Bad Christian news swirls quickly! – MinistryWatch

• Unity is necessary for the church (people don’t vote on the facts… they vote on their friends or who they like)
• Unity is gained slowly and lost quickly
• Division: Pride, sin (sexual, money, jealousy, bitterness), heresy (false teaching), legalism (judges others, religious), primary and secondary issues & distrust.

 
PRACTICAL COUNSEL
PHILIPPIANS 4
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I also ask you, true partner (deacon or elder), to help these women who have contended for the gospel at my side (they were involved in ministry, what role?), along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the book of life.

• They are believers… probably mature believers.
• Conflict can start at leadership.
• The issue doesn’t matter because it is not mentioned.
• Paul is saying these two women need a mediator… this is what Jesus did. (1 Timothy 2:5 - For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,[1])


• Two sides have to agree on two things:
  • 1) we will meet &
  • 2) we will do what the mediator tells us… based on trust.
• Sometimes this is needed in a marriage… sometimes in a divorce with kids.

 

• Anxiety… dealing with issues
• Right now, nearly 40 million adults (18 and older) (19.1% of the population) are living with a serious anxiety disorder.
• According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, this disorder is highly treatable, but only around 37 percent of those affected actually receive treatment.
• “Anxiety disorders cost the US more than $42 billion a year, almost one third of the $148 billion total mental health bill for the US.”
• THE POINT: Life causes anxiety
• What causes anxiety? (non clinical definition) – Anticipating the future, in the worst possible scenario… and freaking out about it.
•    1) It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and you force it to happen
•    2) You wear yourself out to the point of anxiety.
• Causes of anxiety: Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
• Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
• Family history of mental health problems
•  Screen time (24 hour lifestyle, facebook, e-mail, cell phones),
• On average, the generational cohort born in and after 1996, dubbed "Gen Z," watches of 7.2 hours of video on their screens per day.
• With content constantly available, many Gen Zers find themselves "doomscrolling" on TikTok and Instagram.
• Smartphones and social media have become ubiquitous, and algorithms condition young people to stay glued to their phones.
• Strategically curated feeds coupled with doomscrolling can be detrimental to mental health, not to mention a major time sucker.
• Traffic (license numbers should be cell phone numbers), fractured family systems (holidays), lonely, isolated, financial pains, works 60-80 hours a week, success (have to perform even more), strained personal relationships (family, co-worker, roommate)
• How do you know you are stressed? Unusual mood swings, anger, depressed, exhausted, fragmentation, disassociation or withdrawing, body changes (tongue), paranoia & suspicion, weight gain, panic, panic attics, insomnia (mattresses with instructions), too frequent use of substances: alcohol, drugs, diet coke, caffeine (Starbucks), comfort foods, general irritability, reckless driving, change in sexual desire, health related issues, irritated bowel syndrome, ulcers, victim mentality, shopping sprees and unnecessary spending (what do I need?)
• Time magazine says you need: behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, antidepressants, minor tranquilizers, exercise, eat properly and alternative procedures such as yoga, aromatherapy & acupuncture.
• Does God have anything to say about anxiety?

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Paul knew you would question this, so he said it twice) 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.

• Only 21% of men say they received emotional support from a friend within the past week, compared to 41% of women, according to a 2021 survey by the Survey Center on American Life.
• Similarly, just 25% of men say they've said "I love you" to a friend recently, as opposed to 49% of women.

6 Don’t worry about anything,

• What if I have a good reason… Paul was in prison and possibly to be put to death… he gets it)
• What is worry? The Greek word translated “anxious” (careful) in Philippians 4:6 means “to be pulled in different directions.”
• Our hopes pull us in one direction; our fears pull us the opposite direction; and we are pulled apart!
• The Old English root from which we get our word “worry” means “to strangle.”
• If you have ever really worried, you know how it does strangle a person! [2]

but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true,

• Dr. Walter Cavert reported a survey on worry that indicated that only 8 percent of the things people worried about were legitimate matters of concern!
• The other 92 percent were either imaginary, never happened, or involved matters over which the people had no control anyway.[3]

whatever is honorable, whatever is just,

• Worthy of respect and right.

whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things.

• You come to Church this morning and you hear encouragement from the Word of God.
• Tonight, you end your day watching the Grammy’s, Tulsa King, 1923 and Mayor Kingstown and what are you going to be dwelling on when you go to bed.
• You’re going to be dreaming about Taylor Swift, Lizzo and Beyonce shooting each other in long dresses over a bag of weed and then end up getting killed in prison.
• Or you can dwell on moral excellence and have the potential to sleep peacefully.
• Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God and practice right praying, thinking, and living;
• or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry.[4]

9 Do what you have learned and received and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.[5]

• The result is that the “peace of God” guards the heart and the mind.
• We experience “peace with God” (Rom. 5:1); and the “peace of God” takes us a step farther into His blessings.
• This does not mean the absence of trials on the outside, but it does mean a quiet confidence within, regardless of circumstances, people, or things.[6]

 
What do you do?
It is a lifestyle issue… It is a mindset.

• Michelle does the iPod.
• Keith… Connie reads the Bible to him.

 
Paul’s list of encouragement to the church
        1) Anchor your joy in Jesus… not circumstances. (Reasons to complain or reasons to rejoice; rejoicing cultivates a heart of hope)
         2) Respond gently/reasonably… I DEMAND!!! FREAKING OUT… chill out
         3) Jesus is always with you… He never leaves you… when you are lonely
         4) Prayer allows you to be conversational with your Savior. Who do you call?
         5) Choose to be anxious about nothing… sometimes it is a difficult battle.
         6) Meditate… mentally… stay focused on Jesus. Think… dwell… in order to respond.
         7) Live according to the Truth you know rather than your anxiety
         8) Plug into the church… we do this as a community… walk with each other.
         9) Accept the peace of God… it is a gift from God that you already have.

Paul writes this to the church because he loves them… and I tell you these things because I love you.

• I’ve responded both ways… one way I typically regret… the other way I have learned to rest.
• I’ve learned to say “I love you” more.

[1] Christian Standard Bible (1 Ti 2:5–6). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 94). Victor Books.
[3] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 95). Victor Books.
[4] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 96). Victor Books.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Php 4:2–9). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 95). Victor Books.

Last night we saw “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”

• What a waste of time. And Hollywood will celebrate this.
• “Nothing matters”
• “If Nothing Matters, Then All The Pain And Guilt You Feel For Making Nothing Of Your Life Goes Away – Sucked Into A Bagel.”
• “Every New Discovery Is Just A Reminder…” “We're All Small And Stupid.”

 
Paul is exercising the spiritual mind.

• He is looking at things on earth from God’s point of view.
• As a result, he is not upset by things behind him, around him, or before him—things do not rob him of his joy![1]

​REACHING FORWARD TO GOD’S GOAL
PHILIPPIANS 3
12 Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

• Paul is referring to his behavior… the things he does as being imperfect.
• He is not satisfied with his journey being imperfect.
• Paul has a desire for his flesh to completely line up with his spirit. He can see the difference.
• He wants to know Jesus better and to completely walk by the Spirit that resides in him.
• But he has taken hold of the one who is perfect and did things perfectly and learning to let Jesus do his life for him.

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it.

• Paul does not play the comparison game here.
• Paul could have easily rated his faith walk with those he knew and probably felt pretty good about himself.
• But he really compared himself to Jesus and knew that he had fallen short.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead,

• So, what do you do? Focus on the past?
• Sit in your misery?
• “Forgetting what is behind” – my fleshly acts have already been dealt with and forgotten.
• Thank God for that… because if I did not have forgiveness… I would be sitting in the puddle of my past.
• My past is gone.
• And if it is gone for me then it is gone for my spouse who believes. I probably should let it go.
• And for all the other believers who I hold onto their past. “Well, I can forgive… I just can’t forget.”
• Paul says, “forgetting what is behind”
• “To forget” in the Bible means “no longer to be influenced by or affected by.”[2]
• My fleshly acts have already been justified.
• Even my future fleshly acts have been justified.
• I live in a state of justification.
• As in when a runner stretches for the finish line.

14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.

• Paul is not referring to salvation here otherwise that would contradict everything he has already said in this chapter… and would be based on works rather than faith.
• In order to run the Greek games, the runner had to already be a citizen.
• He wasn’t trying to earn his citizenship.
• He is pursuing God…
• “I don’t know how”
• You YouTube everything else… YouTube that!
• Listen, Brock Purdy (SF QB) is not going to get in the huddle today and say to his team, “OK guys, Coach has a great game plan, were just gonna stand here and let him do his thing.”
• Nor will he say, “Hey guys, forget whatever Coach said, we are going to do it my way.”
• “Here’s the play Coach called, let’s do it exactly as he taught us.”

15 Therefore, let all of us who are mature think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this also to you.

• “mature” – those who are perfect!
• My journey ahead is God revealing things to me in my thinking and doing.
• “I make every effort”
• I want my journey to move forward… not satisfied.
• I study, I learn, I try to eat better, I try to exercise, I move forward by taking a step, I get out of bed… and sometimes it is really really hard.
• I mean… there is something inside of me that is telling me not to. I battle in my head.
• But two things… I know my perfected Spirit is leading me and convicting of the goodness now and ahead.
• And the second thing is, I am hopefully surrounded by a community that is echoing the same thing.
• For me, I am blessed with an earthly partner on this journey… I realize it is not the same for everyone in this room.
• It’s not my kids! It’s my wife. My kids left me… as they should!
• But my second encourager is my wife… after the Spirit.
• Then hopefully my kids, my friends, and the Church.
• The world would be a bonus but I am not dependent on that because we have been set apart from that!
• That is… we are already sanctified. Past tense!

16 In any case, we should live up to whatever truth we have attained.

• But wait… what!?!
• You mean my self-assessment may not be true?
• The churches in Revelation… Samson…
• NO MATTER WHAT!!!
• You should live up to whatever truth we have attained.
• Trust what you know!!!
• What do you know?
• I know my perfected Spirit is leading me and convicting of the goodness now and ahead.
• This is where we have to “Zoom out”.

17 Join in imitating me, brothers and sisters, and pay careful attention to those who live according to the example you have in us.

• Hang out with the like-minded and pay attention to how they pursue Jesus.
• We are not perfect in our behavior, but we pursue the perfect behavior by trusting Jesus.

18 For I have often told you, and now say again with tears, that many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

• Paul is weeping as he writes this letter.
• Just thinking about those who oppose him upsets his stomach.

19 Their end is destruction; their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame; and they are focused on earthly things,

• Most likely referring to the Judaizers.
• Dietary restrictions and focus on attaining wealth.

20 Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

• We are no longer citizens of this world.
• We don’t think like the world.
• Don’t expect us to act like the world.
• Don’t expect us to be accepted by the world.

21 He will transform the body of our humble condition into the likeness of his glorious body, by the power that enables him to subject everything to himself.[3]

• A glorified body awaits us.
• Don’t ask me what that looks like, how old it is or what it will eat!
• I don’t know!

Philippians 4
1 So then, my dearly loved and longed for brothers and sisters, my joy and crown, in this manner stand firm in the Lord, dear friends. [4]

• Paul loved the Church at Philippi and just wanted to be with them.
• But since he couldn’t be there…
• Trust what you know…

Stand firm together… in the Lord!

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 88). Victor Books.
[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 89). Victor Books.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Php 3:12–21). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Php 4). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

NOËL

• A term signifying the holiday season, Noël comes to us from the Latin verb nasci, meaning “to be born.”
• In the book of Ecclesiastes, the birth of Jesus is called natalis. (nativity)
• A variation of this word, nael, made its way into Old French as a reference to the Christmas season and later into Middle English as nowel.
• Today it refers both to Christmas and to Christmas carols.

PHILIPPIANS 1
3 I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.[1]
12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word, fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation, through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.[2]

• To rejoice you have to do more than just accept your circumstances.
• You have to trust and be thankful.
• The trust is based on the character of the one who began the good work (1:6).
• It is trust in the faithfulness which He has shown.
• For Paul, this meant trusting God because He chose him—an unlikely leader of the early church—to be an apostle.
• Without trust, what else would Paul cling to? Nothing.
• Too often our trust in the Lord is based on our own understanding, or only engages part of our heart.
• When the storms of life come, faulty foundations are destroyed.
• What we need to do is trust the Lord with all of our heart and not lean on our own understanding.

LUKE 1
5 In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest of Abijah’s division named Zechariah. His wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 Both were righteous in God’s sight, living without blame according to all the commands and requirements of the Lord. 7 But they had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.
8 When his division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 it happened that he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. 10 At the hour of incense the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. 11 An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified and overcome with fear. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. 14 There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15 For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and will never drink wine or beer. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. 16 He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to make ready for the Lord a prepared people.”[3]
 
39 In those days Mary set out and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judah 40 where she entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped inside her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 Then she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and your child will be blessed! 43 How could this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For you see, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what he has spoken to her!”
1joy – noun
1 - the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires: delight
2 - a state of happiness or bliss
3 - a source or cause of delight[4]
Bible Dictionary – joy - A quality or attitude of delight and happiness, which is ultimately grounded in the work of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Among the many situations in which joy is experienced, Scripture recognizes as supreme being accepted in the presence of God.[5]
 
MARY’S PRAISE
46 And Mary said:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 because he has looked with favor
on the humble condition of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations
will call me blessed,
49 because the Mighty One
has done great things for me,
and his name is holy.
50 His mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear him.
51 He has done a mighty deed with his arm;
he has scattered the proud
because of the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has toppled the mighty from their thrones
and exalted the lowly.
53 He has satisfied the hungry with good things
and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering his mercy
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he spoke to our ancestors.[6]

• One of the greatest litmus tests for trust is thanksgiving, a theme that resonates throughout Philippians.
• If I’m afraid of my situation or grumbling about it, then chances are I’m leaning on my own understanding.
• This same perspective leads me to say my situation is wrong, unfair, or needs to change.
• If I’m really trusting God to be in control of all things, then this will be reflected in my perspective.
• I may not like my predicament, but I can still choose to trust God to accomplish His purposes no matter how dire things get.
• My choice to trust in God’s character enables me to give thanks for His provision even though it is not what I would choose.[7]

Joy is understood when you have to trust and are thankful.
 
LUKE 2
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered.

• God used the decree of a pagan emperor to fulfill the prophecy of Micah 5:2 - 2 Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. [8]

2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
4 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant.

• Censuses were only taken for the purpose of enlisting military and registering property owned for the purposes of taxes. It is possible, the only reason they had to travel was because Joseph owned land in Bethlehem.

6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock.

• One should not romanticize the occupation of shepherds.
• In general shepherds were dishonest and unclean according to the standards of the law.
• They represent the outcasts and sinners for whom Jesus came.
• Such outcasts were the first recipients of the good news.[9]
• Shepherds were out in the fields with their flocks usually during the months of March to November. [10]

9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14 Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors!

• How amazed the angels must have been when they saw the Creator born as a creature, the Word coming as a speechless baby.[11]

15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary was treasuring up all these things in her heart and meditating on them. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had seen and heard, which were just as they had been told. [12]

• Returned to their old jobs as new men!
• When you experience the Messiah… you will never be the same.

 
GALATIANS 5
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.[13]

JOHN 16
20 Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy. 21 When a woman is in labor, she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. 22 So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you.
23 “In that day you will not ask me anything. Truly I tell you, anything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. 24 Until now you have asked for nothing in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.[14]
 
NOEL – Chris Tomlin – “Adore”
– Featuring Lauren Daigle (4:17)
Start – 0:00
First note – 0:03
0:10 - Love incarnate, love divine
Star and angels gave the sign
Bow to babe on bended knee
The Savior of humanity
Unto us a Child is born
He shall reign forevermore
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole empire should be registered. 2 This first registration took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So everyone went to be registered, each to his own town.
4 Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family line of David, 5 to be registered along with Mary, who was engaged to him and was pregnant. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
 
0:51 - Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel – 01:29
 
01:33 - Son of God and Son of man
There before the world began
Born to suffer, born to save
Born to raise us from the grave
Christ the everlasting Lord
He shall reign forevermore
8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.”
 
2:14 - Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel – 2:52
 
13 Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14 Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors!
15 When the angels had left them and returned to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 They hurried off and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger. 17 After seeing them, they reported the message they were told about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.[15]
 
3:24 - Noel, Noel
Come and see what God has done
Noel, Noel
The story of amazing love!
The light of the world, given for us
Noel, Noel – 4:10

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Php 1:3–6). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Php 1:12–20). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (Lk 1:5–17). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.
[5] Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (Lk 1:39–55). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Runge, S. E. (2011). High Definition Commentary: Philippians (Php 1:18–20). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
[8] Christian Standard Bible (Mic 5:2). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[9] Stein, R. H. (1992). Vol. 24: Luke. The New American Commentary (108). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[10] Stein, R. H. (1992). Vol. 24: Luke. The New American Commentary (108). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
[11] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Lk 2:1). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
[12] Christian Standard Bible (Lk 2:1–20). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[13] Christian Standard Bible (Ga 5:22–26). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[14] Christian Standard Bible (Jn 16:20–24). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[15] Christian Standard Bible (Lk 2:1–18). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• We started out Philippians with Paul in prison in Rome and talking about how to find joy in our loneliness.
• Then last week we talked about Paul rejoicing in his suffering because no matter what, the Gospel was being spread.

ADVANCE OF THE GOSPEL
PHILIPPIANS 1
18 …Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

• “Salvation” – not a spiritual salvation, but a physical salvation from his imprisonment.
• One of the few things we share in the human race… death.
• We are born spiritually dead… then we will face physical death.
• Genesis 2:16 – If you sin… you will die
• Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death
• Romans 5:12 - Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned
• Every hour 6,393 people die.
• The first person that I deeply loved that died was my grandfather… Brownie Brunkow
     - Tulsa Pipe Coating
     - Claude’s Hamburgers
     - Pool table
     - Cancer
• It is awkward to talk about death in today’s society…
• We don’t show death on the news
• We send people away to die in nursing homes & hospitals
• Death is an enemy… I Corinthians 15
• What awaits us on the other side…
• Universalism – is a huge lie… “They are in a better place now.”
• Anilationism – Our soul ceases to exist and we are no more.
• Daniel 12:2-3 – Many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to eternal life, and some to disgrace and eternal contempt. 3 Those who have insight will shine like the bright expanse of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.[1]
  Reincarnation – You die and come back in order to work off your sin.
• Purgatory – A place you go to work at redeeming your sins.
• Hebrews 9:28 - so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.[2]
• What about the religion that says we all die and all go to hell? Where is that one?
• Here is what the Bible says about death…
• I Thessalonians 5:23 – Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.[3]
• We are three parts… body, soul & Spirit.
• At death, the soul & Spirit are separated from the body…
• Where does the spirit & soul go at this point?
     Luke 16 – holding place that has two sections… with chasm that separates the two sides
     Sheol (Hebrew) of Hades (Greek) had two sides:
     1) Abraham’s Bosom or Paradise – The saved side.
     2) Hell – a place of torment for the unrighteous dead.
• 2 Corinthians 5:8 - In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.[4]
• Jesus speaks of hell more than anyone in the Bible.
     Gihenna is spoken of 12 times
• If you are a non-believer… this world is as good as it gets.
  If you are a believer… this world is as bad as it gets.
• Paul has incredible insights to death…
  
  
• Dependent on the Spirit working in his life and his situation.

20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

LIVING IS CHRIST
21 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better--24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.

• Brent & Deanna Higgins Video
• Kimberly Schilling - Questions

27 Just one thing: As citizens of heaven, live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or am absent, I will hear about you that you are standing firm in one spirit, in one accord, contending together for the faith of the gospel, 28 not being frightened in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of destruction for them, but of your salvation—and this is from God. 29 For it has been granted to you on Christ’s behalf not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are engaged in the same struggle that you saw I had and now hear that I have.[5]
Our suffering is purposeful…
To live is Christ… to die is gain…
Everyone of us will die…
Horatio G. Spafford was a lawyer in Chicago that lived during the 19th century. During his later life, he experienced many personal tragedies. The Spaffords were pretty well known during the 1860s, not only for their law practice, but also because Horatio Spafford and his wife, Anna were close supporters and friends of D.L Moody. During the 1870s things went very wrong for the Spaffords. In 1870, the Spaffords' only son was killed by scarlet fever at the age of four. A year later in 1871 they were ruined financially by the Great Chicago Fire. Horatio Spafford decided that he and his family needed a break from the events from the events that had happened recently and so they went to England for a break.
In 1873 when Horatio Spafford's wife and four daughters were leaving from New York to England, the ship that they were travelling on, 'Ville de Havre' struck another ship and sunk, killing his four daughters.His wife, the only survivor, sent him a telegram 9 days after the ship left the harbor of New York, with two words, "Saved alone".
Horatio Spafford, upon hearing the news, left for England to join his wife. As the ship he was on passed the place where his daughters perished, the captain called him to the bridge. "A careful reckoning has been made", he said, "and I believe we are now passing the place where the de Havre was wrecked. The water is three miles deep." That night, in his cabin, Horatio penned the lyrics to one of the most famous hymns of all time.
“It is Well with My Soul” – Audrey Assad

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,

It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

​It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

[1] Christian Standard Bible (Da 12:2–3). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 9:28). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible (1 Th 5:23). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (2 Co 5:8). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Php 1:18–30). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

• Luke leaves Rome and travels to Philippi, where he stays with the church.

• Titus travels to the Island of Crete and plants a number of churches there.
• Spring 62 - Crisis in Philippi
• After some time, Paul decides to address the problems in Philippi that Epaphras reported to him.
• The problems are as follows: There are contentions, grumblings, and disputes present that are rooted in pride and petty jealousies.
• Two sisters in particular, Euodia and Syntyche (sin-2-key), are quarreling with each other fiercely. (These women, along with Clement, have helped Paul labor in the gospel every time he was present in Philippi.)
• The Philippians are receiving persecution at the hands of their pagan neighbors who are libertines noted for their loose living and bondage to their fleshly appetites.
• The Philippians are also being agitated by Jewish missionaries who are urging them to be circumcised and come under the Law.
• Epaphras recovers from his illness, and Paul sends him to Philippi.
• Paul plans to send Timothy to Philippi once he learns about the results of his upcoming trial.
• He wants Timothy to bring back a report on the church’s progress.
• Paul is optimistic that he will be released and plans to visit the church when that time comes.
• Philippians is Paul’s last letter to a church that is recorded in the NT.

 

• PAUL WRITES PHILIPPIANS
• Year: Spring 62
• From: Rome
• To: The church in Philippi (which is about 12 years old)
• Provocation: Paul wants the Philippians to know how he is doing in Rome.
• He gives them an update on Epaphras (also called Epaphroditus) and tells them that he is sending him back to them.
• Paul encourages the church in the face of opposition.
• He addresses their contentions by presenting Christ—His humility and His lack of self-preservation.
• Paul puts the church on guard against the Judaizers (“the mutilation party” as he calls them) and against the pagan libertines.
• He tells the Philippians of his plan to send Timothy to them when he has a better idea of his own future.
• That future includes his desire to visit them when he is released from prison.
• Paul speaks directly to Luke and asks him to help two sisters in the church to reconcile and live in harmony (chapter 4:3).
• He ends the letter by thanking the church for its gracious financial gift.
• A highlight of this letter is found in chapters 2:6-11 where Paul quotes an ancient Christian hymn regarding the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

 

• In spite of his difficult circumstances as a prisoner in Rome, Paul is rejoicing.
• The secret of his joy is the single mind; he lives for Christ and the Gospel. (Christ is named eighteen times in Philippians 1, and the Gospel is mentioned six times.)
• “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
• But what really is “the single mind”?
• It is the attitude that says, “It makes no difference what happens to me, just as long as Christ is glorified and the Gospel shared with others.”
• Paul rejoiced in spite of his circumstances, because his circumstances strengthened the fellowship of the Gospel (Phil. 1:1–11), promoted the furtherance of the Gospel (Phil. 1:12–26), and guarded the faith of the Gospel (Phil. 1:27–30).[1]

 

• Philippians: Theme is joy
• What is the difference between joy and happiness?
• Can you be happy and joyful at the same time?
• Can you be happy and without joy?
• Can you be joyful and not happy?
• What makes you happy? What brings you joy?

 

• Happiness depends on circumstances
• Joy is independent of circumstances
• Joy is accessible to the believer when happiness is on vacation (nowhere to be found)

 

• Hebrews 12:2 - keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.[2]

 

• Constitution: We have rights… among them… Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
• Happiness occurs in two places: culture and religion
•    Culture: people, places or things
•    Processes: There always steps…
•    Football Team winning
•    Favorite Starbucks drink
• Finishing a project
• Being with family or friends
• Ice cream
• Traveling – Trips – Vacation

 

•    Culture is not the answer for happiness

 

• Religion: Pop psychology (Oprah), creating your own God, Joel Osteen (health & wealth=prosperity)
• Just because it is in a book, magazine or even on religious television
• Galatians 5:19-21 - It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on.[3]

 

• Walking in prosperity, incredible health, strong relationships, living in victory, without pain and anxiety excludes Jesus.
• Your plan should include God

 

• Jesus was born in a poor family… sometimes homeless, common job, hungry & didn’t even have enough money to pay his taxes.
• Relationships: Jesus have strange relationships? Family disowned him, friends abandoned him, Judas betrayed him & the crowd called for his death.

 

• Pain: Did Jesus ever experience pain? Cross…

 

• Victor or victimized: False accusations, false witnesses, false trial, false condemnation and false execution

 

• Worries & Anxiety: Gethsemane… sweated drops of blood.

 

• There are days of pain!!! We think we can live in the first couple of chapters of Genesis. The fall of man occurred!

 

• #1 prescription drug in America is anti-depressants (118 million people)
• 25% of adults and 8% of adolescents experience a major period of depression.
• #3 reason for death among teenage girls is suicide

 

• Our pursuit of happiness is not working…

 

• Three reasons why…
• We hang our hopes on someone or something
• (desire is ok… it is the discontentment that ruins us)
• We get those things think will make us happy… and they don’t make us happy.
• (spouse, child, job, car… Ecclesiastes… “Everything is meaningless”
• We create diversions
• (computers, television, Blackberries, sleeping, eating, internet, etc)

 

• CHRISTIAN WARFARE
• PHILIPPIANS 1
• GREETING
• 1 Paul and Timothy (Paul’s right-hand man), servants of Christ Jesus:
• To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi (Acts 16:11-38 – it was hub, strategic for church planting), including the overseers and deacons. (pastors & elders)[4]
• Christ Jesus (mentioned twice in first verse)
• There wasn’t a lot of talk about Jesus
• Philippians written in 62 AD (about the same time as the Gospels)
• Jesus rebelled against culture because he came as a humble servant. (Matthew 20:28 - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”[5])
• Saints – Those who believe in Jesus Christ…
• Saint Qualifications - In official Church procedures there are three steps to sainthood: one becomes Venerable, Blessed and then a Saint.
• Venerable is the title given to a deceased person recognized as having lived heroic virtues.
• To be recognized as a Blessed, and therefore beatified, in addition to personal attributes of charity and heroic virtue, one miracle, acquired through the individual's intercession, is required.
• Canonization requires two, though a Pope may waive these requirements. Martyrdom does not usually require a miracle.
• Christian: One step… Jesus… Check!!! Done!!!!
• Jesus rose for you and you are set apart… it is our identity!
• Put this on your resume… business card… REPRESENT!

 

• Servants
• Greek word is slave… not the same thing as America practiced.
• Be a slave to Jesus Christ
• Slave to sin, religion or Jesus
• Sin – Titus 3:3 - For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.[6]
• It usually starts kind of fun and then turns bad…
• It is selfish… it is about me… it demands service… it is “me” oriented

 

• Religion – 2 Peter 2:19 - They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, since people are enslaved to whatever defeats them.[7]
• Religion is horrible… it is about a list of things you must do… and you measure up according to how you act to things that are posted on the list.
• It is selfish again… it is about “me”… pride… external rewards…
• Man promises happiness in religion, Christ promises joy in understanding
• Jesus – You never know what is in store… it is fun…
• It is selfless… not selfish… it is not about me… it is about Christ doing things while I rest.

 

• Why would I become a slave? I’m free already… No… not really…
• You are a slave to someone or something… Who is your master?

 

• Slavery is the key to freedom!
• Humility is the key to joy!
• Servanthood is a great lifestyle for those who identity is a Saint.

 

• Our identity is a SAINT
• Our lifestyle is a SERVANT

 

• Knowing that I am a SAINT… makes me happy
• Living as a servant… brings me Joy…

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, p. 64). Victor Books.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Heb 12:2). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (Ga 5:19–21). NavPress.
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Php). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible (Mt 20:28). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible (Tt 3:3). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.
[7] Christian Standard Bible (2 Pe 2:19). (2020). Holman Bible Publishers.

John 16
8 When he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: 9 About sin, because they do not believe in me;

• Every unredeemed person is being convicted of sin by the Holy Spirit.

10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see me;

• Who is the Spirit convicting of righteousness?
• Those who have been made righteous.
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 - He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. [1]

11 and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. [2]

• 2 Corinthians 4:4 – Satan is the ruler of this world.
• Satan has already been judged… and lost.

12 “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now.

• How come they couldn’t understand?
• They did not have the Spirit yet.

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth.

• Would they know all truth?
• No, the truth you need to know.

For he will not speak on his own, but he will speak whatever he hears.

• John 14:24 - The word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.[3]

He will also declare to you what is to come.

• They will remember exactly what Jesus has said and tell the people about things to come.

14 He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.

• This is not done through intellect alone but through revelation.

15 Everything the Father has is mine. This is why I told you that he takes from what is mine and will declare it to you.

• He takes what belongs to Jesus and reveals it to me.
• Did you understand grace fully in the beginning?
• Do you now?
• What about forgiveness?
• What about love?
• What about discipline?
• What about sanctification?

 
SORROW TURNED TO JOY
16 “A little while and you will no longer see me; again a little while and you will see me.”

• From Gethsemane to Acts 2

17 Then some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this he’s telling us: ‘A little while and you will not see me; again a little while and you will see me’ and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 They said, “What is this he is saying, ‘A little while’? We don’t know what he’s talking about.”
 
19 Jesus knew they wanted to ask him, and so he said to them, “Are you asking one another about what I said, ‘A little while and you will not see me; again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice.

• Talking about the crucifixion.

You will become sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn to joy.
Proverbs 14:13 - Even in laughter a heart may be sad, and joy may end in grief.[4]

• I hung out by my Mom’s death bed yesterday morning and said goodbye to her probably for the last time… face to face.
• We both, with tears streaming down our faces, said this is not forever.
• We know where we will spend eternity.
• For the redeemed, our sorrow turns to joy.
• For the unredeemed, their joy may end in grief.

21 When a woman is in labor, she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world.

• It’s because good memories that have followed the suffering.
• There will be good memories that occur that wipes out all grief and sorrow.

22 So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy from you.

• Tell me the Lord’s timing, as we work through this Gospel series has not been evident.
• I needed that verse this week.
• I got into the car yesterday and just lost it emotionally.
• One of my former interns who is pastoring on the south side now texted me at that moment: Romans 15:13 – Now, may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.[5]
• I wiped my eyes, put the car in drive and drove home.
• My Father understands grief and He promises me joy in the midst of that grief and on into eternity.

23 “In that day you will not ask me anything. Truly I tell you, anything you ask the Father in my name, he will give you.

• In Jesus’ name – Because you know Jesus so well.

24 Until now you have asked for nothing in my name.

• They prayed all the time… but to the Father.
• They were Jews and knew how to pray to the Father.
• Now Jesus is asking them to do something different.
• Jesus took care of all their needs for the last 3 years.
• He is asking them to still be dependent upon Him even if goes away.

Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
 
JESUS THE VICTOR
25 “I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech.

• Matthew 12 – Jesus was accused of blasphemy and Jewish leaders rejected his messiahship.
• Then Jesus began teaching in parables.
• The Pharisees couldn’t understand the parables but Jesus would take the disciples and explain the parables to them and they still had a hard time understanding.

A time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but I will tell you plainly about the Father.

• Acts 2 – Once they have the Spirit.
• Don’t tell me you can’t understand this stuff.
• You may not understand it to the depth of others but I guarantee you God will reveal amazing things to you.
• Things that He has not even revealed to me!

26 On that day you will ask in my name, and I am not telling you that I will ask the Father on your behalf.

• I don’t have to force the Father to listen to you.
• He already loves you.
• I am an advocate for you but He already loves you.

27 For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”
29 His disciples said, “Look, now you’re speaking plainly and not using any figurative language. 30 Now we know that you know everything and don’t need anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came from God.”

• Did the disciples really understand what Jesus had just said to them?
• They understood perfectly?

31 Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe?

• Jesus knew they had it intellectually… but not spiritually!
• They really didn’t get this.

32 Indeed, an hour is coming, and has come, when each of you will be scattered to his own home, and you will leave me alone.

• As soon as Judas kisses Jesus… they are out!

Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” [6]

• What is coming is going to be really tough.
• The road ahead has many bumps and chuck holes… and even some sink holes.
• But know this… in the midst of it… I will be with you and I will provide you with My peace.
• Once Acts 2 occurred and they spiritually understood… they gave their lives for the Gospel.
• In the midst of them saying they understand and they were going to scatter (leave Him), Jesus still responded with encouragement.
• If you find yourself alone… just know… Jesus is enough.

[1] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (2 Co 5:21). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[2] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 16:8-11). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[3] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 14:24). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[4] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Pr 14:13). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[5] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Ro 15:13). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.
[6] Christian Standard Bible. (2017). (Jn 16:12–33). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers.

Luke 1:5-17
Luke 1:39-55
Psalm 98
Luke 2:8-12

joy – noun
1 - the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires: delight
         B - the expression or exhibition of such emotion: gaiety
2 - a state of happiness or felicity: bliss
3 - a source or cause of delight[1]

Bible Dictionary – joy - A quality or attitude of delight and happiness, which is ultimately grounded in the work of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Among the many situations in which joy is experienced, Scripture recognizes as supreme being accepted in the presence of God.[2]

Galatians 5:22-26
Philippians 1:3-6
Philippians 1:12-20

-     To rejoice you have to do more than just accept your circumstances.
-     You have to trust and be thankful.
-     The trust is based on the character of the one who began the good work (1:6).
-     It is trust in the faithfulness which He has shown.
-     For Paul, this meant trusting God because He chose him—an unlikely leader of the early church—to be an apostle.
-     Without trust, what else would Paul cling to? Nothing.
-     Too often our trust in the Lord is based on our own understanding, or only engages part of our heart.
-     When the storms of life come, faulty foundations are destroyed. What we need to do is trust the Lord with all of our heart and not lean on our own understanding.
-     One of the greatest litmus tests for trust is thanksgiving, a theme that resonates throughout Philippians.
-     If I’m afraid of my situation or grumbling about it, then chances are I’m leaning on my own understanding.
-     This same perspective leads me to say my situation is wrong, unfair, or needs to change.
-     If I’m really trusting God to be in control of all things, then this will be reflected in my perspective.
-     I may not like my predicament, but I can still choose to trust God to accomplish His purposes no matter how dire things get.
-     My choice to trust in God’s character enables me to give thanks for His provision even though it is not what I would choose.[3]
-     Joy is understood when you have to trust and are thankful.

John 16:20-24

[1] Merriam-Webster, I. (2003). Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. (Eleventh ed.). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, Inc.
[2] Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.
[3] Runge, S. E. (2011). High Definition Commentary: Philippians (Php 1:18–20). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.