The joy found in Jesus Christ

The joy found in Jesus Christ – Philippians 4:4-9
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9
Sermon preached by Rev. Henry Ambundo on 7th June 2020.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians church is a personal letter which was not meant for circulation to all other churches like the letter to the Ephesians. The church was founded by Paul about the year 50 AD during his second missionary journey. Paul wanted to thank the church for helping him when he had need while in prison in Rome. He also wanted to tell them that he was full of joy despite of his imprisonment and awaiting the coming trial.

Paul’s joyous attitude while in prison was an encouragement to the Philippians church. This was just more than enough the Church needed to hear from him. Despite of such a message, it is strange that a person in prison would be telling his friends or the church to rejoice in the Lord always and he repeats that he will again say rejoice (Phil. 4:4). The words in this letter teach us an important lesson
that our inner attitude should not reflect our outward circumstance. Paul is filled with joy because he knows that no matter what happens to him, Jesus Christ is with him. He urges the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord always, and asks them to let their gentleness be evident to all people (4:5).

It is easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances and become anxious and take unimportant event too seriously; you may not look at life from right perspective. The word of God tells us not to be anxious of anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, presenting our requests to God (4:6). It may seem impossible never to worry about anything. We all have worries on job, in business, at our homes, or at school, etc. Paul advises the church to turn worries into prayers. To worry less is to pray more. When you start to worry, start to pray and the worries will stop. When we pray, the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard
our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus (4:7).

Ultimate peace and joy comes from God through Christ dwelling in us. When we turn to God, his
peace guards our hearts and minds.
 Spiritually, worries affect our heart
 Psychologically, worries affect our minds
 Physically, worries affect our bodies.
Only the peace of God can keep us in perfect state of life. His peace is different from world’s peace.
Jesus said the peace he gives us is not as the world gives (John 14:27). World’s peace is temporary
and is found in:
 Positive thinking
 Absent from conflict
 Good feeling
In the peace of God is found Jesus Christ (John 14: 17) and it is permanent; it is found in:
 Knowing that God is in control
 Knowing that our destiny is already set
 Knowing that our citizenship in Christ’s kingdom is sure
 Knowing that our victory over sin is certain and is readily available.
What we put in our minds determines what comes out in words and actions. Paul tells us to program our minds with proper thoughts that are:
 True
 Honourable
 Just
 Pure
 Pleasing
 Commendable
 Excellent and
 Praiseworthy
We should avoid impure thoughts, and evaluate what we are putting in our minds through:
 What we watch on television and movies.
 What we read in books and magazines
 What we hear and talk about in our daily conversations
 What we share on social media etc.
Replace your harmful input with wholesome material and above all read God’s word and pray. Ask God to help you focus your mind on what is good and pure. It takes practice, but it can be done. It’s not enough to hear or read the word of God or know it well but to do what it says.
 It’s easy to read and expose yourself to the Word of God the bible but not live according to it.
 It’s easy to listen to a sermon and forget it or not practice its teaching.
It takes obedience which is better than sacrifice to fulfill God’s command. May the Almighty God the
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ help us to be obedient children unto the very end. Amen!
Rev. Henry Ambundo: Church Elder