pursuing joyPHILIPPIANS

pursuing joyPHILIPPIANS

Joy in Our Present Circumstances -

Philippians 4

pursuing joyPHILIPPIANS

1) A Right Relationship (v. 1-5)So what is said about us here today? Are we people that cause division, or are we people that desire restoration?

Are we kind with our words? Do we look to build each other up?

Do we rejoice with people when something good is happening to them?

Do we have a spirit of gentleness, patience, and look to be considerate to others?

A right relationship with others will bring about joy.

pursuing joyPHILIPPIANS

2) A Right Heart (v. 6-7)I have heard the saying, “Why worry when you can pray?”

We need to tell all that is in our hearts, as one unloads one’s heart to a trusted friend.

Is gratefulness a daily part of your prayers?

This saying is true, “You never stand taller than when you are on your knees”.

A heart of prayer and gratitude will bring about joy.

pursuing joyPHILIPPIANS

3) A Right Mind (v. 8-9)Things to think upon• things that are true (valid and reliable), • things that are honorable (honest or worthy of

respect), • things that are just (upright), • things that are pure (clean and moral purity), • things that are lovely (pleasing and agreeable), • things that are commendable (deserving praise)

pursuing joyPHILIPPIANS

3) A Right Mind (v. 8-9)In the midst of our circumstances, our minds tend to wander.

Our mind is a target for Satan.

He wants to cause doubts, he feeds us lies.

We have to combat that with truth from God’s Word.

So what are we thinking about?

What we think about will bring about joy.

pursuing joyPHILIPPIANS

4) A Right Attitude (v. 10-13)The lie we often believe is that we can achieve any outcome because of Christ

The goal shouldn’t be an outcome, but God himself.

Our contentment and motivation is not found in ourselves, our job, or an experience. It is found in a person. And his name is Jesus.

Christ is enough and in him we can find joy.

Having the right attitude of contentment gives us joy.

pursuing joyPHILIPPIANS

5) A Right Offering (v. 14-19)In the midst of our circumstances, we often want to make it about us.

We want to go through it alone, but I challenge us to be a giver.

We should desire to be blessing to those around us.

Being generous in the midst of our circumstances will bring about joy.

pursuing joyPHILIPPIANS

6) A Right Perspective (v. 20-23)

pursuing joyPHILIPPIANS

6) A Right Perspective (v. 20-23)We have this treasure in jars of clay, but why would God put a great treasure in something so brittle?

Our brokenness on display is what makes the glory of God so amazing.

Us trying to hide our brokenness or circumstances or fix the cracks by ourselves only dims the gospel.

So use your present circumstances for gospel purposes. This is what Paul is teaching the Philippian believers and us here today.

Paul’s circumstances provide another illustration of God’s providence turning tragedy into triumph and a prison into a pulpit.

pursuing joyPHILIPPIANS

Let’s Make The ConnectionIs your heart heavy? Is there something that you have not given over to the Lord?

Maybe it is something else and we keep trying to get through it on our self-sufficiency.

Have you been searching for other things and people to satisfy you?

Is Jesus alone your ultimate satisfaction?

pursuing joyPHILIPPIANS