Triumphant JOY is Serving Christ

Paul gives and encouraging word to the zealous church of Philippians. I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn't want his children holding grudges.

And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you're right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. These women worked for the Message hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans—worked as hard as any of us. Remember, their names are also in the Book of Life.

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. (Philippians 4:1-9 MSG)

In many respects, this is the most beautiful of Paul's letters, full of tenderness, warmth, and affection. His style is spontaneous, personal, and informal, presenting us with an intimate diary of Paul's own spiritual experience.

The dominant note throughout the letter to the Philippians is that of triumphant JOY. Paul, though a prisoner, was exultantly happy, and called upon his readers to rejoice in Christ always. It is an ethical and practical letter in its emphasis and centers on Jesus Christ. To Paul, Christ was more than an example; He was the apostle's very life.

Paul speaks of JOY in the Lord, emphasizing that through Christ alone is a Christian JOY realized, as are all other Christian graces. (1:21-23)

The JOY involves eager expectation of the near return of the Lord. That this expectation was dominant in Paul's thinking is seen in his five reference to Christ's return. In the context of each reference is a note of JOY (1:6, 10; 2:16; 3:20; 4:5).

Paul describes a JOY that springs from fellowship in the spreading of the gospel. (4:17)

For Paul, true JOY is independent of outward conditions, and is possible even in the midst of adverse circumstances of the moment. His unadorned testimony was "I rejoice...and will rejoice!" (1:18), and his unqualified command was, "Rejoice...again I will say, Rejoice!" (4:4)

The Spirit's work in three areas is mentioned in the letter. Paul declares that the Spirit of Jesus Christ will direct the accomplishment of God's purpose in his own experience (1:19). The Holy Spirit also promotes unity and fellowship in the body of Christ (2:1). Common participation in Him breeds singleness of purpose and maintains a community of love. Then, in contrast to the lifeless ritual observance of formalists, the Holy Spirit inspires and directs the worship to true believers (3:3).

As we walk in faith, we must learn to see our present circumstances in light of the future promises of God. Though we are works in progress now, we have hope knowing that God will complete the work He is doing in us. We can endure suffering now because we know that it is momentary compared to the eternity we will spend in the glorious presence of Jesus. We can be content in every circumstance now, knowing that we will have all of God's riches in glory. Walk by faith and set you eyes on Jesus until you see Him face to face.

-Bits and Pieces of the Study on Paul- (NSFLB)