LIVING WITH JOY
INTRODUCTION
The letter to the Philippians to whom Paul wrote, in the midst of difficulties, because he was imprisoned, contained praise for the church. Yet he was glad and comforted by the state of faith of the Christian church in Philippi, who continued to live in true faith even in the midst of persecution.
CONTENT
The principle of the joy in the Lord:
God is able to create the good (Romans 8:28)
There is no coincidence in the dictionary of Christian life. All circumstances are determined by the Lord, whether they are good or bad, joyful and sad situations are used by the Lord to bring us goodness and to the glory of God.
Let us not be dominated by others (Philippians 1:27-28)
Man is limited in many things, so do not put your hope in people, for we will be disappointed. The joy in our lives comes from the Lord and we ourselves determine whether we focus on Him or whether we let other people or circumstances determine our joy.
Have faith in God (Philippians 1:19-20).
The joy that filled Paul's life strengthened him to continue proclaiming the gospel of grace to everyone, everywhere, whether by life or to his death, so that the gospel might be proclaimed, and Christ might be glorified. The threat of death did not take away the joy in his life, instead he gave comfort to God's church, so that they continued to passionately believe in God.
Focus on the goal, not on the problems (Philippians 1:22-25).
The joy in the Lord will help us stay focused on the ultimate purpose of God’s calling on our lives and will give us the power to live for Christ. Whether we live or die (Philippians 1:21).
CONCLUSION
BE JOYFUL, for that is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).