Jesus had risen and he’d promised true, forever life to everyone who put their faith in him. The Apostle Paul knew it was fact. He had encountered Jesus himself and was living out what Christ had promised. Nothing could quench his joy!...Not even damp, cold prison cells. From those dark places, he wrote letters of hope and encouragement! Using the words “joy” and “rejoice” 16 times in Philippians alone, it’s safe to say that is the main theme of his short letter to the church family in Philippi. Paul proved we can be joyful no matter what - this message series will show us how!

Message Notes

My life will never be more fulfilling or joyful than the state of my relationships.

Community is the source of great joy and great conflict.

Philippians 4:1-2

Because we belong to the Lord, we should always work to settle our disagreements.

Because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreements.
Philippians 4:2

When we choose Christlike attitudes, we can live in joy.
And we enable others to have it, too.

Choose joy instead of complaining.

Always be full of joy in the Lord…
Philippians 4:4

Choose consideration instead of thoughtlessness.

Let everyone see you are considerate in all you do.
Philippians 4:4

Choose trust over worry.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Choose to focus on what’s right, not what’s wrong.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Choose contentment over resentment or envy.

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.  For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13

When we choose to encourage others in community with our love and generosity God meets all of our needs.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

So, since life will never be more fulfilling and joyful than my relationships, what’s next?

1. Evaluate my relationships. Are there broken relationships I need to restore or help others restore?

2. Identify relational struggles, then set and work a strategy for humbly resolving them.

Who can I encourage with my joy and generosity?