Advent Week 2_Living with Joy
Passage: Philippians 4:4-9
Sections, Scripture References, Quotes:
4:4 – Rejoice IN the Lord ALWAYS
“Joy is the settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of my life, the quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright, and the determined choice to praise God in every situation.” – Rick Warren
“Christian joy is essentially the enjoyment of God, the fruit of communion with Him.” – Jerry Bridges
“Joy is the buoyancy that results from the enjoyment of the unchanging privileges we have in God.”- Tim Keller
“Christian joy is a good feeling in the soul, produced by the Holy Spirit, as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the Word and in the world.” – John Piper
“I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)
When we do – leads to joy in our relationships, circumstances, thoughts and behavior:
Relationships -be gentle (v/5)
“the uncomplaining readiness to accept others as they are and to submit oneself to their demands.” – Alec Motyer
Circumstances – replace anxiety with prayer & thanksgiving (v/6)
Thoughts – Dwell on what is good and beautiful (v/8)
Behavior – be doers of the word (v/9)
“Noble thoughts are of little value unless they be translated to deeds; living surpasses learning; practice outshines priority.” – Lehman Strauss
So how does Christmas (the 1st advent) and the coming of Christ (the 2nd advent) allow this?
v/7 – Peace of God (desire)
John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
v/9 – Presence of God – “The God of Peace” (Power)