Joy/full #4 - Different Part 2

We are different. We belong to a family tree made up of people from every tribe, language, nation and people. We belong to this beautiful family that we call the holy, Christian church, the communion of saints. We come from the royal lineage of King Jesus. Yes, we are a royal priesthood, a people belonging to God; we are his special possession. And we have a glorious righteousness, a righteousness that is not our own, a righteousness and a holiness that is ours by faith in the Son of God. We are different, but not because of us. Rather, we are different because of HIM who is the way, the truth and the life. We are different because we belong to HIS family. We are part of HIS royal lineage. We have HIS righteousness as our own. We, dear people of God, are different.

This means that we assign a different value to the things in our life. We learn to see the things in our lives as gifts of God. We learn to rejoice in those gifts of God. But those are not the things that are the most valuable. We assign a different value to the things in our lives; we find true value in who we are as sons and daughters of the one true King. Today, we’re continuing to work with this theme “different.” This week we see that the Christian has a different goal, a different pursuit, even a different destiny. This is where Paul help us as we continue our way through chapter 3. Philippians 3:12-4:1

Joy/full #2 - Shine like Stars

We’re getting there. The Lord is giving joy to us. 

Last week he reminded us that our joy is not found in our circumstances but the sovereign rule of our God. Yes, our God delights in us as a groom delights over his bride. Our God delights in us as a father rejoices at the birth of his child. It gives our God and Father, together with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, great joy to save us. Yes, all of heaven rejoiced when we believed in him. What gives God joy makes us glad.

We already have comfort from our God in his plan for us, our lives, and especially for our eternity. He certainly has a plan for us, and he is working it out in our lives every day. This week, we rejoice in another work of God: His Purpose for our lives here and now. In Philippians 2:12-18, Paul speaks to us candidly about God's straightforward purpose for our lives, namely this: Shine like Stars!

Joy/full #1 - Joy in Jail

Paul wrote a letter of joy.  It is four chapters. It has 104 verses made up of 2002 words. Paul wrote a letter of joy from jail. With his arms in shackles and chained up between two soldiers, Paul wrote this letter.  He used words like “joy” and “rejoice” at least 16 times.  Even chained up, Paul had joy overflowing, abounding, excessive.  He knew that God was awesome and that God makes life awesome, even when life isn’t awesome. We want that. We need that. But it seems so difficult. Circumstances crush joy. Pain steals it. That’s why we’re going to spend the next four weeks in this letter of joy. Paul wants to help us discover real joy. Paul wants to give us true happiness.

Today we’re looking at Philippians 1:18-30.

NEW SERMON SERIES - Joyfull

Paul wrote a letter of joy.

4 chapters

104 verses

2002 words

Paul is in jail!

Arms in shackles.

Chained between shoulders.

Words like “joy” and “rejoice” 16 times.

Paul had joy

Overflowing

Abounding

Paul believed that God is awesome. 

And he knew that God makes life awesome even when life isn’t awesome.

We want that. 

We want joy.

But it seems so elusive. 

Circumstances steal it.

Pain crushes it.

Joy escapes us.

Where do we find it?

How do we get it?

Paul wants to help us discover true joy in the Lord.

He shows us that Jesus’ kingdom surpasses the circumstances of life.

In Christ we rejoice with a contagious joy and are joyfull.