Message Notes

(I) THE MINDSET OF JOY IN PAUL DETERMINED

1. In his personal prayer to the Philippians Church

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” Philippians 1:3-5

2. In facing his prison term in Rome

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel” Philippians 1:12

3. In facing challenges from others

“What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” Philippians 1:18

(II) THE SPIRIT OF JOY IN PAUL DEMONTSTRATED

1. Rejoicing despite facing death in service

“Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering…I am glad and rejoice with you all.” Philippians 2:17

2. Rejoicing the work of God in the lives of others

“Therefore, my beloved… For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13

3. Rejoicing that the work is not in vain

“…so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” Philippians 2:16

4. A challenge to follow Him

“For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.” Philippians 2:18

a) It is possible

b) It is proven

c) There is power

(III) OTHER LEVELS OF JOY POSSIBLE IN GOING DEEPER

1. Not taking for granted of what he has and achieved

“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” Philippians 3:8

2. There is always a deeper level to pursue

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” Philippians 3:10

3. The level of perfection in mind

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” Philippians 3:12

(IV) ATTESTED DECLARATION OF JOY

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

1. Proven and demonstrated

2. Emulate the example of Paul

3. Make joy a part of our lives and ministry