Philippians

Happiness versus Joy: Happiness is based in outward circumstances. Joy is based on inward strength.

Developing our character and growth requires: Discipline, obedience and Relentless Concentration.

Laying aside our self-interest is essential to ALL of our relationships. This is true humility. When we give up our self-interest, we can serve with joy, love and kindness. Being humble involves having a true perspective about ourselves. It does not mean that we should put ourselves down. Before God, we are sinners, saved only through his grace, but we ARE saved and therefore have great worth in God’s kingdom. Lay aside selfishness and treat others with respect and courtesy. Considering others’ interests as more important than our own links us with Christ, our true example of humility.

Unity requires agreement with one another. We must stop complaining and work together.
Do you sometimes feel that you aren’t making spiritual progress? When God starts a project, He completes it! When you are discouraged, remember that God won’t give up on you.

“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ- to the glory and praise of God.”(Philippians 1:9-11)

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”(Philippians 1:20)

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ…stand firm in one spirit…without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you…for it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him.”(Philippians 1:27-30) Suffering has these benefits: 1)It takes our eyes off of earthly comforts 2) it weeds out superficial believers 3)it strengthens the faith of those who endure, 4)it serves as an example to others who may follow us. Use suffering to build your character.

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.”(Philippians 2:14-15)
God helps us WANT to obey him and then gives us the POWER to do what he wants. The secret to a changed life is to submit to God’s control and let him work. Pray to God to help you WANT to do his will.

“Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh.”(Philippians 3:2) Don’t judge people’s spirituality by their fulfillment of duties or by their level of human activity. And don’t think that you will satisfy God by feverishly doing his work. God notices all you do for him and will reward you for it, but only if it comes as a loving response to his free gift of salvation.

“But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining forward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 3:13-14)

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”(Philippians 4:4-7) Stand firm in the Lord, keeping our eyes on Him. This world is not our home. Focus on the fact that God will bring everything under his control.

We are to be gentle, reasonable, fair minded, and charitable. Imagine never being anxious about anything. Paul’s advice is to turn our worries into prayers. Do you want to worry less? Then pray more! Whenever you start to worry, stop and pray.

True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. Let God’s peace guard your heart against anxiety. Jehovah-Shalom is the God of Peace; the God of wholeness and completeness. Lean on Him for true inner peace.

What we put into our minds determines what comes out in our words and actions. Program our minds with thoughts that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy. Examine what you are putting into your mind through television, books, conversations, movies and magazines. Replace harmful input with wholesome material.

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength”(Philippians 4:13) True contentment lies in our perspective, priorities, and our source of power.
Paul teaches that the secret to joy and peace is imitating Christ and serving others. By focusing our minds on Christ we learn unity, humility, joy and peace. We can live confidently for him because we have the “grace of the Lord Jesus” with us.