Joy from Peace with Others
JOY FROM PEACE WITH OTHERS
I. Introduction In today’s society, it is an “all about me” world. Everywhere you turn, from TV commercials to t-shirt messages to Facebook, the sentiment is the same to “do whatever you want” or “look at me” or just “pamper yourself-you deserve it.” The world tells you to promote yourself and your desires. There is no focus to help others or strive together with others. Despite all of this self-gratification, many people, including some Christians, are surprisingly unhappy and depressed. The reason for their unhappiness is that they are searching for joy in all the wrong places. In the book of Philippians, Paul writes to the Philippians about the joy they can have when trusting Christ in life’s circumstances. There are many ways that a person can experience true joy. One of the simple principles for true joy, found in Philippians 2:1-4, is being at peace with others. It is impossible to have peace with others if we are not of one mind and we are focusing on ourselves. We must be united, following the example of Christ in humility and caring for others.
II. The Basis and Purpose of Unity- 2:1 Paul wanted the Philippians to live together in unity. He begins chapter two by asking rhetorical questions to give the basis of his exhortation to the Philippians. These give the bonds of unity in the Gospel. Why should they be united in Christ? There are several results from being united in Christ. The first thing that he tells them is that there is encouragement in being united in Christ, saying “if any consolation in Christ.” When Paul was writing this letter, he was in a rough, dirty prison. Despite these awful circumstances, he had found consolation in Christ and was able to be joyful regardless of his surroundings. If he can find consolation in that situation, we can find consolation in any circumstance too, knowing that God is always there for us. Paul also stated that there is personal comfort in Christ’s love. Once we are in the
I. Introduction In today’s society, it is an “all about me” world. Everywhere you turn, from TV commercials to t-shirt messages to Facebook, the sentiment is the same to “do whatever you want” or “look at me” or just “pamper yourself-you deserve it.” The world tells you to promote yourself and your desires. There is no focus to help others or strive together with others. Despite all of this self-gratification, many people, including some Christians, are surprisingly unhappy and depressed. The reason for their unhappiness is that they are searching for joy in all the wrong places. In the book of Philippians, Paul writes to the Philippians about the joy they can have when trusting Christ in life’s circumstances. There are many ways that a person can experience true joy. One of the simple principles for true joy, found in Philippians 2:1-4, is being at peace with others. It is impossible to have peace with others if we are not of one mind and we are focusing on ourselves. We must be united, following the example of Christ in humility and caring for others.
II. The Basis and Purpose of Unity- 2:1 Paul wanted the Philippians to live together in unity. He begins chapter two by asking rhetorical questions to give the basis of his exhortation to the Philippians. These give the bonds of unity in the Gospel. Why should they be united in Christ? There are several results from being united in Christ. The first thing that he tells them is that there is encouragement in being united in Christ, saying “if any consolation in Christ.” When Paul was writing this letter, he was in a rough, dirty prison. Despite these awful circumstances, he had found consolation in Christ and was able to be joyful regardless of his surroundings. If he can find consolation in that situation, we can find consolation in any circumstance too, knowing that God is always there for us. Paul also stated that there is personal comfort in Christ’s love. Once we are in the