The Pursuit of Joy

(Philippians 1:3-6) “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all
my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your
partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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.”


Happiness is external.


Joy is internal.
(2 Corinthians 4:16-18) “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though
outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed
day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for
us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes
not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is
temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Happiness is based on circumstances.


Joy is based on Christ.
(Philippians 4:11) “...for I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances.”


Happiness is based on chance.


1. Get over the distraction of what happened.
(Philippians 1:12) “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has
happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”


2. Discover the new opportunities.
(Philippians 1:13-14) “As a result, it has become clear throughout
the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for
Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord
have been encouraged to speak the word of God more
courageously and fearlessly.”


3. Focus on what really matters.
(Philippians 1:15-18) “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy
and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love,
knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The
former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely,
supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.
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.”


Ultimate Joy
(Philippians 1:21) “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Joy is based on choice. When you know Christ, you’re in a
(Deuteronomy 30:19) “This day I call heaven and earth as win-win situation.
witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death,
blessings and curses. Now choose life...”


No Matter What
(Philippians 1:9-11) “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound
more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be
able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the
day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through
Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.”


(Revelation 12:11) “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so
much as to shrink from death.”