Browse Bible Study Resources

A Profound Sense Of Joy

Text: Philippians 2:17-18
6 September 2014

1. Paul’s personal sense of joy

a) I rejoice (tr. “I am glad” in NKJV)

b) I rejoice with you all (Same word translated as “I am glad” and “rejoice”)

c) The repeat of the same word is not without significance. It brings out emphasis.

2. Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians

a) The same words/phrases are used

b) He wants the Philippians to share in this profound spirit of joy

3. Features of this joy

a) Personal

b) Presently on-going

c) Potential of shared joy

WHY DO WE SPEAK OF THIS JOY AS BEING PROFOUND?

1. Context of this joy is featured

a) Paul speaks of being poured out as a drink offering

b) He makes reference to two matters:-

i) Upon the sacrifice (altar)

ii) And the service of the faith of the Philippians

2. Ability to truly rejoice in the face of death

a) Impending

b) Inevitable

c) Impressive and profound

3. The use of the strong conjunction “alla” is significant

a) It is usually used as a strong adversative/contrastive conjunction

b) In this context it is used in figurative/ascensive manner

c) Hence the NKJV text translates this word as “Yes”

BASIS OF THIS JOY

1. Our faith in God

a) The promise of life eternal

b) The hope of life eternal

2. Our life on earth

a) A life well-lived

b) A life of sacrifice and service


BIBLE MEMORY VERSE

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
Philippians 2:17