Finding Joy in Mudville A Series on the book of Philippians Finding the joy of the Lord among all the curve balls, spit balls, mud balls, and strike outs of life. This week: Philippians 1:1-26

Philippians 1: Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. 12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. 15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.

18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Joy 101- Surrendering our lives to Jesus, the author of Joy. Becoming a Christian.

Joy 201 course: vs.1-26 Key to Joy: Refusing to play the “if only” game in life.

“if only…the I could find joy” Common “if only” attitudes: “If only… More money Nicer place to live Better economy Less crime Fewer aches and pains Children who were less demanding or less worrisome My husband or wife wasn’t so…. Etc.

Three varieties of the “if only” game Paul didn’t play 1.If only my physical circumstances were different and better, then I could be joyful. Vs

II Corinthians 11:23b-27 I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own people, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.

Paul’s attitude in challenging physical circumstances: Vs.3-”I thank God for you people” Vs.4-”I pray for you with joy.” Vs. 11-”I give glory and praise to God.” Vs. 18-”Christ is being preached-and therefore I rejoice.” Vs.25,26-Paul wants to be with them so he can impart even more joy to them.

Paul’s attitude in challenging physical circumstances: Vs.3-”I thank God for you people” Vs.4-”I pray for you with joy.” Vs. 11-”I give glory and praise to God.” Vs. 18-”Christ is being preached-and therefore I rejoice.” Vs.25,26-Paul wants to be with them so he can impart even more joy to them. Vs.12,13-The evangelistic fruit of joy

Second variety of “if only” absent from Paul’s attitude 2. “If only people would treat me the way I deserve to be treated, then I could be joyful. Vs.15-18

Common varieties of this attitude: If only… People in this church understood me better My wife understood me better My husband was more sensitive, caring, and spiritually strong. That person who how they hurt me My boss or teacher or classmate was easier to work with Etc.

Philippians 1: It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

Instead of trying to change people, pray: Psalm 51:12-”Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.”

Third variety of the “if only” game absent from Paul’s life 3. “If only my future were more certain, then I could experience joy.”

Some examples of this variety: “If only…” My job and income were more secure. I knew I’d find the right person to marry. I knew for certain that no one would hurt my children. I knew my wayward child would find the Lord. I knew I would have success in my career. I knew I’d have enough money for retirement. Then, I could relax and find some joy.

18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and God's provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. 20 I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.

Prayer of Confession and Petition: “Restore Unto me the Joy of Thy Salvation.” (Psalm 51:12a) Leader: Jesus, we confess to you that we too often say to ourselves, “I need certain physical circumstances in my life before I can find joy.” Father, through the Holy Spirit you anointed Paul to declare these words, and in faith we call on you to make this true in our lives: (Phil.4:12-13)

All: ”I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Leader: Father, by your Spirit whisper that secret of joyful contentment into the deep

places of our heart. All: Come Holy Spirit, Restore unto me the Joy of Thy Salvation. Leader: And Jesus, we also confess that we too often depend on people rather on You for our joy. Too often we wait for others to cooperate so that we can experience joy.

Father, by your Spirit help me to say with Paul, “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice” even when there are people in my life who aren’t treating me the way I want to be treated. All: Come Holy Spirit, Restore unto me the Joy of Thy Salvation. Leader: And Jesus, we also confess that too often we worry and fret about the future, postponing joy for a better more hopeful

day. Father, by your Spirit, sow this word more deeply into our hearts: (Phil.4:4-7) All: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Leader: Heavenly Father, help us to choose joy today in the midst of our uncertainty instead of waiting for some future ship to come into port. All: Come Holy Spirit, Restore unto me the Joy of Thy Salvation. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.