Everyone wants to be happy, but happiness is shifty. Joy, on the other hand- Joy grounded in a relationship with Christ? That kind of joy runs deep and strong and is unshaken by circumstances. It's a joy worth looking into! So, join us as we study Paul's joy letter and purpose to be a people who rejoice at all times.
The Lord is at Hand
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Josh Blount
Lead Pastor
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Philippians 4:2-9
I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
The Lord is at hand
Philippians 4:9
The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do.
Philippians 4:2
Be of the same mind in the Lord.
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be known to all men.
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing,
Philippians 4:8
Meditate on these things.
Any good “to do” from God is grounded in the good “done” by Jesus.
Philippians 2:12
Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
The Lord is at hand.
Jesus is in you
1 Corinthians 3:16
God's Spirit dwells in your midst
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
Colossians 1:27
Christ in you is the hope of glory.
"The kingdom of God is not merely around us; it is within us, where the Lord reigns."
Dallas Willard
“The greatest revelation we can have is not merely knowing about God but experiencing His presence within our hearts."
Oswald Chambers
“The Lord's presence within us is our secret weapon against the challenges of life. With Him, we can conquer all."
Priscilla Shirer
1 Because “Jesus Is At Hand” It’s Possible To Live In Unity
Philippians 4:2
I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
Philippians 4:3
And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Syzygos = Yoke Fellows
Unity is God’s Will For Us
John 17:20-23
"I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me."
Through unity, we’re not just spreading the gospel in words; we're also showing the world what God is all about in action!
2 Because “Jesus Is At Hand” It’s Possible To Know Real Joy
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
"Paul repeats 'rejoice' because he knows that the Christian life can be filled with trials and difficulties. He wants believers to understand that their joy is not dependent on circumstances but on their relationship with Christ."
Warren W. Wiersbe
Jesus is joy source.
1 Peter 1:8
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him with an inexpressible and glorious joy.
John 15:11
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
John 17:13
Father I come to You now; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in them.
‘Joy' in Philippians is a defiant 'Nevertheless!' that Paul sets like a full stop against the Philippians' anxiety.
Karl Barth
3 Because “Jesus Is At Hand” It’s Possible To Respond To Difficulties With Gentleness
Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be known to all men.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger"
Matthew 5:38
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
Gentleness - Epieikes - to be mild in reacting to another
The Epieikes individual exhibits a “sweet reasonableness" reflected in an attitude that does not hold grudges but always gives others the benefit of the doubt.
Matthew Arnold
Psalm 86:5 (BST)
For thou, O Lord, art kind, and gentle; and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon thee.
Isaiah 42:1-3
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations. 2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. 3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; A bruised reed he will not break a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
4 Because “Jesus Is At Hand” It’s Possible To Experience Real Peace
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing,
“We are living in an age of anxiety”
W. H. Auden
Matthew 6:25
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life
Ephesians 2:14
For he himself is our peace
Jesus is Peace
Speak to the one who is near
Philippians 4:6
But in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;
1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety upon him, for He cares for you
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Guard - a military guard that protects against enemy invasion
The way to be anxious about nothing is to be prayerful about everything.
5 Because “Jesus Is At Hand” It’s Possible To Think Clearly
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
To dwell on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy is to align our thoughts with the essence of Jesus Himself…
Don’t just think happy thoughts, think joy filled thoughts by filling your thoughts with the one who is joy.
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true to the teachings of Jesus, whatever is noble in His character, whatever is righteous according to His example, whatever is pure in His love, whatever is lovely as seen in His actions, whatever is admirable in His grace—focus your thoughts on these things, for in Jesus, we find the fulfillment of all that is good and perfect."
"When we fix our gaze on Jesus, we begin to see the loveliness of His actions and the depth of His grace. It is through this gaze that we are drawn closer to Him, finding in His grace the fulfillment of all that is good and perfect."
C.S. Lewis
Luke 2:10-11, 14
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord… And suddenly the heavenly hosts sang out: 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:19
Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.