OUTLINE
The Way of Joy
Philippians Chapter 1
Steele Creek Church, Eastfield – Dr. Tom Bartlett
March 1, 2020
Biblical joy: a deep sense of satisfaction, given by the Holy Spirit that settles the heart and mind because of what God has promised.
Biblical faith: understanding what God has said and acting upon it.
(Paul) “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
Philippians 1:1-30 (ESV)
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now (Vs. 1-5)
WITH ALL THAT I’M FACING
CAN I REMAIN THANKFUL AND JOYFUL?
THE PRINCIPLE OF HOPE
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Vs. 6-11)
- Have a deep confidence of God’s work in you
THE PRINCIPLE OF FAITH
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. (Vs. 12-18)
- Believe that God uses the negatives you face
THE PRINCIPLE OF PERSEVERANCE
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (Vs. 19-26)
- Journey with total assurance in life, and in death
THE PRINCIPLE OF FOCUS
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (Vs. 27-30)
- Daily live worthy of the message of Christ
MANUSCRIPT
The Way of Joy
Philippians Chapter 1
Steele Creek Church, Eastfield – Dr. Tom Bartlett
March 1, 2020
ME
Good morning and welcome to Steele Creek Eastfield. My name is Tom Bartlett and I’m your guest speaker today! Well, actually not, I’m the campus pastor, but I’ve been able to rest from speaking the past two weeks and now I’m back.
Last week we had the wonderful privilege of hearing from a dear friend and pastor from Pakistan. He and I spent many hours together as we discussed ministry differences in our countries. He told us that he has been arrested twice and held for up to 7 days. I asked him more about the details of that and he was reluctant but he said actually in it all, he had amazing peace. He told me it’s hard on his wife, when they came to arrest him, she once passed out. It’s not easy, but there is still peace.
I’ve hosted many people from other countries in our home, mostly pastors. Once two Nigerian pastors stayed with us and I asked them about the violence and death they faced in their country and if they lived in constant fear. Their reply was, “no we don’t, we step over bodies all the time.” I said how do you deal with that? They said, “we consider ourselves dead already.”
It’s amazing to me to see people who have this deep faith and joy in the sight of obvious opposition and possible death. I believe that these people, men and woman have learned a little secret, they know that God is so involved in their lives that no matter what, God’s got this!
I wonder why at times I still stress and worry about things that are truly out of my control. Ever feel that way?
WE
If there’s one thing that plagues American’s it’s anxiety. We worry about so many things. We worry about things that the rest of the world aren’t even aware of. Have you heard the term, “first world problems”? We think we’re suffering when things most of the rest of the world are ignorant to don’t work. I could go on for a long time here, but I think you get the idea.
Do you worry about things constantly? Struggling to know what real joy is? Have faith issues?
Well, today we begin a brand new 4-week series on the book of Philippians and in it we’re going to discover some amazing things about joy! Now let me give you some working definitions that can help us understand better. The world talks about “joy” but what they really mean is “happiness.” When things “happen” the way we want, then we have happiness. When they don’t, we don’t.
I want you see that “joy” is something different. In the bible we have evidences or “fruits” that are produced by God’s Spirit in us. In the list of 9 fruits, (Galatians 5) happiness is not to be found. But there is joy listed among things like Love, and peace.
So, what is joy?
Biblical joy: a deep sense of satisfaction, given by the Holy Spirit that settles the heart and mind because of what God has promised.
Joy comes as a gift from God. It’s yours if you want it!
What is faith?
Biblical faith: understanding what God has said and acting upon it.
Much like joy, faith begins with a small measure from God and we get to exercise and grow it.
Faith isn’t based on what we think up and then demand that God do it. It all starts with Him. He directs us, places those directions, thoughts, in our minds and then we act on them whether we understand fully or not. You see faith is not understanding the full direction, it’s knowing the what and not necessarily the why. It’s understanding the command. God says “go” and I go even if I don’t understand the why.
You see, spiritual growth is not automatic, it’s not magical, it’s nurtured and you get to choose to have it.
HOW DO I GROW? Well, the good news is, first, it is possible. The bad news, it seems, at first is that you have to die! Look at the Apostle Paul’s life verse. The verse that guided all he did.
(Paul) “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
So, Paul tells us that he finally came to the end of himself, and he finally buried that old person by the power of Christ and took up a new life that is now empowered by Christ in him.
Now, Paul is the writer of the book of Philippians. It’s 62 AD just 8 years from a devastating destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by the Roman leader Titus. Paul was imprisoned during the writing of this book awaiting his own release or death, and it was death that came to him at the hands of Nero, between 84-88AD. Paul dies by beheading about the same time that the Apostle Peter is crucified upside down.
He knew this was awaiting, he knew eventually he would give his life, yet he pens this letter to the churches in Philippi. So, what’s the theme? “Death and destruction?” “Get ready ‘cause they’re coming for you too?” NO, THE THEME IS JOY.
Did Paul know something the rest of us don’t? Well maybe not, but he certainly believed something most of us don’t; that God is able in life and in death.
We come to chapter 1 and Paul is so grateful and thankful for the people of Macedonia who have helped him and the ministry along the way. They gave finances to help the work continue and to sustain him. He writes to encourage these believers by telling them that his imprisonment has actually caused a greater spread of the gospel and that their gifts have meant the world to him.
God
Philippians 1:1-30 (ESV)
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now (Vs. 1-5)
Circle the word “partnership” if you can. We’re in this together.
VISION MOMENT CONCERNING EASTFIELD CAMPUS.
Now the question from you might sound like this if you’re really honest about it.
WITH ALL THAT I’M FACING
CAN I REMAIN THANKFUL AND JOYFUL?
CORONOVIRUS FEARS
Well that depends, are you hoping for joy or happiness?
Let’s look at Paul’s word and I’ll give you both an over-arching principle and an action step based on his words.
In verses 6-11 we can see the. . .
THE PRINCIPLE OF HOPE
Now, I’m not the brightest bulb in the box, but when the Apostle Paul says he has confidence or is hopeful or assured of something, ya, I’m taking that to the bank.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
THE DAY OF CHRIST IS WHEN HE COMES TO US OR WE GO TO HIM. IN EITHER CASE HE’S WITH YOU AND WORKING IN YOU!
It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Vs. 6-11)
Even though we look for “the day of Christ” when we see Him with expectation, we also know that our love for others will have an effect on that moment for us.
The power of hope turns cowards into conquerors. Paul didn’t look forward to death, his hope was in all that Christ still had for him and all those who follow. You see you are a work in progress. The Lord is forming in you the very nature and character of Christ if you’re a Christ follower. The greatest thing any believer can hear is, “that’s so Jesus” about themselves.
Paul tells them that he’s sure, his hope is strong that the work that was started by God at the moment you believed will not only continue, but will be perfected or completed at the moment we see Jesus.
Why did you think Paul had such joy? His greatest desire was happening in him and would only be perfected at the moment he would see Christ in heaven.
If the main hope of your life is a new job, or a new relationship or anything in this world, you will not experience biblical joy. If your joy comes from happenings, it’s not true joy and it can be taken.
So how do I live the principle of hope?
- Have a deep confidence of God’s work in you
Next is the . . .
THE PRINCIPLE OF FAITH
As I said earlier, faith is not based on what you think up, it’s based on what God has said. Did God say that the gospel would be preached in the whole world? YES. Did he say Paul would do it? NO. Here Paul is imprisoned and the gospel is still going forth.
In verses 12-18 Paul reveals a situation that’s going on. Some people were trying to undermine the validity of Paul as a preacher and a teacher. Maybe they wanted to assert that they were the true leaders, to show Paul they didn’t really need him. We really don’t know, but the faith of the apostle allowed him to rejoice because who gets the credit doesn’t matter, that the gospel is preached does!
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE THE PRISON GUARD CHAINED TO PAUL? YOU THINK THEY HEARD THE GOSPEL? WELL, THEY DID AND IN FACT WITH NUMEROUS GUARDS WE ASK THE QUESTION, “WHO WAS CHAINED TO WHOM?” BY THE TIME WE GET TO PHIL. 4 WE EVEN SEE THAT A MEMEBR OF CEASARS HOUSEHOLD HAD BECOME A BELIEVER, (PHIL. 4:22)
“Advance” or “Progress” is from the Greek term prokopen, derived of two roots (pro, “forward,” and kopto, “to cut”). Originally the word was employed of “a pioneer cutting his way through brushwood” (Vine 1991, 334).
And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
PEOPLE ARE WATCHING HOW YOU RESPOND TO PROBLEMS. IF YOU RESPOND IN FAITH, THEIR FAITH GROWS. IF YOU RESPOND IN FEAR, THEIR FEAR MAY GROW.
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. (Vs. 12-18)
Now, we could dive in to all these sections more deeply, we’ll save that for another time. The thing we see is this, Paul is imprisoned and he has people who are trying to discredit him. They actually think that bringing more people to Christ would make it harder on Paul, and for that reason they preach. Does that cause Paul to lose his joy, his thankfulness? Of course not! As long as Jesus is preached.
What we can learn from the principle of faith is that God uses circumstances for a greater purpose. See it this way. While many people in the world depend on circumstances to be happy, God uses them in a greater plan and for our joy.
So how do I exercise the principle of faith and have joy. . .
- Believe that God uses the negatives you face
The next principle is. . .
THE PRINCIPLE OF PERSEVERANCE
Let’s face it, each one of us has wanted to give up because we feel tired or defeated. Paul has been beaten, ship-wrecked, jailed and falsely accused yet his hope was for what was to come and in that he persevered, he didn’t allow himself to lose heart. Instead, he rejoiced!
Paul knew that while he worked to share God’s love, God was honoring it, and when he died, he would receive the great reward of being in the Lord’s presence.
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.
CERTAINLY, THE FLESH OF PAUL LONGED FOR RELEASE, BUT HE COULD SEE THAT GOD WAS USING HIS SUFFERING AND WOULD EVEN USE HIS DEATH FOR A GREATER PURPOSE.
DAN BARTA’S LAST SONG, To live is Christ and to die is gain.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two.
THE OPTIONS ARE, LIVE IN THE FLESH OR BE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD. IN THE FLESH PAUL WAS UNDER ARREST. CAN YOU SEE THE DILEMMA?
My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (Vs. 19-26)
Paul wanted to go but knew that remaining was good for the believers. He was willing to stay as long as God wanted.
The reason we can have joy at all times and can be thankful is that our lives are in God’s hands. When we finish this life, we are with Him. It created quite a conflict for Paul because as much as he wanted to be here and compete his work, he couldn’t wait for the day that he would see Jesus.
His thought was if I’m here God has a purpose for me, if I’m not here, I’m in the presence of God!
So how do I exercise perseverance? [a God’s got this attitude]
- Journey with total assurance in life, and in death
The final principle is. . .
THE PRINCIPLE OF FOCUS
The principle of focus is such that whatever I’m focused on is what I’m moving toward.
One of the things that make Patrick Mahomes a great football quarterback is his ability to make no look passes. Why is that a big deal? Well because generally you must be looking at the object you’re throwing to. He can’t make every pass like that, but from time to time he can. Still, it cannot be accomplished without great focus, to see what’s happening across the entire field.
The gospel of the Jesus will never be known in your office or your home or neighborhood until you live it out. It takes intentionality, great focus to see that happen, to see what’s going on around you. To say each day, “God my life is Yours today!”
Paul says it this way.
Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (Vs. 27-30)
It’s profound question, “Can you say that your life is worthy of the gospel?”
There’s much happening around you, but what God is doing in you is so important because it informs all of your life, those who know you, and those who only watch you to see the kind of person you are.
He closes by telling the believers that they have been granted the privilege for suffering for Christ. I know so many people that hate that thought, that despise the very words of having to suffer because we’re Christians.
“Suffer” – to experience unpleasant things
• Well, you suffer for your pay check – Why not Christ?
• You suffer for your home – why not Christ?
• You suffer for your children and spouse – why not Christ?
The reality is, we really don’t know what suffering is when it comes to the gospel.
As we chatted this past week, Anise shared with my men’s group a glimpse of the suffering that goes on in his country. He said that his wife went to his school for a field day with sports for the children. His wife watched all day as the events when on but her son was not involved in any of it. When she asked him why he didn’t participate, her 4-year-old son said that the teacher told him since he was a Christian, he could not participate.
What’s your complaint about living as a Christian in this country?
My encouragement to you is, and you’ll be so glad you did at the end of this life is to. . .
- Daily live worthy of the message of Christ
You see the way of Joy is not succeeding, it’s surrendering. The way of joy is when I become more and more like Jesus, dead to myself.
YOU
What are you going to do with your life? Seek for happiness or live in joy? It’s up to you.
Are you willing to surrender it all to Jesus and allow His true life to be formed and live in you?
GOSPEL
The only way a person can do as Paul has done is through a life changing experience with Jesus Christ. His death was the door to life. He died for you in your place and offers the forgiveness of sins and a new life in Him.
Romans 10:9-10, 13 – call on the name of the Lord
WE
Imagine if every person in this room decided to live not for the moments or for the applause, but for the day we stand before the King of kings!
Imagine if we suffer because of Christ we see His love formed in us all the more, imagine.
