View Resource Online
Rejoicing In Christ
Text: Philippians 4:4
Happiness has many faces: gazing @ 1st child; exhilaration of wedding,
jubilation of graduation. Firsts: date, job, car… For some =
raucous of all-night party or a rousing game of cribbage. None offer
REAL joy & peace (the desire of most youth surveyed). So, what will?
I. REAL JOY
A. Not in: Ecc. 2:10-11
1. Personal accomplishments
2. The “good life”
3. Economic success
B. The main source is THE CHRIST – vs. 4
1. Fruit of the Spirit – Gal. 5:22 (springs from within)
2. A gift of God – Ecc. 2:26
II. SHOULD BE SEEN BY ALL MEN – V. 5
A. Because one looks beyond circumstances (bad for Paul)
1. Joy will dramatically change attitudes toward them
2. Petty disagreements melt
3. Atmosphere of disputes will not germinate
B. Distinguished by “forbearance” (courtesy, graciousness) v. 5
1. In Christ we can learn to be “same” minded – v. 2
2. Eager to help – v. 3
3. In spite of external pressures – 1:27-30
4. Complaining no part of their influence – 2:14-15
5. The incentive for forbearance = Lord is NEAR – v. 5 b
III. HOW TO ATTAIN JOY IN CHRIST – VS. 6-7
A. Consistent prayer (devotion), supplications (needs), thanksgiving
1. The ointment for seemingly insurmountable ills
2. Guaranteed peace – v. 7
a. Concern = anxiety when we refuse to trust in the Lord
b. Be anxious about nothing & prayerful about everything
c. Hearts (inner person) & mind (thoughts rehearsed) are
Guarded (military) IN Christ
B. Correct attitudes and actions – vs. 8-9
1. Bitterness & envy bring no joy & peace, so think on v. 8
Discipline mind to think God’s thoughts – 2 Cor. 10:5
2. Peace in personal conduct depends on right actions
C. The Joy of generosity – Ax. 20:35
1. Fellowship with Paul – vs. 10, 14-16; 3 Jn. 5-8
2. The fruit of reward to the giver – vs. 17-18
a. God may use men to meet the needs of others
b. A real sacrifice – 2 Cor. 8:3
D. The serenity of contentment
1. Paul did not depend on their generosity – v. 11
2. Content – sufficiency in all circumstances of life
a. Challenge in times of affluence and need – v. 12
b. Secret of divine strength “Learned of Christ” – v. 13
When Christ becomes the focal point in life – 1:21
3. The assurance of attention to EVERY need – v. 19
SO, To God be the glory forever. REJOICE always!
