Acts 16:31
"Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved"
Do you regularly recognize the joy of Christ that’s yours because you believe, by the power of the Holy Spirit? Paul and Silas were filled and overflowed in praise with joy in the Lord, all because of their belief and despite the unjust suffering they were enduring.
Philippians 1:1-2
"Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the Saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ".
Can you imagine the joy that the Philippians had when they received this letter. There is joy in receiving, be reminded that you too are receiving this letter as your very own. Yes, even you are a part of that "all the Saints, bishops and deacons" group from long ago. It is your heritage and family.
Philippians 1:3-5
"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".
Throughout this letter, Paul emphasizes the joy that fills him. A joy for the Philippians for their acceptance and continued following of the Gospel, a joy that he feels from the Lord's grace and blessing, the joy that he feels for what his mission has accomplished.
Our Lord wants each of us to be happy, filled with joy. If your "glass is only half full, find a smaller glass. Don't fall victim to that dreaded "PLOM" disease ( Poor, Little, Old Me).
Philippians 1:6-8
"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".
We have each been blessed with God's grace and love. Part of our use of that is that we should be passing it on to those around us. Even a small word or note of encouragement may supply a much needed "boost" of joy and comfort to someone around us. Encourage someone around you today.
Philippians 1:9-11
"And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and 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".
Paul links love with knowledge and insight. It is only through the knowledge and revelation of God's Word that we can know what true love really is. God's love for us is abundant, can we say the same for our love towards all others? Practice abundant love towards everyone around you, the results may be surprising, perhaps true joy awaits you?
do a "Happy Dance"
David "danced before the Lord with all his might" (2 Samuel 6:14) as he rejoiced in God's presence. He was filled with joy.
Paul tells us that there is joy in believing in our Lord, joy in sharing our beliefs with others through the gospel, joy in passing God's grace and love on to others. These actions will fill us with joy too. Why not dance?
Philippians 1:12-13
"I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ".
Paul always took every oppertunity to share the gospel and his knowledge of the salvation of every person through Jesus Christ. This caused him many physical plunishments and finally brought an end to his life, but even imprisioned, he found joy and encouragement in how the gospel had spread. Can any of us follow Paul's example? We can easlie make a start by encourageing one another,sharing the love of Jesus.
Philippians 1:14-18a
"And most of the brothers and sisters, 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."
Paul is proud that the congregation is spreading the message that Christ brought to all of us. He is proud that even if it is being done for the wrong reasons, it is beneficial to the Church. How often are we too timid or embarrassed to tell those around us of Christ, his message of love and his sacrifice? Be bold today, talk to a friend about your beliefs and the blessing that they have brough to you.
Philippians 1:18b-19
"Yes, and I rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out to be my deliverance".
A simple but powerful statement of advice for our own lives. All will be well as we pray for one another and accept the salvation of Christ and his love. Our time upon this earth is brief, there is no deliverance except Through prayers and God's grace.
Philippians 1:20-26
" 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".
The Apostle Paul had hopes and expectations, he even looked forward to death! How about you? Can you say, as Paul did, that no matter what happens, you will be okay? Does our Lord still have meaningful work for you here? Do you genuinely believe that "to live is Christ, and to die is gain? Pray about it.
Philippians 1:27-30
"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".
Paul encouraged the congregation at Philippi to conduct themselves in a manner worthy and consistent with Christ's message. His request is still valid today. That we are all to be of one spirit, yes we may each have our own opinions but in spite of that, we are to be united, as Christ's disciples, in spreading his message and that in doing so we set examples with our own behavior. We will enjoy joy in our unity with other believers.
Looking for joy in all the right places
As we complete the first chapter of Paul's letter, what have we discovered? The Lord's love surrounds us, and we can find JOY in our lives.
Joy in seeing God's hand
Joy in seeing others proclaim Christ
Joy in answered prayer
Joy in the Spirit's help
Joy no matter what happens
Joy in unity and suffering
Philippians 2:1-2
"Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."
We are united in Christ; we enjoy a personal relationship with Him. He is not just someone who lived and died long ago. He is with each of us, in our lives, today. All we must do is make ourselves aware of his presence. We can block Him out by becoming too involved in our worldly activities and possessions, but he will always be there, just waiting to guild and bless us. What were Jesus’ own words about that? “Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and ye shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you”.
Philippians 2:3-4
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
Let's jump ahead to verse 8 for a moment, Paul strengthens the point the is making "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross". Paul is suggesting that we get away from that sinful nature that we have of self-interest and become more Christ like. Not an easy task, perhaps even not totally possible but a worthy goal for each of us. Pray that the Lord will help you in considering the others around you before your own interests.