July 12, 2015 | Bob Bartlett
Passage: Philippians 1:18-30
Philippians Series Philippians 1:18-30
“Securing My Birthright of Joy”
The book of Philippians: “Perhaps the best book on developing a sound psychological mind.” - Dr. Warren Wiersbe, former pastor of Moody Bible Church
Joy ‘a calm and confident state of inner assurance in the goodness of God.’
- Joy a power that transcends life. Habakkuk 3:18
Joy is our possession our seal in Christ. Galatians 5:22-23
Truth: Joy is a seal of our birthright as Christians.
- A work in progress: 2Corinthians 1:24 “but we work with you for your joy”
- A work to be secured: John 15:11 “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Securing my Birthright of Joy
Vs 18-19: “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. Yes, and 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.”
1. Joy comes in equal proportion to the depth of our possession of Christ.
Paul’s possession of Christ – was his confidence in Christ as victor, conqueror, deliverer
- Joy is a possession and a process that comes only by being rooted in Christ. John 15:5
- Jesus Christ is the source & supply of my joy. John 17:13
Joy of the Lord: takes life’s circumstances and brings God’s insight and perspective to them.
Vs 20-21: “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
- Joy comes in equal proportion to the depth of our passion for Christ.
Paul’s passion was living for Christ – Paul’s passion was living in Christ.
- Passion is a singleness of mind. ‘to live is Christ and to die is gain’
- Passion for Christ is to see Christ exalted in all things – even life. John 3:30
Joy of the Lord: has an inherent power to endure and overcome all things in life.
Vs 22-25“If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,”
- Joy comes in equal proportion to the depth of finding our purpose in Christ.
Paul’s purpose was Christ’s purpose – Christ’s purpose was Paul’s purpose.
- Perhaps the best definition. John 4:34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”
- I am in a revolution that is changing the world and shaping eternity.
Joy of the Lord: floods our soul more and more as we give our lives to the Gospel.
- Let us live to make Christ our passion then joy will be our possession.