The Life of Joy 3:7 Things that Rob our JoyStudies in the Book of Phillipians

Introduction &

Themes

7 Things that give

us JOY

7 Things that rob our Joy

7 Promises for JOY, Peace &

Fulfillment

7 Steps to

sustain Joy

The Book of Philippians – Life of JoyA five part study

Introduction &

Themes

7 Things that give

us JOY

7 Things that rob our JOY

7 Promises for JOY, Peace &

Fulfillment

7 Steps to

Sustain JOY

1. “IN Christ” :"under the control of, under the influence of, in close association with.“2. Joy IN Christ: Joy or some form of it 16 times 3. Fellowship IN Christ: Koinōnia (greek), "Partnership" (NIV), "sharing" (NRSV), and "fellowship" (KJV)4. Unity IN Christ: Signs of bickering and dissension were evident in the Philippians

7 Things that rob our JOY

7 Things that give us joy – A Recap1. Joy of Christian life– 1:5-6; 2:12,13; –

2:17-182. Joy of Ministry– 1:12 -18a3. Joy of Answered Prayer – 1:18b-194. Joy of Discipleship -1:265. Joy of Gentleness – 4:46. Joy of belonging to Gods family -4:107. Joy of contentment – 4:11-12

7 Things that Rob our Joy1. Disunity/discord among believers 2:2;

4:22. Disobedient Christian life 2:12,13 3. Grumbling or arguing 2:14 -164. Suffering/death of a fellow believer 2: 275. Legalism 3:2-36. Carnal/worldly Christians 3: 18,197. Worry & Anxiety 4:6

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1. Disunity/Discord among BelieversDiscord was being sown in the church as Judaizers were imposing religious traditions over Christ’s commands. Other disagreements were also beginning to surface. Paul addresses this throughout the letter.• 2:1,2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united

with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.

• 4: 2-3 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

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1. Disunity/Discord among BelieversThe psalmist exhorts God’s people to live in unityHow good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head,  running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Ps 133

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2. Disobedient Christian LifePaul emphazises that while we need to “work out our salvation” it is God who give us both the will and ability to do so.“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence— continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” 2:12,13

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2. Disobedient Christian LifePaul contrasts the evidences of disobedient living with obedient living.• The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,

impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit

the kingdom of God. Galatians 5: 19-21• But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Gal 5:22.23

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3. Grumbling or ArguingA key differentiator of a follower of Christ is their cheerful attitude.“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain” 2:14-16

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4. Suffering/Death of Fellow BelieverWhile the sorrow of death is temporary in the case of a follower of Jesus, it is real.“But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow.” 2: 27

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4. Suffering/Death of Fellow BelieverEven Jesus shared in the grief of his friends inspite of knowing he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead“When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.  “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

Jesus wept. “ John11:32-35

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5. LegalismPaul does not mince words when he addresses those “mutilate” Christ’s teaching with legalism“Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boastin Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh” 3:2-3

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5. LegalismJesus doesn’t mince words either!Then some Pharisees & teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem & asked, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don’t wash their hands before they eat!”   Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition.. Then the disciples came to him and asked, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” Mathew 15 1- 14

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6. Carnal/Worldly ChristiansSuch Christians are in reality “enemies” of Christ.“For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.“ 3: 18,19

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6. Carnal/Worldly Christians -The greatest threat to Christians are themselves as the danger of becoming powerless Christians is more potent than not being Christians at all“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people”. 1 Tim3:1-5

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6. Carnal/Worldly ChristiansPaul directly addresses people within the church having various vices.“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer,a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” 1Cor5:9-11

Four Types of Christians

Rice ChristiansNice ChristiansIce Christians

Spice Christians

Rice Christians

Those who become/remain Christians for financial benefit.

Nice Christians

Those who have all the right moves and actions externally but are hollow inside.

Ice Christians

Those who are cold and indifferent to each other and the world around

Spice Christians

Those who have truly experience transformation and joy from within

7. Worry and AnxietyWorry indicates lack of faith and can actually be a slow killer of faith.Do not be anxious about anything, …4:6

“ When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, that’s called worry. When you think about God’s Word over and over in your mind, that’s meditation. If you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate! You just need to switch your attention from your problems to Bible verses. The more you meditate on God’s word, the less you will have to worry about” Rick Warren– The purpose driven Life .

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We need to continue to let Christ dwell in us to experience Joy.

Discussion

• Which of the 7 things impact your joy the most?

• What are some challenges we face in this generation? How do we retain our joy in the “terrible times” mentioned?

• Share one key “joy robber” in your life and pray for each other.

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Are we pursuing?• Happiness or Joy?• Fellowship with His Followers?• A united & selfless life?• A Life Rooted IN CHRIST?