THE LETTER OF JOY
BACKGROUND:
The church in Philippi was founded by Paul and his team of co-workers (Silas, Timothy, Luke) on his second missionary journey in response to a God-given vision at Troas (Acts 16:9-40). A strong bond of friendship developed between Paul and the Philippian church. Several times the church sent Paul financial help (2 Cor 11:9; Phil 4:15-16) and contributed generously to his offering for the troubled Christians in Jerusalem (cf. 2 Cor 8-9). It appears that Paul visited the church twice on his third missionary journey (Acts 20:1, 3, 6). -Fire Bible, p. 1928
PURPOSE:
Written from prison (1:7, 13-14), most likely in Rome (Acts 28:16-31), Paul wrote to the Philippian Christians to thank them for their generous gift brought to him by Epaphroditus (4:14-19) and to update them on his present circumstances. In this letter, Paul assured the congregation that God's purposes were being worked out through his imprisonment (1:12-30)...Paul also encouraged the Philippians to press on in their relationship with Christ and to grow in unity, humility, joy, and peace. -Fire Bible, p. 1929
SURVEY:
Unlike many of Paul's letters, Philippians was not written specifically to address church problems or conflicts. Its basic tone, or feeling, is one of gracious affection and appreciation for the congregation. From greeting (1:1) to closing (4:23), the letter focuses on Christ Jesus as the purpose for living, the source of joy, and the hope for eternal life for all who follow him.
Paul does address three minor problems at Philippi. (1) Some were discouraged over his extended time in prison (1:12-26). (2) There was tension and disunity between two women in the church who had previously served with Paul (4:2; cf. 2:2-4). (3) There was the constant threat of false teachers (Chapter 3).
In connection with these three potential problems, we have Paul's richest teaching about (1) joy in the middle of all life's circumstances (e.g., 1:4, 12; 2:17-18; 4:4, 11-13), (2) Christian humility and service (2:1-18) and (3) the supreme value of knowing Christ (ch. 3). -Fire Bible, p. 1929
Endearing Features
Philippians contains some of the most quoted and popular scriptures in the Bible. You may have heard… “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” “To live is Christ, to die is gain.” “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on.” “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice.” “Do not be anxious about anything…” “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
The theme of Philippians is Joy, mentioned about 16 times depending on the translation. However, what we shouldn’t overlook is the source of Paul’s joy.
Jesus is mentioned in some form more than any other subject. This is the key to Paul’s joy…knowing, following, and serving Jesus! Philippians teaches us that joy and trials are not incompatible. Joy and difficult circumstances can coexist. Christian joy isn’t predicated on good circumstances. Christian joy is resilient in all circumstances, reflecting an inner peace that comes from knowing God’s faithfulness, the future hope of Christ, and the ever-present Holy Spirit. Lastly, Joy in Christ provides the highest motivation and strength for serving God and fulfilling His mission for us on earth.
Read Philippians 1:1-11
V. 1-2 Who is the Philippian church?
Paul often refers to himself as “servant”, also translated as “slave.” This is to greet the church with humility and communicate his posture and commitment to the Lord.
Acts 16 records Paul’s first visit to Philippi. God fearing Jews would meet at a river for worship because there was no synagogue. It is here that Paul and his companions met Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. Lydia’s conversion marked the first key moment in the birth of the church at Philippi. The next major event came when Paul cast out a demon from a slave girl, leading to his and Silas’s imprisonment (Acts 16:16–24). The third highlight was the powerful conversion of the Philippian jailer and his entire household (Acts 16:25–40). We don’t know how long Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke remained in Philippi. Eventually, they all moved on to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens, raising questions about who led the church in Philippi. We do know women, such as Lydia, played an essential role in this church. Some believe Lydia and the converted Jailer most likely led the church in their homes until leadership was established later. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2 shows us that Silas and Timothy remained in the region of Thessalonica and Philippi. Philippians is known as the first Christian church in Europe.
V. 3-8 The church’s faithful partnership in the ministry of the gospel.
V. 3-5 Paul shares a deep gratitude and bond with the church.
Paul expresses that when he prays, he does so with great joy because of their committed and generous partnership in the gospel. The church became an example of generosity to the other churches of Macedonia and Achaia (2 Cor 8:1ff.). The Philippians gave to Paul and to the Jerusalem saints who were in need. The church apparently was not wealthy, even though some persons of means were members. Paul said the members gave beyond themselves and out of their rock-bottom poverty (2 Cor 8:2–4). The Philippian congregation was the only one specifically mentioned as sending a financial gift to Paul. The church remains an example of genuine Christian concern. Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 28). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
V. 6 What is Paul referring to here?
Is Paul saying that God will continue their salvation through sanctification, or that the church will continue to be generous and faithful partners in the ministry? It’s both! Paul is confident that the works of salvation in their hearts will continue. The church will continue to be sanctified, and the fruit of their salvation, the works such as love, generosity, and faithfulness, will continue!
Pastor Warren Wiersbe put it this way. “Salvation includes a three-fold work: 1) The work God does for us: redemption. 2) The work God does in us: sanctification. 3) The work God does through us: service.”
V. 7-8 Again, Paul expresses his deep and inextricable bond in ministry.
The Philippians shared in Paul’s mission and sufferings, making them partners in the grace of God. Paul sees the Philippians as co-laborers, sharing in the experience of ministry, defense of the gospel, and suffering for the gospel.
Joy Comes from Partnership in the Gospel
77% of volunteers report that their service improved their mental health and well-being.
Volunteering is linked to higher levels of overall happiness and life satisfaction. Studies have found that volunteers who serve monthly or weekly are significantly happier than those who do not volunteer.
Research shows lower rates of depression and anxiety among volunteers, especially for older adults.
Dopamine is released in the brain while helping others, leading to reduced stress and an improved mood.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-recovery-coach/202407/the-mental-and-physical-health-benefits-of-volunteering
https://www.nami.org/people/how-volunteering-improves-mental-health/
https://www.greensborobar.org/newsletter/stell-the-power-of-volunteerism-benefits-to-mental-health/
https://volunteerhub.com/blog/the-health-benefits-of-volunteerism
https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2022/11/28/why-volunteering-can-benefit-your-mental-health
https://www.ncvo.org.uk/news-and-insights/news-index/time-well-spent-national-survey-volunteer-experience/volunteer-impacts/
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/3-health-benefits-of-volunteering
A joyful Christian life involves being in community, working together with other believers to advance God's kingdom. The work we do and the people we minister with last for eternity, adding eternal value to our ministry.
When we water baptize next week, it’s not just the pastors in the tank; it’s the whole church. When we contribute to the work of God, it’s like we're all sharing in baptizing the believers. Your serving, giving, reaching, and teaching (disciple-making) is partnering in the ministry of the gospel. We are seeing the fruit of our partnership!
Paul also inspires us to cultivate a culture of acknowledging and appreciating one another. In September, we took time to recognize and appreciate our Dream Team and Leaders. This is healthy, wise, and beneficial. This month is pastor appreciation. The work of the gospel isn’t easy, but it’s worth it, and we need to keep encouraging one another in this mission.
Joy Comes from Confidence in God’s faithfulness
“...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.” Philippians 1:6 NIV
Trust in God’s power and faithfulness. Our spiritual growth is not dependent on our own strength alone but on God's power. Joy flows from trusting in and embracing God’s ongoing work process.
Remind yourself often…God is at work in you…that alone is a reason to be joyful!
V. 9-11 Prayer for a fruitful life in Christ
Paul’s love for the church is evident in his gratitude, but also in his prayer for them.
In this prayer, we see what is important to Paul: love, spiritual growth, and glory to God.
Love for God and one another
Knowledge, understanding, and discernment of God’s will
A pure and blameless life that is waiting for the return of Christ
Always filled with the evidence, the fruit of salvation, the righteous character of Christ
This brings glory and praise to God
V. 9-10 Prayer for love, discernment, and holy living.
Discern what is best, and be pure and blameless until the day of Christ. The idea of testing is clearly in view in the Greek word dokimazō, translated “discern.” The testing is with a view to approving. The word was used in testing metals and coins to determine whether they met the specified standards. “Pure” is the translation of a Greek word used only here and in 2 Peter 3:1. It is eilikrineis, which comes from the words for “sun” and “to judge,” thus indicating purity that is tested by the light of the sun. Paul wanted his readers to be rightly related to God and in fellowship with Him. Paul was concerned that their relationships with others be what God would have them to be. The word aproskopoi, translated “blameless,” also appears in 1 Corinthians 10:32, where the same writer urged, “Do not cause anyone to stumble.” Paul’s desire for his friends at Philippi ought to be the concern of all believers—to be morally pure, not causing others to stumble. - Lightner, R. P. (1985). Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 650). Victor Books.
V. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation…
The fruit of the Spirit comes through Jesus Christ, for it is really His life lived out through believers. Such fruit magnifies God, not self. So a life that exhibits such traits is to the glory and praise of God. Lightner, R. P. (1985). Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 650). Victor Books.
Good works and a righteous life are natural outcomes of an abiding relationship with Christ. Embrace spiritual growth as a lifelong process. The "good work" God starts in a believer is ongoing and won't be completed until Christ's return. This perspective encourages patience with ourselves and others, knowing that God is continuously working to refine our character.
Joy Comes from Growing and Bearing the Fruit of Christ
A literal fruit or virtue of Christ is Joy.
Joy deepens when we remain in Christ through all seasons of life. When the storms come, so does the rain. But when the rain comes, so does the opportunity to grow in Christlikeness.
The ultimate purpose of bearing the "fruit of righteousness" is to "bring much glory and praise to God". Our good deeds should point others to God and bring Him honor, not to draw attention to ourselves.
Paul’s prayer has always been a perspective shift for me. Of all the things we could pray for, this is very important.
Seek and pray for the spiritual growth of your family, friends, and church. Pray that they will embrace the work of God in them until it is completed!
Discussion
What is one thing from the message that resonated with you?
How does Paul’s joy challenge the way we typically think about happiness and circumstances?
What’s the difference between happiness that depends on circumstances and joy that comes from Christ?
How have you experienced joy through serving, giving, or working alongside others in ministry?
What are some signs that God’s “good work” is continuing in your life right now?
Where do you find your joy running low lately? What truth from the scriptures that Pastor Ryan shared today could help restore it?
What additional notes did you make during the sermon?
What can we pray for regarding the sermon? Do you have any prayer needs?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life, we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready, say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!