Having One Purpose in Jesus Unites us into Joy, Peace and Harmony.  How?

Having one purpose, one heart, and one life focused on Jesus Christ, our Lord unites us into Joy, Peace and Harmony.  But why then do we so struggle, even within the body of Christ?  How can it be that we separate, avoid, and even fight with our brothers and sisters in Christ?  We struggle with our emotions, or how they make us feel.  Perhaps it was an insult or a disagreement on politics, the masked versus the unmasked, or even the vaccinated versus the unvaccinated.  Certainly, there can be moments in which we disagree regarding doctrine and that is when we must come to the table humbly presenting the gospel truth.  Sometimes we may have misunderstood the scripture and the other helps us see clearer.

Yet, Paul made it very clear earlier in his letter that he was more concerned about their teaching the truth regarding the gospel message of Jesus Christ.  Not that we should compromise on His Word; but, rather we should focus mostly on the spreading of His Name as Savior and Lord.

Philippians 1; 15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 [c]The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

Stand Firm in Truth and Love

As Paul points out, there are divisions which come over trivialities that do not even matter.  Paul displays this also in many of his letters as he did in Romans 14.

Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Do not get me wrong, he does not want us to compromise on truth as he advised Timothy. 

2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to [a]strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and [b]idle babblings, for they will [c]increase to more ungodliness.

But if we recognize that we are salt and light in a world that is perishing, then we must focus on that which is our mission to spread the gospel.  Is not that the one purpose in Jesus for which we must focus.   How can we do that if we a bickering, angry and showing everything but love to those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ?   And don’t think I am not pointing my thumb directly back at myself here. 

One Purpose in Jesus

Throughout the letter to Philippi, Paul has presented the core truths that lead to peace and joy.

  1.  God is Sovereign.  (1:6)
  2. He also presented the supreme worth of Jesus Christ in life and death. (3:8)
  3. As we embrace Christ with all that He is 6. To see the Law by Christ fulfilled,
  4. And hear His pardoning voice;
  5. Changes a slave into a child,
  6. And duty into choice. in us (through the work of the holy spirit) we merely glimpse at His Glory as He transforms us.  As we humbly surrender our heart to Him (recognizing as did Isaiah that we are persons with unclean lips in a world of unclean lips)

William Cowper wrote in his hymn “No strength of nature can Suffice”

 To see the Law by Christ fulfilled,
And hear His pardoning voice;
Changes a slave into a child,
And duty into choice.

  • As we are freed from the clutches of sin, so as to be free to humbly love others, counting them as better than ourselves
  • The joy and peace will free us to be fearless before the adversaries and the trials
  • Both in unity, love, joy, peace, and strength we present Christ to the world in a manner that they should desire Him because they see His glory shine through our lives. 
  • Thereby, He graciously allows us to be a part of accomplishing the final ultimate aim of everything—As Fanny Crosby wrote:

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

  • Refrain:
    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the earth hear His voice!
    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, let the people rejoice!
    Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
    And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.

But you might ask, how does that relate to unity in the church body?  It is everything. So with such a lengthy introduction, let me briefly write about Philippians 4.

Philippians 4:

Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

With gentleness of spirit, reaching out to those fellow worshippers of Christ in Philippi.  A church Paul had planted when the Holy Spirit drove him there.  It was begun with a handful of praying women and the jailer amazed by Paul singing praises to God from the jail cell.  He loved each individual believer. .  Therefore, when he had to talk about a division in that church; he did it with such gentleness of spirit.  Note the next verse. 

Be United, Joyful, and in Prayer

2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 [a]And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Note how he began with I implore.  He was coming alongside these two women who for some reason had split into two groups.  Paul urged them to be of one mind, one purpose in Christ Jesus.  He also asked the “true companion” to help them resolve the dispute.  He recognized all the good that each had done and their labor of love for Jesus.  Then he provides to them the means of how to do this with the following admonitions.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!   (Rejoicing does refocus us off the petty things of this world and place our eyes on Jesus.)

5 Let your [b]gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Don’t be afraid.  God will guide you as you take that first step toward forgiveness, love, understanding, and peace with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Meditate on These Things

8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

This is true whether referring to your life or when you are referring to another Christian.  If only we could see their good rather than focusing on the thing that hurt us.

But above all else we focus upon having one purpose in Jesus Christ.  If we see this journey as a team then we will find joy, peace and harmony.  It is like the veterans I work with.  They say that when you go out onto that battleground, you must become ONE unit with ONE purpose.  Nothing else matters as much as this for obtaining victory, Unity of purpose is the only way to victory. It is also true as warriors for Jesus Christ.   

The only thing that will unite us with joy, peace, and harmony is having one purpose in Jesus Christ.  He is our victory. 

Ephesians 2:10

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD? He is our only Hope in Life and Death! Our Joy is found in Him.

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

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In Christ Alone Our Joy is Found! How Can it Be?

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New English Translation (NET)

NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Photo by Chichi Onyekanne on Unsplash

In Christ Alone Our Joy is Found! How Can it Be?

          In a world so broken, pictured so well in the book of Ecclesiastes, where is Joy found?  We have a brain that can reason, feel emotions, and desires. Yet we live in a world where no lasting joy can be found by our own futile attempts.  Made with all this ability to feel and think. Made in the image of God.  Our capacity to love comes from His perfect love. Love existing eternally between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Thus, the triune God said, “Let us make man in our image.”  Endowed with the ability to reason, to choose, and to feel, we are keenly aware in this broken world that something is missing.  Joy is found only when we realize that we are incomplete until restored fully with our creator.

Distractions abounding around us, how can it be our joy is found in Christ Alone?  We search after everything else to fulfill. Money, position, love, things, family and philanthropic adventures never fill us. Despair abides still.   Paul said all these things were like dung (manure) compared to knowing Jesus Christ.  Why?

The Conclusion of Ecclesiastes?

Solomon had it all-Fame, wealth, human wisdom, and a list of accomplishment beyond other men. Yet, nothing brought him joy. It was all like a vapor of smoke, an illusion. Thus, he concluded that the only thing that matters is to “Fear God (with a reverent loving fear) and follow His commandments.  Therein Joy is found.  A joy that supersedes all our trials and difficulties.  Joy is found with overflowing peace regardless of the circumstances only in Christ Alone.  He can satisfy all the needs of our heart, heal all the broken places, and give us strength to stand against every evil dart that comes our way. 

Jesus Christ Alone Surpasses Everything

3 1Finally, my brothers and sisters,[a] rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.2 Beware of the dogs,[b] beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh![c] 3 For we are the circumcision,[d] the ones who worship by the Spirit of God,[e] exult in Christ Jesus, and do not rely on human credentials[f] 4 —though mine too are significant.[g] If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials,[h] I have more:  Philippians 3:1-4 (NET)

So, why did Paul say we are the circumcision?  Not all of us are Jews.  Yet, we are those who have had our hearts circumcised for the name of God through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  He has bought us with a price.  Outward circumcision means nothing, unless ones heart is circumcised.  God said, “ 16 Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked[b] no longer. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe.” Deuteronomy 10: 17 (NKJV)

To Count All Human Accomplishments as Nothing

Paul was a Pharisee of the Pharisees.  His credentials were high but meant nothing.  If anything, they were a liability that caused him to persecute the Christians until one day he met Jesus Christ.  That day he lost his prestigious position, his political power, and threw aside his worldly lustrous position to suffer pain, persecution, and great trials.  Yet, he discovered that joy, true joy is found in Christ alone. 

Joy is Found in Loss

How can it be that Joy is found in Loss? It certainly is not what we would normally think of?  Listen to how Paul describes it. 

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain[b] to the resurrection from the dead.  Philippians 3:3-11 (NKJV).

Whatever we must lose here on this earth is nothing compared with knowing Jesus Christ, for Christ alone can fill the empty longing within our heart.  We all long for eternity.  That longing did not come by chance—it came because we were created for eternity.  Death is a result of sin; but our souls live on into eternity.  We will live in eternity spiritually alive in Christ alone or eternally continue in spiritual death separated from God Himself.  That is according to your choice here.  Afterall if you want nothing to do with Jesus here, God will respect that wish throughout eternity.  He gives you freedom to choose. 

Joy Is Found in Suffering.

Suffering? Joy?  The two do not sound as if they go together.  Read verses 9-11 again.

To “be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain[b] to the resurrection from the dead.  Philippians 3:9-11 (NKJV).

Often, I hear veterans say it is their honor to have served defending freedom, even when they have lost so much.  Many have scars that run deep.  Limbs that don’t work and chronic pain.  Yet, because they love this country and the concepts of freedom on which our constitution stands, they would do it all again. 

And What About Us?

How much more should we as Christians be willing to suffer loss here on earth because of love and gratitude to the one who gave all to give us life.  He took all the penalty of my sin on His shoulders.  The older I get, the more I recognized how much He bore for me. 

Therefore, Paul continues to say that he would rather choose to know and gain Christ than anything else. Even if that means sharing the suffering that Jesus endured.  Having gained righteousness not his own. Rather the righteousness of Christ to cloak him forever because he believed in Jesus Christ alone for his salvation.  Because of the sacrifice that Christ Alone faced for Paul, he was willing to suffer with Him. Thus to know Him and the power of His resurrection to life eternal. To be alive spiritually forever in the presence of his joy.

Pressing toward the mark

12 Not that I have already attained,[c] or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [d]apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already [e]attained, let us walk by the same [f]rule, let us be of the same mind.

I don’t know about you, but I am not yet perfected.  My righteous would be like filthy rags were it not for Jesus Christ cloaking me in His righteousness.  One day when I stand before Him, I will look like Him.  Until that day, I must learn to surrender my petty wishes and desires. Thereby allowing the Holy Spirit to transform my heart daily.  Whatever it takes let me look to Him for my only hope.  For in Christ alone my joy is found.

Let Us Also Press to the mark where Joy is Found in Christ alone

17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.  Philippians 3:17-21

Amen and let my praises be to Christ Alone where Joy is found eternally in His presence. 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

PREVIOUS

How Can Humility and Unity in Love Lead to Perfect Joy?

Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New English Translation (NET)

NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Photo by Fuu J on Unsplash

How Can Humility and Unity in Love Lead to Perfect Joy?

In a society which tends to focus on self-fulfillment, it might sound strange that humility and unity in Love could lead to Perfect Joy.  We gain more by laying aside our own selfish desires and putting the needs of others before our selves.  How could that be the way to perfection in Joy? Yet, that is precisely what Paul the apostle is saying to the church of Philippi.  During a time in which Paul the Apostle was on house arrest, tethered with a chain 24 hours a day to a Roman Guard.  His back was scarred from all the beatings.  He had been stoned and left for dead.  Shipwrecked.  Most of us would be depressed and discouraged.  Yet, here was Paul writing a letter to the Philippi announcing that joy is found in Jesus Christ. 

Endowed with the same power of God, that raised Jesus from the dead, Paul encourages the people hold fast in love and unity of love.  That requires the humility of Christ.  Each believer holds the power to victory and perfection in Joy within their hearts because of the indwelling Holy Spirit.  Sometimes though we get distracted.  Being united in Spirit comes by all having one purpose.  That purpose is to spread the gospel far and wide. 

Perfect Joy through Humility and Unity in Love

Philippians 2 (NET) Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort provided by love, any fellowship in the Spirit,[a] any affection or mercy,[b] 2 complete my joy and be of the same mind,[c] by having the same love, being united in spirit,[d] and having one purpose. 3 Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition[e] or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself. 4 Each of you should be concerned[f] not only[g] about your own interests, but about the interests of others as well.[h] 5 You should have the same attitude toward one another that Christ Jesus had,[i]

6 [j] who though he existed in the form of God[k]
did not regard equality with God
as something to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself
by taking on the form of a slave,[l]
by looking like other men,[m]
and by sharing in human nature.[n]
8 He humbled himself,
by becoming obedient to the point of death
—even death on a cross!

God’s Response


9 As a result God highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow
—in heaven and on earth and under the earth—
11 and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord
to the glory of God the Father.

Lights in the World—Perfect Joy

12 So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, continue working out your salvation with awe and reverence,[o] 13 for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort—for the sake of his good pleasure—is God. 14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world[p] 16 by holding on to[q] the word of life so that on the day of Christ I will have a reason to boast that I did not run in vain nor labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice together with all of you. 18 And in the same way you also should be glad and rejoice together with me.

When we consider all that Jesus did, should we not be of the same mind?  Always placing Him first.  For if we love Him sincerely, our hearts must be humbled, and we must be always about His work of spreading the gospel message far and wide.  And He places fills our heart with perfect joy beyond anything we could imagine or hope for.  All this world offers is counterfeit joy that leads ultimate to despair.  Vanity of Vanity, all is vanity and vexation of spirit apart from His abiding perfect Joy.  What a gracious privilege He has given us that He has called us the Children of God.

Perfect Joy in Him through humble Obedience

As He walked toward the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed to the Father, “these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves.” John 17:13

Psalm 16:11

You lead me in[x] the path of life.[y]
I experience absolute joy in your presence;[z]
you always give me sheer delight.[aa]

Jesus tells us, “5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains[o] in me—and I in him—bears[p] much fruit,[q] because apart from me you can accomplish[r] nothing …. 9 “Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain[ac] in my love. 10 If you obey[ad] my commandments, you will remain[ae] in my love, just as I have obeyed[af] my Father’s commandments and remain[ag] in his love. 11 I have told you these things[ah] so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. 

And What is it that He commands of Us for Perfect Joy?

12 My commandment is this—to love one another just as I have loved you.[ai] 13 No one has greater love than this—that one lays down his life[aj] for his friends. 14 You are my friends[ak] if you do what I command you. 15 I no longer call you slaves,[al] because the slave does not understand[am] what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything[an] I heard[ao] from my Father. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you[ap] and appointed you to go and bear[aq] fruit, fruit that remains,[ar] so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. 17 This[as] I command you—to love one another.

His desire for us is to be overflowing in perfect joy, not based on our circumstances.  Rather based on our relationship with Him that the Holy Spirit may fill us with His perfect Joy always. When we are filled with His Perfect Joy we will love others, desiring they come to know Him. All envy and strife disappears because we love as He loves. We do not enter in and participate in sin to show that love. Rather with gentleness and humility we shine forth the light of truth.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

PREVIOUS

Can Joy Be Found by Giving Up All for Jesus Name?
Disclosures

©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Credits

New English Translation (NET)

NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2017 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

Can Joy Be Found by Giving Up All for Jesus Name?

In the society that we live, you would think me weird for saying that the real way to joy is to surrender all.  Even so, I want you to know that true, steadfast, unwavering joy can only be found through laying aside all else for the name of Jesus.  Only after being stripped of every other desire, can joy be found.  Just as Paul learned, joy can only be found in Jesus.  He is the source of our joy.  It is the power of the Holy Spirit filling us to overflowing rivers of joy, regardless of the circumstances around us.  For the Holy Spirit to fill us completely, we must get out of His way by dying to our petty, selfish desires to be exalted and to do things our way.  Counterculture: yet, powerfully true as we see in the life of Paul. 

Once a man of power, self-determination, and strength, Paul became a humble, gentle servant of Christ, willing to endure all hardship for Christ with a steadfast joy.  What transformed him so?  A face-to-face encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus.  It is with this in mind that we continue in this study of Philippians.   

Joy in the Face of Persecution

Philippians 1:12  I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole [b]palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Paul went to Jerusalem against the warnings of everyone.  He knew that the Holy Spirit told him to.  He went with a gift for the church at Jerusalem from the gentile churches.  A unifying act.  He knew he would be in danger, but he went anyway.  Once there, the Jewish leaders were so angered and desired his death.  He was brought before the Roman guards.  They wanted him dead.  But he was a roman citizen.  Therefore, the guards protected him and took him on a perilous journey by boat to Rome.  Once in Rome, he was chained to a Roman guard.

Imagine, you cannot bathe, go to the bathroom, sleep, eat, or do anything but what a Roman Guard is chained, tethered to your person.  With that note, Paul’s joy that his affliction has led to the spread of the gospel.  Imagine your being the guards assigned to be chained to this gentle, humble servant of Christ.  They would go back to the guard house and others would be saved and so on it went.  Rather than to bemoan his condition, Paul was joyous that the good news of Jesus Christ was being spread. 

A Further thought

Just as his imprisonment in Philippi led to the salvation of the guard who led others to Christ, Paul’s affliction allowed the gospel to spread.  Furthermore, it gave strength to others facing persecution as they watched Paul go through all this.  Think about that.  While others watch on as we face trials, they are strengthened by our unending hope, joy, and peace amid the trials.

Joy in the Face of Ridicule

Philippians 1: 15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 [c]The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

Paul knew that many said, “Ha, look at Paul.  What a disgrace!  Must be God is mad at him.  Not so great a teacher after all.”  Much like the friends of Job.  Yet, these were preachers.  Don’t we see that today among pastors?  And don’t we see those among our church members?  Yet, instead of being offended, Paul was joyous that the name of Christ was being preached, even if with the wrong motives.  God could take care of revealing the truth; but at least the name of Jesus was being spread. 

And what a lesson for each of us.  1.  We must not wear our feelings on our sleeves.  Regardless of what others say or think, the only one we answer to for our ministry is God.  He sees our heart and theirs.  2.  Let us not be so quick to judge the motives of others either.  We need to be careful that we remain doctrinally sound, pray, and let God deal with the hearts of others. 

Joy in life or death

Philippians 1: 19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Like the lyrics written by Stuart Townend, “No guilt in life, no fear in death.  That is the power of Christ in me.”  Paul knew this.  Whatever he was forced to endure in this life, he was willing to; because Jesus Christ was all that mattered.  Oh, that my love for Jesus would burn more intensely each day. 

Philippians 1: 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I [d]cannot tell. 23 [e]For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

How often, I wish to go home to see my Saviour, my love face to face!  Yet, for the sake of my love for Him, I joyously remain.  My prayer is He guide me every day to a closer presence with Him, so you might see Him shine through the holes of my life. 

One Admonition, because of all of this:

Philippians 1: 27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but [f]to you of salvation, and that from God. 

Do not let the circumstances of this world cause you to tremble or falter.  Do not be terrified by your adversaries.  Stand firm, unified in one faith, proclaiming the name of Jesus as fearless warriors. 

Philippians 1: 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

CONCLUDING THOUGHT: Joy Regardless of the Loss

How do we obtain joy by surrendering all? 1. We keep our eyes focused on Christ, knowing He is our joy. 2. Never forget eternity lies before us and we must not get distracted from our ultimate goal of being with Him. 3. Hold Fast to your faith, knowing that we are almost home. 4. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead, indwells each and every believer

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

PREVIOUS

Can You Really Have Joy Every Day?

Disclosures


©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.


Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Can You Really Have Joy Every Day?

            Philippians is one of the letters written by Paul while he was prisoned in Rome.   Yet, the entire letter written to the church in Philippi, speaks of Joy.  How odd if we consider joy to be everything going well in our lives.  However, Paul’s life was filled with pain, suffering and difficulty.  It certainly was not easy at the time he wrote this letter.    Still, he reflects a triumphant, steadfast joy as he presents the reason for His joy.  Therefore, as we begin this study, let us consider: “Can We really live with Joy in our hearts every day, regardless of the circumstances surrounding us?  But how do we find this kind of triumphant steadfast joy that never leaves us?  

It has taken me a lifetime to begin to grasp the truth that lay right before me.  How often, even with relatively good theology, we get so carried away by sorrow that we cannot arise from the depths of our own loneliness, despair, fears, and pain.  Always circling much like David in Psalm 42.  Listen to the pleas of David, are they not the same as ours?

Psalm 42:

42 As the deer [b]pants for the water brooks,
So pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When shall I come and [c]appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night,
While they continually say to me,
“Where is your God?”

4 When I remember these things,
I pour out my soul within me.
For I used to go with the multitude;
I went with them to the house of God,
With the voice of joy and praise,
With a multitude that kept a pilgrim feast.

5 Why are you [d]cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
[e]For the help of His countenance.

6 [f]O my God, my soul is cast down within me;
Therefore I will remember You from the land of the Jordan,
And from the heights of Hermon,
From [g]the Hill Mizar.
7 Deep calls unto deep at the noise of Your waterfalls;
All Your waves and billows have gone over me.
8 The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime,
And in the night His song shall be with me—
A prayer to the God of my life.

9 I will say to God my Rock,
“Why have You forgotten me?
Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?”
10 As with a [h]breaking of my bones,
My enemies [i]reproach me,
While they say to me all day long,
“Where is your God?”

11 Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God;
For I shall yet praise Him,
The [j]help of my countenance and my God.

Can You Really Live with Joy in Your Heart Every Day?

After all that God had done, here was his plea circling from the depths of despair to the heights of remembered joys.  Searching for God’s presence amid his turmoil, yet, feeling Him so far away.  Have you ever done that?  Or are there those moments you march forward with one foot in front of the other.  Your only Hope to really live with Joy in your heart every day seems only a pipe dream.  So, you grasp to flickers of momentary earthly joy.  Even though you praise God for them, your theology of joy may be faulty.  Believing that the gifts are the joy, rather than the joy only truly being the Giver of the Gifts, Jesus Christ. 

Whenever we take our focus off the true source of our Joy, you are in peril of the Joy in Your heart plummeting to despair.  Everything else in this world is fleeting, only Jesus Christ is eternally present in a believer’s life.  When I was preparing this lesson, I could not help but note the notation I had written so long ago in the edges of my Bible.  I was praising God that after such a long draught, so many trials, he had sent someone I thought was His gift to me.  I rejoiced even writing their name in the edges.  But alas, I got so caught up in the gift that I lost sight of God’s truth.  Then they were gone, and I was left with even a deeper sorrow. 

I had lost sight of the true theology of joy.  John McArthur in one of his sermons pointed this out. So, I hope by quoting him to you, you will also discover this pearl of truth.

The Philosophy of Joy

“True joy is a gift from God to those who believe the gospel, being produced in them by the Holy Spirit as they receive and obey the Word, mixed with trials, and set their hope on future glory” John McArthur.  If you get a chance to, please go and listen to the sermon in full as he details each part of this sentence.   https://www.gty.org/library/sermons-library/50-1/the-epistle-of-joy

With that let us turn to Philippians.  As an introduction, the church at Philippi was the 1st church in Europe.  Also note the first person saved was Lydia.  The first church meeting was made up of women who had gone to the river to meet up with each other. 

ACTS 16

6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in [a]Asia. 7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the [b]Spirit did not permit them. 8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

11 Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is the [c]foremost city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So, she persuaded us.

While in Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten horribly and placed in jail because they had saved a woman from demon possession.   While in jail the first men of Philippi were added to the church.

The Guard Was Saved. How?

Paul and Silas were singing gospel songs of praise to Jesus while in jail.  Go check it out, this is another fascinating story of how you can really live with joy in your heart every day.  No matter what else is around you.

After all that introduction, let us look at the scripture at hand.

Philippians

1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,

To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons[a]:

2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Following the salutation this was Paul’s Words to them of His Prayer

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 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.

7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

To Really Live with Joy in Your Heart Every Day

Never forget that the source of your joy is Jesus Christ.  As we learn to love Him more, dying to self, the Holy Spirit fills us with His joy.  His joy can see the truth, never get bogged down with the trivialities.  We are in Christ, sealed for eternity by the Holy Spirit.  That is, you are if you ever accepted Him as Lord and Savior of your life.  If not, why not today?  Nothing and no one can steal His joy from our hearts.  We can remember the Victory is already ours.  Only He can satisfy the longing of your heart so that you may really live with joy every day. 

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.

For Prayer or Comments

If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here

Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here

Poetry Books Available

If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon

PREVIOUS

What Really Matters After All Is Said and Done?

Disclosures


©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.


Credits

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.