October 1, 2024
Have you ever encountered someone whose presence casts a shadow over the room? Their negative energy can bring down even the most cheerful atmosphere. These individuals, often unhappy themselves, have a knack for spreading their discontent to those around them. Do you bring joy or tension into your relationships and surroundings?
When studying the life of the Apostle Paul, you would think that if anyone could succumb to bitterness or a gloomy outlook, it could have been him. He endured repeated hardships, imprisonments, slander, abuse, desertion and many more difficulties, but he persevered for Christ.
In a country consisting of churches where members quit when they get their feelings hurt, we can learn a great deal about genuine joy from the Book of Philippians and its author.
Writing from the confines of a prison cell, Paul pens words that express thanksgiving, joy, affection and gratitude. The church at Philippi was not perfect — no church is — but Paul was grateful for their gospel witness. Some people are waiting for their churches to be perfect and without difficulties.
We know they will be waiting forever because it is not possible. Paul’s maturity in Christ provided the means to celebrate no matter the situation. Too many times, people tie their joy to other people and are perpetually disappointed.
But when our faith is in Jesus, we can truly know abiding joy in every season of life. This is a joy that transcends circumstances and transforms our outlook.
Paul said that he had the people of the Philippian church in his heart. This beautiful language reveals a caring individual with the heart of a pastor. Paul had two great hopes.
He wanted God to be glorified and people to come to know Him. These should be the desires of each believer. Paul wanted the best from each church he ministered to and prayed for their continued commitment to the gospel. He encouraged them and went as far as to say he knew they would be faithful in the days ahead.
This type of commitment is only possible because of Jesus’ grace and long suffering. He is our Guide and our daily Purpose. If you are tempted to give up on Jesus, remember that He has never once given up on you!
In verse 8, Paul tells them he misses them. As you minister with one another in your local church, a bond of Christian affection will occur.
No church leader should ever be satisfied with the state of their local church. Christ compels us to continue to mature and grow. A growing Christian is a knowing Christian. They know of their need for Christ each day. They know joy and contentment are only found in Jesus.
They know that situations around them can be unsettling, but they are committed to following Christ.
The goal for each Christian to be more like Jesus will never change. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us in this journey. Some in our churches have lost their joy and have become antagonistic and bitter. Could it be that they have taken their eyes off Jesus? If Paul could have genuine joy from prison, there is no reason for us not to have joy in our pews.
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This lesson was written by Bobby McKay, pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi, and originally published by The Baptist Paper. This study is based on the Bible Studies for Life curriculum from Lifeway Christian Resources. The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
