Keys to Joy Title Slide: “KEYS OF JOY”

Keys to Joy “Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.” 1 Peter 1:8 1 Peter 1:8…Our love for God brings us joy—even though we’ve never seen Him face to face…

Keys to Joy “But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:13 1 Peter 4:13…Even when we suffer for being Christians and doing what is right, we know that when Jesus returns, He will take us to our reward—eternal joy!

Keys to Joy “And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:4 1 John 1:4…The words John wrote, under inspiration from the Holy Spirit, will bring us full joy if we understand and obey them!

for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now… Keys to Joy Paul’s Letter of Joy Philippians 1:3-7 “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now… Paul’s Letter of Joy—Phil.1:3-7…verses 3-5

Keys to Joy Paul’s Letter of Joy Philippians 1:3-7 “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; 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.” Paul’s Letter of Joy—Phil.1:3-7…verses 6,7

Keys to Joy Paul’s Letter of Joy “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord…” (Philippians 3:1) “… rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” (Philippians 3:3) “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) Paul’s Letter of Joy—Phil.3:1, 3; 4:4…

Keys to Joy We must: Partake of the gospel of grace. (1:3-7) Have optimistic faith. (1:19-30) Be humble. (2:1-8) Hold fast to Christ. (3:1-11) Focus on the goal. (3:12-4:1) Have peace. (4:4-9) Be content. (4:10-13) Overview of subject…

Partake of the Gospel of Grace There is a DIRECT relationship between God’s grace (charis), His gift (charisma), and our joy (chara)—Ephesians 2:8,9; John 3:16 Joy is the product of knowing we have been saved after being lost—Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Colossians 1:23; 1 Corinthians 15:58 (Phil.1:3-7) There is a DIRECT relationship between God’s grace (Charis—unmerited and undeserved favor), His gift (charisma—on God’s part since He is the donor who freely bestows, and our joy (chara—our delight). Eph.2:8,9; Jno.3:16 Joy is the product of knowing we have been saved after having been eternally lost! (Mk.16:16; Acts 2:38; Col.1:23; 1 Cor.15:58) God keeps His word and His promises!

Have Optimistic Faith, Not Doubt Spiritual progress and joy both depend on faith. (1:25) The opposite of faith is doubt, which robs us of our joy; but obedient faith produces joy. (1:27-30) Consider Abraham’s faith (Romans 4:19-23) and how Paul connected FAITH and HOPE with JOY (Romans 5:1-5) (1:19-30) Spiritual progress and the joy we feel depend on the strength of our faith (1:25; Heb.11:6) The opposite of faith is DOUBT, which robs us of our joy; but an obedient faith produces joy (1:27-30) Consider Abraham’s faith (Rom.4:19-23; Heb.11:17-19). Paul connected FAITH and HOPE with JOY (Romans 5:1-5)—read

Be Humble, Not Proud and Selfish Selfishness and pride destroy joy, BUT humility brings true blessings. (Acts 20:35; Matt. 5:3) Selfishness and pride destroy relationships, BUT humility promotes unity, harmony, and love. (Philippians 2:1-4) Selfishness and pride promote complaining and disputing, BUT humility promotes obedience and sacrifice. (Philippians 2:5-8, 15-18) (2:1-8) Selfishness and pride destroy joy, BUT humility brings true blessings (Acts 20:35; Matt.5:3) Selfishness and pride destroy relationships; BUT humility promotes unity, harmony, and love. (Phil.2:1-4; Matt.7:12) Selfishness and pride promote complaining and disputing, BUT humility promotes obedience and sacrifice. (Phil.2:5-8; 15-18)

Not the Doctrines of Men Hold Fast to Christ, Not the Doctrines of Men Joy is found in truth, not in error. (John 8:32; Philippians 3:1-9) Joy is found in Christ when we worship God in Spirit and truth, having no confidence in the flesh. (Philippians 3:1-6; John 4:24; 16:13; Romans 8:1,2) (3:1-11) Joy can only be found in truth, never in error (Jno.8:32; Rom.3:4; Phil.3:1-9) Joy is found in Christ when we worship Him in Spirit and in truth, having no confidence in the flesh! (Phil.3:1-6; Jno.4:24; 16:13; Rom.8:1,2)

Not the Doctrines of Men Hold Fast to Christ, Not the Doctrines of Men We find joy by turning from error to Christ. (Philippians 3:7-9) We find joy in knowing Christ and suffering for Him because of the reward. (Philippians 3:10,11; Matthew 10:29,30; Matthew 5:10-12) (3:1-11) We find joy by turning away from error and unto Christ. (Phil.3:7-9; Acts 18:24-28) We find joy in knowing Christ and suffering for Him because of the reward He promised! (Phil.3:10,11; Matt.10:29,30; Matt.5:10-12)

Not Holding on to the World Focus on the Goal, Not Holding on to the World Many do not have joy because they refuse to let go of “those things which are behind.” (Philippians 3:13,14) Joy is found in pressing on (12) forgetting (13) reaching forward (13) pressing toward the goal (14) walking by the same rule (16,17) NOT in earthly things (4:18,19) BUT in heavenly things (3:20 - 4:1) (3:12—4:1) Many never achieve true joy simply because they cannot “let go of the things they leave behind.” (3:13,14; Prov.23:7; Matt.6:24) Joy is found in PRESSING ON (12) FORGETTING (13) REACHING FORWARD (13) PRESSING TOWARD THE GOAL (14) WALKING by the same rule (16,17) We must keep our minds off earthly things and focus on heavenly things (4:18,19) (3:20—4:1)

Have Peace, Not Anxiety Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS… (Philippians 4:4) Gentleness, forbearance, meekness in trials (Philippians 4:5; 1:28; 1 Peter 1:6,7) “Be anxious for nothing.” (Philippians 4:6; Matthew 6:25-33; 10:28) Peace, prayer, thanksgiving, and following Paul’s examples. (Philippians 4:6-9) (4:4-9) Christians need always to rejoice (4:4) Gentleness and forbearance—demonstrated with meekness during personal trials (Phil.4:5; 1:28; 1 Pet.1:6,7) Must not be anxious for anything—God will provide. (Phil.4:6; Matt.6:25-33; 10:28) Peace, prayer, thanksgiving, and being spiritual mindedness--doing the things Paul taught and did! (Phil.4:6-9)

Learn to Be Content, Not Covetous “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:10-13) (4:10-13) Christians need to learn to be satisfied with their circumstances in life and not always complaining or envying others.

Learn to Be Content, Not Covetous “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1 Timothy 6:6-9) (4:10-13) Discuss 1 Timothy 6:6-9…

Learn to Be Content, Not Covetous “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19) (4:10-13) Discuss 1 Timothy 6:17-19…

Learn to Be Content, Not Covetous “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say: The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5,6) (4:10-13) Discuss Hebrews 13:5,6…

Keys to Joy We must: Partake of the gospel of grace. (1:3-7) Have optimistic faith. (1:19-30) Be humble. (2:1-8) Hold fast to Christ. (3:1-11) Focus on the goal. (3:12-4:1) Have peace. (4:4-9) Be content. (4:10-13) Review and Summary…

Dear Friend, are the Keys to Joy in your possession today Dear Friend, are the Keys to Joy in your possession today? Maybe you’re locked out; why remain on the outside? Invitation…