians 2 1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
B. Humility
(NKJV) Philippians 2 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
C. Others focused
(NKJV) Philippians 2 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
D. Imitating Christ
(NKJV) Philippians 2 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
V. Joy in pouring one’s life out for God
A. Shining the truth in a dark world
(NKJV) Philippians 2 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
1. Personal transformation
2. Consistent witness
B. Laying down one’s life for Christ
(NKJV) Philippians 2 17 Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.