Share My Joy

Philippians 1:3-6 NKJV

SHARE MY JOY

August 21, 2022

The letter to the church in Philippi was different from all other letters in that, we find no words of rebuke and no words of correction. All that we find here are words of praise and affection. This church, stood with Paul in prayer, fellowship and in financial support when other churches failed to come to his aid. Paul never forgot their ministry of love. As Paul begins this letter, he uses the word "fellowship" in verse 5. This is a word and a concept that is much misunderstood by the modern church. We will have a dinner and call it a "fellowship." We will meet at Luby’s for lunch and refer to that as a time of "fellowship." Some of you enjoy the good fellowship of a basketball pick-up game at the Y or bowling together for a member’s birthday. Yet, genuine fellowship runs far deeper than meal or a few hours together; "fellowship" refers to "things held in common, or things shared." It is those things that we hold in common as believers that I would like to focus in on for a while. It seems that the church in Philippi was a great church. The reason they were a great church is that they enjoyed genuine fellowship. It was their realization of what they held in common that made them great. Did you know that if I had somewhere better to be right now, I would be there? But, there simply is no better place under the sun for me, than being with you right now worshiping Jesus together! This morning I simply want you to Share My Joy. You see, Paul addresses his letter to the Philippians writing to "all the saints in Christ Jesus." That designation set these people apart! You see, not everyone in Philippi was in Christ Jesus! But Paul addresses the church, the saints, the children of God and says, "upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine, from the first day until now." Paul is reminding these believers that they hold a special place in his life. He can’t get them out of his head! Think about what this statement says. Paul is in a Roman prison awaiting trial before Caesar. Yet, his thoughts are filled with praise for these special brothers and sisters in Christ. Even as he can see his own impending death, he wants them to share in his joy for the fellowship. Family, this is a challenge to every child of God this morning! You see, the place our fellow believers hold in our own hearts reveals a great deal about where we stand with the Lord! Because, just as surely as we all share a common salvation, we should also all share a common joy!

I. V. 3 The Joy of Prayer - Paul tells us that his heart is filled with joy every time he remembers his fellow believers there in Philippi. He praises the Lord that they are in the family together. Such should be the attitude of our hearts this morning. When we think of our fellow church members here at Briarchase, how do we remember them? Do we think of the times they did something we didn't like? Do we remember the time when they said something hurtful? Or, do we rejoice that we are saved and they are saved and that we have the privilege of serving God together? Certainly, one of the great marks of a healthy church is a deeply felt joy among the members of that church. He has a prayer list and he keeps it updated! He carries all their names to the throne of grace and makes intercession for their needs and burdens. He cares enough to pray! Do you care enough to pray? Again, this ought to be the attitude of our hearts today. Do we love one another enough to pray for each other? Oh, our hearts should be filled with love for those in our family and that love should motivate us to pray for them in a consistent manner as we go through life together!

II. V. 5 The Joy of Partnership - Paul is thankful that these people have joined with him in carrying out the Gospel ministry the Lord called him to. This church was faithful to stand with Paul in the times of his need. He partnered with them in carrying out the ministry of the Lord. Family, we are in this thing together! Think of it, the Lord founded this church to reach people for Jesus. And each of us is essential to getting that job done. The reason why I can devote myself to prayer and study of the Word of God is because you have partnered with me to meet the needs of the community! Family, we need one another more than we will ever know! Ministry is about people partnering together for the cause of Christ. Any one of us can do a good deed (AND WE SHOULD) but doing good deeds by yourself is not ministry. Ministry is about people helping people. There is something unhealthy when someone who claims to be a believer, but who never wants to fellowship. There is something missing in their experience in the Lord. The Bible commands believers to assemble themselves together, Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. We are blessed by being near those who are like-minded. I receive strength from your faith and your worship and you receive strength from my faith and my worship!