Happy New Year! I’m so thankful that you’ve joined us in worship today! Let me guess — some of us probably made a resolution or two, did some self-evaluation, and set a few goals for the upcoming year. That’s something most of us do, and let me just say it’s a good thing. It’s important to take a step back and reflect: What went well? What should we continue to do? Are there areas that need improvement? How can we create new habits that move us in a positive direction?
Maybe for this New Year, you’ve decided to make some changes. For many of us, it’s all about eating healthier and exercising more. Others might be focused on decluttering, finally tackling that overflowing closet. Often we pursue a spiritual focus, like carving out intentional time for prayer, reading through the Bible, fasting, or recommitting to consistent church attendance and involvement.
Resolutions are great, but here’s the problem—and we all know this to be true. By the time February rolls around, many of us have already given up. Why is that? What makes it so difficult to stay the course?
One key reason is this: It’s hard to keep going when we’re trying to do it all alone. That’s why gyms are packed in January but practically empty by March. Studies show that people who join a group fitness class or find a workout buddy are far more likely to stick with their goals. You know why? Because they’re not doing it alone. Having someone by your side brings encouragement, accountability, and let’s be honest, a little extra joy in the process.
That’s true for New Year’s resolutions, but it’s also true for our spiritual journey. God never intended for us to walk this path alone. And in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we see this same truth applied to something far more important than fitness goals or decluttering closets. Paul’s joy wasn’t found in his circumstances — it was rooted in the shared mission he had with the Philippian believers. They were partners in the gospel, and that partnership brought Paul great joy, even in the midst of a Roman prison cell.
This is what we’ll see today: Joy flourishes when we share in God’s mission together.
As we begin this new year, we’re kicking off a series of messages through the Book of Philippians called Defiant Joy. If you have your Bible with you — and I hope you do — turn with me to Philippians. This letter, written by Paul around AD 60 while he was imprisoned in Rome, radiates with joy. But this isn’t a fleeting, feel-good emotion. It’s a defiant joy — a joy that defies circumstances and points us to something much greater.
Let’s look at Philippians 1:1-11 together and unpack what Paul says. Let’s begin with verses 1 & 2 …
Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
These opening verses set the stage for us. Paul, writing with Timothy by his side, addresses this letter to the church in Philippi, a specific group of believers who were dear to his heart. He mentions the "overseers" (pastors and elders, the servant leaders of the church) and "deacons" (the lead servants of the church). Paul begins with a typical blessing: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Once the stage is set, Paul’s message begins. In verses 3-11, we see his heart poured out in a prayer of thanksgiving, affection, and hope. And it begins in verses 3-6 with …
I. A Joyful Remembrance (vs. 3-6)
Follow along beginning at verse 3: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Paul begins his letter with a heartfelt expression of gratitude: "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you." What a powerful way to start!
From the very first words of his prayer, Paul’s joy shines through. He’s writing from prison unsure if he will live or die, yet he isn’t consumed with complaints or self-pity. Instead, his mind is filled with thoughts of the church at Philippi, and every remembrance of them stirs up thanksgiving in his heart.
Why is Paul so thankful? It’s because of their fellowship in the work of the Gospel! Look again at what verse 5 tells us. It gives us the source for Paul’s thankfulness and joy. He says that he offers “... prayer with joy ... in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now."
The word "participation" here comes from the Greek word koinonia, often translated as "fellowship." But this isn’t just casual fellowship — it points to a deep, active partnership and relational connectedness. The Philippians weren’t just passive recipients of the gospel; they were active participants in the Gospel. They were working with Paul and with one another advancing the Gospel.
From the very beginning, they stood by Paul, supporting his ministry, praying for him, and giving sacrificially. Their partnership in the gospel brought Paul incredible joy because it reminded him that he wasn’t alone in the mission.
Think about that for a moment. Isn’t there something deeply encouraging about knowing that others are with you in the work of the Lord?
We weren’t created to live the Christian life in isolation. God designed us to be part of a community of faith – members of His body, sharing the load, supporting one another, and working together for His glory. This is why church matters. This is why community matters. When we come together to serve, give, and pray, joy begins to grow and flourish in ways it never could on its own.
Maybe that needs to be on our list of priorities for 2025 … to stop just being a passive recipient of the Gospel and start being an active participant in the Gospel – to come together as the Body of Christ here at Gateway Christian Church to serve; to pray; to give; to work for the Kingdom together.
You want to find true joy in your walk with the Lord? You’ll find it in serving and giving in community with other believers. Joy flourishes when we share in God’s mission together
Paul’s gratitude overflows into a confidence Assurance in verse 6, where he writes: "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus."
What an encouragement this must have been for the Philippians and what an encouragement for us today! Paul’s confidence wasn’t in their abilities or efforts — it was in God’s faithfulness. He knew that the same God who started His transforming work in their lives would carry it through to completion.
This verse is such a beautiful reminder for us today. There are moments when we feel like we’re falling short or struggling to stay faithful. But Paul’s words remind us that the work of salvation and sanctification doesn’t rest on our shoulders alone. God is the one who begins the work, and God is the one who completes the work. His faithfulness is what sustains us, and that is a reason for great joy.
So let me ask you: When was the last time you stopped to thank God for the people in your life who have partnered with you in the gospel? Maybe it’s a friend who prays with you regularly, a small group that supports you through life’s ups and downs, or someone who led you to faith. Take a moment this week to express your gratitude to God for them — and maybe even let them know how much they mean to you.
Joy flourishes when we share in God’s mission together, and this partnership in the gospel gives us reason for gratitude, fellowship, and confidence in the work of the Kingdom.
Paul’s joyful remembrance leads to …
II. A Heartfelt Affection (vs. 7-8)
Let’s pick up in verses 7-8 – “For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.”
Paul’s words here are rich with emotion and warmth. It is a deep connection. He says, "It is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart."
This isn’t a casual or distant affection. Paul’s bond with the Philippian believers is deeply personal. He carries them in his heart, and his feelings for them reflect the genuine connection they share as brothers and sisters in Christ.
But notice, Paul’s affection isn’t just based on personal sentiment; rather, it is anchored in their shared experience of God’s grace and partnership in the Gospel. Look again at the middle of verse 7. Paul writes, "... since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me."
The Philippians didn’t distance themselves from Paul when he was imprisoned. They didn’t abandon him because of his chains or try to disassociate from the stigma of his suffering. Instead, they identified with him, stood by him, and shared in the challenges of his ministry.
This kind of fellowship is rare, isn’t it? It’s one thing to share in someone’s victories, but it’s another to stand with them in their difficulties. Paul’s deep affection for the Philippians stems from their willingness to walk alongside him, not just in times of celebration but also in times of hardship.
Think about the relationships in your life. Who are the people who have stood by you in your darkest moments? Have you been that person to others in their deep need. You see, those are the people who hold a special place in your heart because they’ve shared in your struggles, not just your successes. How much more so when we are sharing together in God’s mission! When we are working side by side for the Gospel of Christ!
Paul’s love for the Philippians runs so deep that he calls on God as his witness to the sincerity of his feelings. In verse 8, he says: "For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus."
Notice that this isn’t just Paul’s natural affection at work; it’s the affection of Christ flowing through him. The word Paul uses for “affection” here literally refers to the deepest part of his innermost being — his heart and soul; the very essence of who he is. His longing for them is Christ-centered, reflecting the kind of love Jesus has for His people.
What a powerful testimony this is! Paul’s love for the Philippians isn’t self-generated or self-motivated. It’s a love that flows from his relationship with Christ and is empowered by the Holy Spirit. The affection of Christ is what fuels his longing for them and his prayers on their behalf.
And this is what Christian love should look like. It’s not a surface-level, feel-good, warm-fuzzy kind of love. It’s a sacrificial love; it’s a Christlike love that reflects the heart of our Savior. It’s a love that says, “I am with you, no matter what.”
Think about your own life. Is there someone God is calling you to love with the affection of Christ? Maybe it’s someone you find difficult to love or someone who’s going through a hard time and needs to know they’re not alone. Pray that God will give you His heart for that person — a heart that reflects the depth of His love and grace.
Paul’s heartfelt affection for the Philippians flows naturally out of their shared partnership in the gospel and their mutual experience of God’s grace. And this love leads Paul to do what he does best — pray for them.
Paul’s joyful remembrance leads him to a heartfelt affection prompting …
III. A Loving Petition (vs. 9-11)
Look with me at verses 9-11 – “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Let’s notice the focus of Paul’s prayer for the Philippian believers. This loving petition reflects Paul’s desire for their continued growth and maturity in Christ. Paul prays for three key aspects in their lives:
First, he prays for overflowing love. Look at what Paul says in verse 9 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment.”
This isn’t just an emotional love; it’s a love anchored in truth and guided by wisdom. Paul desires that their love for God and others continues to grow, not in a shallow or superficial way, but in a way that reflects Christ’s character.
Think about your own life for a moment. Is your love for others grounded in real knowledge and discernment? Are you loving people in a way that points them to Christ? Love that flourishes is not blind or aimless; it’s informed and purposeful, helping others see the truth of the Gospel.
Second, Paul prays for sincere lives. In verse 10 Paul prays, “So that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ.”
Paul’s desire is that the Philippians live with integrity and godly priorities, choosing what is excellent and avoiding what would lead them astray. To live sincere lives means to live transparently before God and others, with a heart focused on His standards and His boundaries … not those of the people around you or the influencers of this world.
How are you doing in this area? Are your choices reflecting what is excellent in God’s eyes? This is about more than just avoiding sin; it’s about pursuing holiness, living with purpose, and preparing for the day of Christ’s return.
Finally, Paul prays for righteous fruit. Notice verse 11 – “ … having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ.”
This fruit is the evidence of God’s work in their lives. It’s the outward expression of a transformed heart. Notice that Paul makes it clear this righteousness doesn’t come from us — it comes through Jesus Christ.
When was the last time you prayed for someone else’s spiritual growth? What would our church look like if we consistently prayed for one another to overflow with love, live sincerely, and bear righteous fruit?
But Paul’s prayer doesn’t stop with their benefit. He anchors it in the ultimate goal. It’s ultimately what our lives as believers point to. Look at the closing phrase of verse 11 – “... to the glory and praise of God.” Everything Paul prays for — overflowing love, sincere lives, and righteous fruit — is ultimately for God’s glory.
I’m reminded of what Paul wrote in other places as well. Colossians 3:17 tells us – “Whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” and again in I Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether then you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Overflowing love, sincere lives, righteous fruit – a life well lived not for ourselves, but for the ultimate goal: “... to the glory and praise of God.”
[Prayer]
Paul’s words remind us that joy flourishes when we share in God’s mission together. But it all starts with surrendering to Jesus.
You can’t share in God’s mission or experience the fullness of His joy unless you first belong to Him. Jesus is inviting you to surrender to His Lordship — to confess Him as Lord and, in faith, trust Him for salvation. If you’ve never made that decision, today is the day to respond. Be baptized into Christ, and begin a new life in Him, fully forgiven and filled with the hope of eternity.
Maybe you’ve already made that decision, but you’ve drifted from living wholeheartedly for Him. Let this be the moment when you recommit your life to His mission — a life overflowing with love, sincerity, and the fruit of righteousness.
What’s your next step? Is it to trust Jesus for the first time, to be baptized, or to return to living wholeheartedly for Him? Whatever it is, don’t wait. Joy flourishes when we share in God’s mission together, and it begins with saying “yes” to Jesus.
