LIFE PRINCIPLES FROM THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS I

LIFE PRINCIPLES FROM THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS

“I don’t think that people of faith can really bring joy to the world before we live a life of authentic, abiding joy as individuals. Why should anyone want what we believe if it doesn’t make us truly, deeply joyful people? ” p. 10

We continue our study on one verse with ten potent words … Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4 4

Life Principle 10 Choosing to Live a Life of Joy – Part 4

Lessons from Part 1 of our series… � Most Bible teachers drain the emotion out of this verse and make it an attitude. To this we disagree. � A major question that arises is why would the Lord insist on something that seems downright unattainable and why does He want us to pursue continual joy? � One significant reason why we are to be joy filled creatures is that was man’s natural state before the fall and will be our eternal experience in heaven. � We examined all sixteen times Paul used “joy” or “rejoice” in Philippians and found that they all centered around eternal spiritual values.

Lessons from Part 2 of our series… �We looked at Deuteronomy 28. 47 which said that Israel was judged for lacking joy and gladness for God’s blessings �Joy, thanksgiving, grace, and gifts all have the same root word and there is a clear connection �We cleared up James 1. 2, we have joy in what pain produces not in the pain itself �We examined why God commands joy in us �Our foundation of joy is based in our salvation as seen in Luke 10. 20

Lessons from Part 3 of our series… �Some interesting tidbits about joy �True Christian joy is the emotional response of happiness triggered by gratitude of the believer for the blessings of God �We looked at the two competing sources of joy from which humans must choose: The world and the Lord’s approach �We examined twenty-one qualities in Philippians which are hidden in plain sight which increase our joy inventory

Part 1 Five Joy Busters

1. Guilt 1 Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; According to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51

3 For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me. 4 Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.

2. An Overly Busy Life

Mother Martha… 40 But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me. ” 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her. ” Luke 10

3. Anxiety

19 When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul. Psalm 94 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4

4. Negative, dysfunctional People

An example… 24 Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, Proverbs 22

5. The inability to resolve conflicts God’s way

18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12

Part 2 Ten Joy Builders

1. Choosing to jump start your day with joy… 24 This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118

2. Living a adventurous life in which you help to save the world

We all want to live the life of a James Bond. That is, being on an adventure, doing things that have a big impact on the world. We want to make a difference, be the hero, and save the world. The reality is that we as Christians beat the fictional character of James Bond at his own game. The things we do as believers don’t just impact the world, they impact eternity! Lives are snatched from hell, generational sin is lessened, and God is eternally glorified, when you share you faith and live out the Christian life.

3. Using music as a joyful emotional connection in worshipping God

God created music for our joy 23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You; And my soul, which You have redeemed. Psalm 71 �Songs – Psalm 33. 3 �Singers – I Chron. 15. 16 �Timbrel – Gen. 21. 27 �Lyre – Psalm 43. 4 �Tambourines – I Samuel 18. 6 �Flutes – Psalm 87. 7 �Trumpets – Psalm 98. 6 �Harps - I Chron. 15. 16 �Dancing - I Sam. 18. 6 �Clapping – Psalm 47. 1

The following goes against our natural grain… 4. Obedience to God

10 “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. John 15

The world and even some Christians disagree that obeying God’s word and His ways brings joy. To those who hold this view, I have one question… So how’s that working for you?

5. Breathing in God’s Word

Psalm 119 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches. 111 I have inherited Your testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart. 162 I rejoice at Your word, As one who finds great spoil.

6. God’s gift of love making with one’s opposite gender spouse

18 Let your fountain be blessed, And rejoice in the wife of your youth. 19 As a loving hind a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; Be exhilarated always with her love. Proverbs 5

7. Knowing that those that you love the most are walking with God

3 For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. 3 John 5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2

8. Spiritual Rest

Paul at the end of Romans says… 30 Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; 32 so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company. Romans 15

9. Loving righteousness and hating wickedness

Psalm 45 refers to a royal wedding 7 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of joy above Your fellows. Psalm 45

10. Intimacy with God

11 You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16