Real Joy: Continue Focusing on the Lord

Real Joy: Continue Focusing on the Lord
Philippians 4:4-9
Page # 1177
8-10-14 

I. Rejoice always.

1. Fighting

John Piper   "(what) makes fighting and joy seem incompatible is that joy is spontaneous and fighting is planned…. You don't get up in the morning feeling blue and then immediately experience joy simply because you decide to."  

Augustine    “I was astonished that although I now loved you . . . I did not persist in enjoyment of my God. Your beauty drew me to you, but soon I was dragged away from you…”

“I plunged again into the things of this world . . . as though I had sensed the fragrance of the fare but was not yet able to eat it.”

Thomas Watson   “…dig out as much salvation as you can; and the more happiness you have, the more I shall count myself glorified.”

Matthew 7:7 – “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” 

2. Fruitfulness

Psalm 100:2 – “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing.” 

2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one must (give) just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Psalm 51:12-13 - “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.” 

Nehemiah 8:10 – “…Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” 

Luke 10:20 - “…rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” 

II. Be gentle and confident.

James 5:8 “…You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” 

Psalm 34:18  “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

III. Pray with thankfulness.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

IV. Meditate on the Truth.  

V. Apply What you Know

Faith Sheet

Transformation Verse - “…unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”       John 8:24 

Main Points: Learning to rejoice always, being gentle to all people, praying continually, thinking correctly, and applying what we know are marks of relying on Christ. (Phil 4:13) Remember that in Christ, you have everything you need to walk this walk in a God honoring and joyful manner. (2 Peter 1:3-4)

#1- Reviewing this past Sunday
Real Joy: Continue Focusing on the Lord
Philippians 4:4-9

1. Read Philippians 4:4-9. Discuss with someone.
2. How do you fight for joy when you don’t have the joy you desire?
3. Read Matthew 7:7. Ask for what you are lacking right now concerning joy, peace, freedom etc. Go after it, stay in His Word and “knock” repeatedly if needed.
4. Read Luke 12:32. How do we know God will answer our prayers concerning what we lack in the area of joy, etc?

 # 2- Preparing for next Sunday
Real Joy: Continue Being Content
Philippians 4:10-13 

1. Read Philippians 4:10-13.
2. Why was Paul rejoicing? (10)
3. Describe the most recent “leading” God gave you to sacrifice something for the Gospel message.
4. Put verses 11-12 in your own words.
5. How does one get to this point in life? (13)
6. How does being able to be content and peaceful in various situations increase our testimony of Christ?
7. Pray using this section of Scripture.