Joy Filled Life In A Troubled Filled World

Joy Filled Life in a Trouble Filled World

Introduction:

We will be starting a new series on the book of Philippians today

This book has a practical wisdom for daily life and how to handle stress in day to day life.

Of all the letters written by the apostle Paul, Philippians is perhaps

the most personal and heartwarming in nature.

It is a window to Paul’s heart. Throughout the epistle, the keynotes are the words "JOY" “REJOICE” “GLADNESS”

And by the way, this was written inside the prison.

The book of Philippians reveals the nature of true peace and joy!

The joy is found only "in the Lord" - Php 4:4

Paul’s love for his brethren - Php 1:8

Paul’s devotion to his Lord - Php 1:21; 3:7-11

This book is an example that people can have joy in the midst of troubles.

Remember this is only an introduction to this study, and let’s see what we can get today as we explore this book.

I. Partnership in the gospel.

Verse:4,5

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.

The Joy in the heart of Paul comes in the thought that Philippians were his partners in the cause of Christ.

Do you know that Pastors are humans too? They need people that will encourage them, rally behind them, and pray for them.

Most especially, to partners with them in the proclamation of the gospel.

There was a great joy and thanksgiving in the heart of Paul every time he remembers the Philippians.

The Philippians were helping Paul

Verse 5

(“…from the first day until now”)

The Greek word Paul uses is the word:

“ koinonia”

It is often translated fellowship; however, it means more than a pot luck meal after church.

It is used to describe a relationship characterized by common commitment to Christ and His mission.

If more and more people will take ownership of the vision of Global heart Missions, this church is going to explode.

Partnerships are about multiplication.

With more and more people partnering together and getting involved in the mission skills, energy, resources and results are multiplied.

Partnership greatly increase effectiveness…

II. The Completion of His purpose in us.

Verse: 6

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.

I believe each one of us here has the role to play to impact this generation.

Jesus started a good work in us to make a difference in this fallen world.

Do you think that you were born in this time and age for nothing?

God has a specific role for you to make a difference for someone’s life.

If you think it’s the end of the road for you, “I am good for nothing” “I think I was born a loser”

Just think “I am a work of God in progress”

Church, listen to this, if you already made Jesus the Lord of your life. He will make sure to bring you into completion the purpose He has for your life.

He is the great architect of your life. He will make sure that he will make your life like a beautiful and awesome cathedral.

I thank God for His grace in my life, despite of all my failures He is still at work in me.

Jesus is committed to bring us into completion.

III. Knowledge and dept of insight.

Verse:9

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight

We find in this prayer that Paul is concerned about the spiritual growth and development of the brethren at Philippi.

As Christians we need to grow in our walk with God.

The moment you become complacent in your Christian life.

The Philippians excelled in their love toward Paul and others.

Their joy comes from serving others.

Paul was happy because Christianity did not depend on him alone. God gave him other Christians like the Philippians.

The Philippians have deeper spiritual insight but Paul’s prayer is for them to abound even more.

As your Pastor, it is also my desire to see you grow in your walk with God.

Listen to this, Joy comes alone in knowing the person of Jesus Christ.

The more we know him, the deeper we feel his love and joy in our life.

Conclusion:

This is only an introduction. Next Sunday we are going to study thieves that rob us of our joy.

We will learn that it is not favorable circumstances that can make us happy.

Philippians was written inside the prison but Paul still rejoices.

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!