“Joy in the Midst”
Week 1
Philippians 1
Series Objective: Philippians stands out like a brilliant gem among the letters of the Apostle Paul. The main message is how life in Christ makes it possible to discover joy on your journey…even in the midst. Paul writes this letter from the cold harshness of a Roman dungeon. Everyone knows that life is uncertain with its many ups and downs. Philippians comes to our rescue with a wealth of practical insights that exalt Christ and elevate us. It shows us how we can live each day with praise and rejoicing dominating our thoughts and actions. So,get ready uplifted, challenged and blessed!
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)
“It is not so much the joy of the Lord we are seeking as the Lord of joy Himself.” -C.S.Lewis
What does having Joy in the midst of look like for you?
How would you fill in that blank today?
Mother Theresa’s Job Description:
“Diligence may be difficult to find, but compared to an attitude of genuine joy, hard work is commonplace.” – Mother Theresa
We need a transfusion….a joy transfusion!
What is the deeper meaning of joy?
“True joy is a limitless, life-defining, transformative reservoir waiting to be tapped into. It requires complete surrender, and like love, is a choice to be made.”
How can we find joy in the midst…?
WE CAN BE JOYFUL AND CONFIDENT EVEN IF YOU MIGHT FEEL LIKE A VICTIM
“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” – Philippians 1:12-14 (NIV)
Did you notice any hint of resentment or negativism from Paul?
“Christian joy comes through by having a Christ-centered mind.”
WE CAN BE JOYFUL IN SPITE OF OTHERS
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here in defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice…” – Philippians 1:15-18 (NIV)
WE CAN BE JOYFUL REGARDLESS OF CIRCUMSTANCES
“We can be contented within if Christ is central.”
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” – Philippians 1:21 (NIV)
3 TAKEAWAYS FROM PHILIPPIANS 1
1. CHRIST CALMS OUR FEARS AND GIVES US JOY WITHIN US
2. CHRIST DELIVERS US FROM THE PREOCCUPATION WITH OTHERS
3. CHRIST BROADENS THE DIMENSIONS OF OUR CIRCUMSTANCES
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” - 1 Peter 1:6-9 (NIV)