Philippians 1:3-5. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;”
FELLOWSHIP IN THE GOSPEL. The methods of evangelism may change and times change but the task is the same and the basic principles are the same. People-oriented people working with people to reach people. The unfinished task the Lord Himself began, of building a Church, is still going on and we are the tools He is using. The crop is in our field and He has given us all we need to accomplish the task; the power, the gifts and the incentive. The compassion, the intelligence and the will is ours to develop and use.
JOY: CONTRAST JOY AND HAPPINESS. One of the key subjects in the book of Philippians is the subject of JOY.
Ps.4:7; 16:9. Inward joy comes from knowing and trusting God; happiness comes as a result of pleasant circumstances. Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God; happiness is unpredictable. Inward joy defeats discouragement; happiness covers it up. Inward joy is lasting; happiness is temporary.
Mat.5:3-12. Blessed means more that happiness; it means the experience of joy and hope independent of outward circumstances to find hope and joy in following Jesus nor matter what the consequences.
Jn.15:11. Joy comes from a consistent relationship with Jesus Christ. The joy of living with Him daily will keep us level-headed no matter how high or low our circumstances
Lu.1:42-43. Joy takes care of jealousy
Lu.15:30. Heaven has joy when a sinner repents
Rom.4:6-8; Lu.15:30. There is joy in forgiveness; forgiveness changes bitterness to joy
Phil.4:4. Joy in view of the Lord’s return in spite of suffering