Joy Filled Prisoner

Joy Filled Prisoner

Philippians 1:1-2

Good morning.

Everyone sees life through their unique perspective, because of the assumptions or expectations that give them their own opinion about a specific situation.

However, having an unhealthy, ungodly, or unproductive mindset can adversely affect every part of our lives, including the way we view the Lord and our walk with Him.

We tend to view problems as too big to handle at times because of a distorted perspective.

The Lord has told us in His Word how we can have the Abundant Life, despite our circumstances, by keeping our eyes on Him.

The trials of this life will fade away as we think about our loving, powerful Lord, who loves us and gave Himself for us.

Please open your Bibles to the Book of Philippians as we embark on a verse-by-verse study of that letter, written by Paul.

The Book of Philippians is often known as the “Epistle of Joy” because of the attitude Paul maintained when he wrote this letter, even though he was in prison while writing it.

Paul mentions the word joy at least ten times in four chapters.

So, how can people find joy during the worst kinds of pain and suffering in life? The secret lies in the Book of Philippians.

Paul taught his readers to rejoice in every circumstance and to find joy during the trials of life. Paul was in prison for preaching the Gospel, yet he still he still had joy and thankfulness!

We have learned many times before that: Happiness usually depends on happenings, but joy is based on a relationship with Jesus regardless of our circumstances.

I. Background of the letter.

During Paul’s second missionary journey, the Lord re-routed him several different times. At times the Holy Spirit forbade him from going to certain places and later He led him to other places.

In Acts 16, Paul had a vision about going to Macedonia.

Acts 16:6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.

Acts 16:7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.

Acts 16:8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."

Acts 16:10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. NKJV

How many times do we get frustrated when our plans do not work out the way we planned, all to find out later, that the Lord had plans for us, even when we did not realize it?

Paul received a vision from the Holy Spirit during his second missionary journey so, he went to Macedonia to preach the Gospel. While in the area, Paul began the Church at Philippi.

The city of Philippi was named after Alexander the Great’s father and this church was the first Church started in Europe.

Eleven years after his second missionary journey, Paul wrote this letter to the Church.

Henry Blackaby said, “Paul gave specific instruction to the Philippians about how to pray, how to live above anxiety, how to believe, how to think, and how to behave.

His message was to mature believers as well as to those who were being added to the Church.”

“He encouraged the Church to remain joyful in the face of persecution, continue to be humble in service, and walk steadfastly in faith.” (Henry Blackaby)

II. The author’s greeting.

Read Philippians 1:1a

Who was Paul? He was under house arrest, while writing this letter, waiting for an appearance before Caesar around 61 A.D.

We first met Paul in Acts 7 consenting to Stephen being put to death as he became the first Christian martyred for his faith.

Acts 7:59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

Acts 7:60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin." And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 8:1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. NKJV

Saul/ Paul was a devoted rabbi before his conversion and was one of the leaders who was against the Christians in Jerusalem.

Acts 9:1, “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest…

Acts 9:2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.