Video illustration: Over Saved Michael Jr
Series: Find Joy in the Journey in 2019
Thesis of series: Joy needs to be experienced in the journey of life! But Joy, like any other attitude, can come and go. It is not guaranteed simply because we are born again believers. We must put ourselves in the places where experiencing joy is a possibility. We need to go after and find joy in our journey of life. What are you doing to cultivate joy? Remember joy is a choice!
Introduction to Series:
Quote from Chuck Swindoll’s book “Laugh Again”: “I know of no greater need today than the need for joy. Unexplainable, contagious joy. Outrageous joy.”
Studying about joy in Scripture, looking at verses which speak of joy, helps build an understanding of how to put ourselves in places where it is possible to find and maintain an attitude of joy in our journey of life. Scripture reveals it is possible to find laughter and joy in living life in a sin-filled world! The Apostle Paul teaches us this can be done!
Scripture Texts for 2019:
Phil. 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
John 15:11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Joy in the Journey – Laugh - Philippians Chapter 4
On The lighter side of life:
On the Lighter side of life: The Mule, the Monkey & The Man
God created the mule, and told him, "You are mule. You will work constantly from dusk to dawn, carrying heavy loads on your back. You will eat grass and lack intelligence. You will live for 50 years."
The mule answered, "To live like this for 50 years is too much. Please, give me no more than 20."
And it was so.
Then God created the dog, and told him, "You are dog. You will hold vigilance over the dwellings of Man, to whom you will be his greatest companion. You will eat his table scraps and live for 25 years."
The dog responded, "Lord, to live 25 years as a dog like that is too much. Please, no more than 10 years."
And it was so.
God then created the monkey, and told him, "You are monkey. You shall swing from tree to tree, acting like an idiot. You will be funny, and you shall live for 20 years." The monkey responded, "Lord, to live 20 years as the clown of the world is too much. Please, Lord, give me no than 10 years."
And it was so.
Finally, God created Man and told him, "You are Man, the only rational being that walks the earth. You will use your intelligence to have mastery over the creatures of the world. You will dominate the earth and live for 20 years."
The man responded, "Lord, to be Man for only 20 years is too little. Please, Lord; give me the 20 years the mule refused, the 15 years the dog refused, and the 10 years the monkey rejected."
And so, God made Man to live 20 years as a man, then marry and live 20 years like a mule working and carrying heavy loads on his back. Then, he is to have children and live 15 years as a dog, guarding his house and eating the leftovers after they empty the pantry; then, in his old age, to live 10 years as a monkey, acting like an idiot to amuse his grandchildren.
And it is so ...
From: www.beliefnet.com
Thesis: We need find joy in the journey by doing 3 things: choosing to reconcile with others so that we can rejoice, by praying rather than worrying, and by learning contentment in life.
Scripture Text: Philippians 4:1-23
1Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Introduction:
Last week we discussed how profit and loss plays into the mindset of each and every one of us. We can either choose to have a heavenly mindset or an earthly mindset. Our mindsets will determine how we view our lives in light of profit and loss. One mindset will call an item a profit but the other mindset will usually call it a loss. These two mindsets value things differently and they are in opposition to one another. It’s important for us to chose to live life through the heavenly mindset if we desire to gain eternal profit.
Today we are progressing on to chapter 4 of Philippians were it speaks to us about making sure that we stay on track with the Lord. These are Paul’s final instructions to the flock at Philippi. He instructs them on the importance of maintaining 3 key actions – and attitudes in their lives. If they fail to do any one of these 3 keys it would become very easy to be derailed in their race toward the goal of Jesus Christ. He continues with his emphasis on rejoicing and on pressing toward the goal.
T.S. - Let’s look at the last final instructions that Paul gives so that they we will discover the joy that he demonstrates even under house arrest in Rome.
I. Reconcile and rejoice – so you have joy in the journey!
a. Settle differences and offenses in your family, and in relationships especially at church.
i. We are not to hold grudges with one another because it will side track us in our walk with the Lord and we will lose joy in the journey.
ii. We are not to harbor un-forgiveness with others because it gives Jesus a black eye and ruins His reputation.
iii. We are to work hard at diligently resolving conflict in our relationships.
1. If we don’t, we will be derailed as we push toward the goal of heaven.
iv. We need to instead of taking offense with others choose to forgive and rejoice with others because of Jesus.
v. Paul addresses the issue between some fellow workers who are in disagreement and he tells them to reconcile and he encourages the others to help make it happen.
1. Paul knew for joy to be present in the church and in these fellow laborers lives they needed to forgive and reconcile.
2. Then when they did this joy would be preserved and restored to them and in the church.
3. The truth is if we have un-forgiveness and broken relationships then joy in life fades away.
b. It is beneficial for us to learn to forgive.
i. Recently, a survey was made of 200 married adults in regards to forgiveness:
1. The researchers were wondering how one’s ability to forgive others would affect their marital satisfaction and personal well-being. The results were astounding! This research suggests that there is a huge relationship between marriage satisfaction and forgiveness. In fact, it appears that as much as one third of marriage satisfaction is related to forgiveness. Not only does the ability to forgive impact the marriage relationship, it was significantly related to personal emotional distress. As forgiveness ability went up, individuals reported fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue! These results are powerful and suggest that all counselors, both secular and faith-based, should be helping people develop the skill of forgiveness. Peter J. Larson, New Forgiveness Research Jan 27, 2003. Contributed to Sermon Central by: Michael Raisbeck
2. This survey supports the view that if a person refuses to reconcile and forgive then it is very hard if not impossible to have joy in their lives.
a. “Trials in this life will expose what is in your heart—whether the offense is toward God or others. Tests either make you bitter toward God and your peers or stronger. If you pass the test, your roots will shoot down deeper, stabilizing you and your future. If you fail, you become offended, which can lead to defilement with bitterness.” ? John Bevere, The Bait of Satan: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense.
b. “Physical growth is a function of time. No two-year-old child has ever been six feet tall. Intellectual growth is a function of learning. Spiritual growth is neither a function of time or learning, but it is a function of obedience.” ? John Bevere, Bait Of Satan: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense
c. “Many are unable to function properly in their calling because of the wounds and hurts that offenses have caused in their lives. They are handicapped and hindered from fulfilling their full potential. Most often it is a fellow believer who has hurt them.” ? John Bevere, The Bait of Satan: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense
ii. A True story on forgiveness by Melvin Newland: One of the most incredible stories of forgiveness I’ve ever heard came out of Tulsa, OK, a couple of years ago. Tom McGee was a young man who went out for a night of partying & revelry. He got drunk & ran head-on into a car driven by a young man by the name of Ted Morris. He killed Ted Morris instantly while driving under the influence of alcohol. This wasn’t the first time he had been arrested for drunk driving, so Tom McGee was put on trial for manslaughter, found guilty & sentenced to a term of several years in prison. But the prison was crowded, & prisoners were being given early paroles, so Tom McGee actually spent only a few months in prison before being released on parole. But he evidently hadn’t learned his lesson, for it wasn’t long until he was arrested again for drunk driving. So his parole was revoked, & he was sent back to complete his prison sentence. Jack Morris, his victim’s father, visited Tom McGee in prison. After visiting several times, he started taking cookies that his wife, Elizabeth, had baked for him. And they became friends. Finally Tom McGee was released from prison, but he had no place to go. So Jack & Elizabeth Morris invited him into their home, & gave him a place to stay. They provided the means by which he could receive an education, & helped him find a job. They were members of a Church of Christ in Tulsa, so they took him to church with them, where Tom McGee accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior, & was baptized for the remission of his sins. Just recently, the news has come out that Jack & Elizabeth Morris have formally adopted Tom McGee & made him their son. When Jack & Elizabeth Morris die, Tom McGee will inherit whatever they have accumulated in this life. Now that’s forgiveness - an incredible story of forgiveness. Contributed to Sermon Central by: MELVIN NEWLAND
1. This couple was willing to forgive and even reconcile with a man who killed their son. It’s an amazing story that reveals the power of forgiveness and reconciliation.
a. My next thought is do you believe this couple was able to do what Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always?” “Do you think they discovered joy in the journey?”
c. If you learn to forgive and forget then you will discover that your name is written in The Lamb’s Book of Life and you will discover joy in the journey!
i. These women needed to forgive and reconcile for the sake of the Kingdom and for their own personal spiritual well being and joy.
ii. We also need to learn to do the same in our relationships today unforgiveness will rob us of joy in the journey.
T.S. – We need to reconcile by choosing the path of forgiveness if we want joy in the journey and then we need to pray and not worry.
II. Pray don’t worry - so you have joy in the journey!
a. We need to make sure that we choose to pray instead of worry about life’s situations.
i. Prayer encourages and gives hope and joy.
ii. Worry discourages and brings despair and will rob you of joy.
1. Rick Warren says, "Worry is the warning light that God is really not first in my life at this particular moment." Because worry says that God is not big enough to handle my troubles. Jesus says in Mt. 6:33: "Set your heart first on God’s kingdom and His goodness." And He said that at the conclusion of an entire sermon on worry. The antidote to worry? Put God first!
Contributed to Sermon Central by: Timothy Smith
2. Wilson states, "Excessive worry, or what I call toxic worry, can make you sick, it can cut down your enjoyment of life, and it can hamper your productivity. Toxic worry is bad for every system in your body: it increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, it impairs digestion, it causes shortness of breath, it causes all kinds of musculoskeletal aches and pains, [and] it produces headaches and migraines."
Contributed to Sermon Central by: James Wilson
b. If we learn to let God know our concerns and trust Him then we do not have to worry.
i. We are told not to be anxious instead pray and drive out the worry!
1. QUOTE: Elephants live longer than people, maybe because they never worry about trying to lose weight.” Contributed TO Sermon Central by: Wilfred Mina
2. “…A John Hopkins University doctor says, "We do not know why it is that worriers die sooner than the non-worriers, but that is a fact." But I, who am simple of mind, think I know; we are inwardly constructed in nerve and tissue, brain cell and soul, for faith and not for fear. God made us that way. To live by worry is to live against reality.” Dr. E. Stanley Jones. Contributed to Sermon Central by: Paul Fritz
ii. The promise in our text today tells us that if we do this then God’s sense of peace and assurance will rush into our lives and calm us down and help us to rejoice in the Lord.
1. I have discovered that it’s a great feeling when your worries have been replaced with hope and confidence in the Lord.
2. Truth is God can and will replace your worry with joy if you ask Him and let Him.
3. When worry is displaced then love, joy, peace, and contentment replace it.
iii. So for this to occur in our hearts and minds we need to rid our minds of worry and replace it with thoughts that are of the heavenly nature: Paul addressed how to do this in verses 8-9:
1. We need to focus on pure thoughts.
a. We are not to have impure thoughts which are unholy thoughts – thoughts which are not of God.
b. Corrie Ten Boom spoke of the unraveling effects of worry, when she said, “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, but it empties today of it’s strength.” Contributed to Sermon Central by: Richard Burkey
2. We need to focus of truth filled thoughts
a. We are not to entertain thoughts that are filled with lies.
i. For example: Maddy Dale’s comment - “Why pray when you can worry!”
3. We need to focus on noble thoughts
a. We are not to have thoughts that are conjured up in the pit of Hell and then act on them but ones that are created in Heaven above and released by love into our lives.
4. We need to have reputable thoughts
a. We are not to entertain thoughts that are of no reputation and considered untrustworthy and shady in character.
5. We are to have lovely thoughts.
a. We are not to entertain thoughts that are unloving toward self, toward God or toward others.
6. We need to have gracious thoughts toward others.
a. We are not to entertain thoughts that rip others apart and tear them down.
b. We need to dispense thoughts of grace not gossip.
7. We are to have thoughts that are praiseworthy.
a. We are not to entertain thoughts that curse others or tear others down – especially not verbalize them to others.
8. We are to have excellent thoughts.
a. Not thoughts filled with fear, failure and fake facades as our focus.
iv. Illustration: DOES IT REALLY HELP TO WORRY:
1. 40% of all things that we worry about never come to pass.
30% of all our worries involve past decisions that cannot be changed.
12% focus on criticism from others who spoke because they felt inferior.
10% are related to our health, which gets worse when we worry.
8% of our worries could be described as “legitimate” causes for concern.
By the way, that’s 100% totaled.
Of course, they say, 42.7 PERCENT OF ALL STATISTICS ARE MADE UP ON THE SPOT. Contributed to Sermon Central by: Kevin Taylor
v. Paul tells us above all – do the right thing to cultivate joy in the journey – Pray instead of worry! - practice this and look at me as an example says Paul. I am under house arrest, yet I still have my joy. I’m not worried about what the future holds with my trial. Instead I spend my time meditating on the wonders of God. I pray and find peace and contentment.”
1. This is the true blessing of life to be able to be in a difficult position in life and still have peace about the situation. But to be able to have this peace and joy in the midst of an unknown situation we must choose the path of prayer. Truth is “It does not get any better than this!”
2. Paul had peace and joy because of his faith and trust in Jesus. Do you?
T.S. – We need pray and not worry and then we will have peace and happiness in life and this attitude and action will bring divine contentment to life.
III. Be content no matter what – so you find joy in the journey!
a. Paul tells us that he has learned to be content in life.
i. He is not worried, he is not fearful, and he is content because of his relationship with the Lord.
ii. He’s under house arrest in Rome but he knows the Lord is with him and he is in the place God desires him to be in.
b. Paul has learned the 3 keys to contentment in life – we need to learn them too if we want to find joy in the journey.
i. Forgive others and seek reconciliation.
ii. Don’t worry about things instead pray about it.
iii. Focus on God’s purpose for your life and live your life for God and you will experience peace and hope in life no matter what you may encounter in your journey of life.
1. Quote: The best-selling book among all Christian books right now is The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Warren begins his book with these words…“It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. Contributed by Sermon Central : Jim Luthy
2. In a sense Paul says I have learned the important lesson about contentment.
a. The Lord has shown me to be content – to be satisfied wherever I am in life.
i. Don’t wish about being somewhere else live in the place and the time God has placed you.
1. I am always content with what happens; for I know that what God chooses is better than what I choose. — Epictetus
ii. You are where you are because God wants you here so learn from your situation what God is trying to teach you.
1. Remember He is with you right where you are if you call on Him.
a. This truth should help us to stay content.
b. Paul learned not to fall prey to coveting what others have. Don’t covet what others have so as to make yourself dissatisfied with what God has blessed you with.
i. American consumerism is geared toward being dissatisfied with what we have.
1. It tells us we need more, we need better, we need the latest model and it never brings satisfaction only dissatisfaction.
2. This is what Paul preached against and Jesus taught against.
3. Paul tells us that he has the secret to a happy and joyful life. We are to be satisfied with life right now according to Paul! But is that possible in America?
a. He says:
i. I am content with much and with little!
ii. I am content when I am full or empty!
iii. I am content with what ever I have and don’t have!
iv. I am content with where I am in life!
4. Do you think most people in America are content?
a. America says never be content with little you loser get more and be a winner!
b. America says never be content with an empty stomach “Super size it” and give yourself more because you need to give yourself a break today!
c. America says a 2,000 square foot house is not big enough get a bigger one and you will be happier and more successful.
d. America says “Are you content and happy without Nike stuff, without a Dell, without a huge flat screen TV, without 100 stations? ‘No your not’ therefore to be happy and content go buy! Better yet charge these things then you will be happy and content!”
e. Illustration:
i. I AM REALLY CONTENT...
I am really content — until I start looking through Amazon.
I liked my car — until I saw the new truck.
I am satisfied with my clothes — until I stroll through American Eagle, or the other Mall stores.
I love our home — until I think of what it would be like to own a log cabin on the shore of some remote lake.
I am satisfied with every area of my life — until I start comparing with someone else’s life.
I feel like I have enough of everything — until I see someone who has more.
SOURCE: Rodney Buchanan in "An Attitude of Gratitude" on www.sermoncentral.com. (Some of it changed to reflect my thoughts).
Contributed by: SermonCentral PRO
5. Why is it that America is not content and even spends more than it makes?
a. America spends 1.5% more than they make so as to buy more than they need!
b. Because it has fallen prey to the lust of the eyes for more-for better and better-for newer and newer.
i. When we believe the commercial lies and become discontent with what we have then we fall prey to American consumerism and the lust for more.
c. Today’s American society has created the life of discontentment and debt. How consumerism affects society, the economy and the Environment. By http://www.verdant.net/society.htm:
i. Quote from above website: "I can imagine it, therefore I want it. I want it, therefore I should have it. Because I should have it, I need it. Because I need it, I deserve it. Because I deserve it, I will do anything necessary to get it."
1. This is the artificial internal drive that the advertisers tap into. You "imagine it" because they bombard your consciousness with its image until you then move to step two, "I want it...etc. " This is one of the things that allows people to surrender to consumerism. As a society we have gone from self-sufficiency based on our internal common sense of reasonable limits to the ridiculous goal of Keeping up with the Jones then to stampeding for the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, or at least as far as our credit limit allows us to go.
d. These thoughts are profound and true many of us have fallen prey to America’s consumerism mindset and it does not align with the Word of God.
Conclusion:
So we have learned in the final chapter of Philippians the following:
We need to stay on track with the Lord by choosing to forgive and reconcile with others, by praying rather than worrying, by learning contentment with life if we want to discover joy in the journey.
Reconcile and rejoice!
Pray don’t worry!
Be content no matter what!
I really believe if we fight to do these three things we will find joy in the journey of life.
Altar Call: So now you need to evaluate your life in the context of God’s Word and ask yourself – “AM I REJOICING IN THE LORD?”
