Philippians 1:3-6
“I thank my God every time I remember you. 4In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
There are many kill-joys in life. Corporations are now hiring joy consultants to prop up people’s lives and increase productivity. The Apostle Paul in the book of Philippians deals with joy builders
CHRISTMAS IN JULY? Luke 2:10
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'”
1. Christmas joy is for everyone .
2. Christmas joy is real joy.
3. Christmas joy is not the elimination of sorrow, pain and troubles.
4. Christmas joy is based on a right relationship with Christ.
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
JOY IS A DECISION: Philippians 4:11
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
1. Fill your mind with God’s Word . Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”
2. Find opportunities to help others. Philippians 4:1
“Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!”
3. Fulfill God?s purposes by following His will . Philippians 1:21
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
4. Focus on the good things in life. Philippians 1:6
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life?in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me?” (Philippians 2:14-18).
