Essentials for Joyful Living (Unlock Joy, PT2)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Philippians 1:12-26 (New Living Translation)

And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me.

But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance. For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.

But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith. And when I come to you again, you will have even more reason to take pride in Christ Jesus because of what he is doing through me.

THE 4 ESSENTIALS FOR ‘JOY FULL’ LIVING

1. I NEED A PERSPECTIVE TO LIVE FROM (vs. 12-14)

Paul’s view of his circumstances:

“And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News…”

When I face problems joyfully –

• It (vs. 13) encourages others
• It (vs. 14) spreads like wildfire

“And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who

love Him … ” Romans 8:28

LESSON: God has a purpose behind every one of my problems.

2. I NEED A PRIORITY TO LIVE BY. (VS. 15-18)

Paul’s response to his critics:

“But what does it matter? THE IMPORTANT THING is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” (vs. 18)

“In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” Prov. 3:6 (LB)

LESSON: Focus on what really counts.

3. I NEED A POWER TO LIVE ON. (vs. 19-20)

Paul’s source of strength:

“…I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed…”

“I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.” Philippians 4:13 (GN)

LESSON: With God’s power nothing can devastate me.

4. I NEED A PURPOSE TO LIVE FOR. (vs. 20-26)

Paul’s reason for living:

“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (vs. 21)

“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Paul’s concern: Telling those who don’t know the Lord the good news and encouraging each other. (vs. 22-26)

LESSON:

J – Jesus first

O – Other’s second

Y – Yourself third

Are you a Frequent Listener to the Restoration Podcast? Say Hey!