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Joyfu

l Living in

DIFFICULT

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Ph

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“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11

The Attitude of Gratitude

 

BACKGROUND OF PAUL AND THE PHILLIPPIANS

Gangitis River – There are no synagogues in Philippi, this is the place where Paul teaches the gospel

Source: http://www.bibleplaces.com/philippi.htm

On the Sabbath we went outside the city (Phillippi) gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. Acts 16:13

Paul and the Paul and the PhillippiansPhillippians

?? One of the most personal letters. One of the most personal letters. ?? He planted this church on his second missionary He planted this church on his second missionary

journey first European converts.journey first European converts.?? Letter was written some 10 to 12 years later Letter was written some 10 to 12 years later

(around 61 AD.)(around 61 AD.)?? Was a thank you letter for the gift they gave to Was a thank you letter for the gift they gave to

Paul while under house arrest in Rome. Paul while under house arrest in Rome. ?? The recurrent word in Philippians is The recurrent word in Philippians is ““joyjoy”” and and

““rejoicerejoice”” (Used 15 times)(Used 15 times)

MY JOY INCREASES WITH AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE:

BY FOCUSING FIRST ON GOD. V. 1-11

Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you. V 1-3

BY FOCUSING FIRST ON GOD. V. 1-11 “Always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.”

 “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Phil. 1:9-11

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,” Phil 1:12 NKJV

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thess. 5:18 NKJV

 

 

BY BEING POSITIVE IN UNPLEASANT CIRCUMSTANCES v. 12-14

BY BEING POSITIVE IN UNPLEASANT CIRCUMSTANCES v. 12-14

" So that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;." Phil. 1:13 NKJV

 "And most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear." Phil. 1:14

“ Whiners aren’t winners and winners aren’t whiners. ”

BY BEING POSITIVE IN UNPLEASANT CIRCUMSTANCES v. 12-14

15 It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. 16 They preach because they love me, for they know I have been appointed to defend the Good News. 17 Those others do not have pure motives as they preach about Christ. They preach with selfish ambition, not sincerely, intending to make my chains more painful to me. 18 But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preachedeither way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice.” Phil 1:15-

18 NLT

BY FINDING THE POSITIVE IN DIFFICULT PEOPLE V. 15-18

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others. Cicero

“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.”Phil 1:19-21 NKJV

BY TRUSTING CHRIST WITH MY UNCERTAIN FUTURE.V. 19-30

“The future belongs to the people who prepare for it today”