Paul exhorts the believers to "rejoice in the Lord always." This impliesthat joy is something we choose; it is not automatic. - P100
More than justa feeling, it is an inward peaceful confidence in God‘s character andpromises regardless of our circumstances. - P100
The joy that is derived fromthe things of the world is momentary and superficial. Lasting and en-during joy is found in Christ and nowhere else. - P100
Paul goes on to warnbelievers against giving in to anxiety, which cannot co-exist
with joy.
- P100
Therefore, we must learn to surrender to the Lord those things thatthreaten to steal our joy. - P100
When we do this, God fills us with His peacethat goes beyond what human reason can comprehend. - P100
Some people chase after jewelry and fancy clothes, but Paul teaches that our joyand crown should be the sanctification of the people we are mentoring. Thismonth, instead of rewarding ourselves with expensive trinkets, let us pray forthe ones God has called us to disciple. May their growth be a greater satisfactionto us than any treasure the world can offer.
- Pastor Sam An - P101
Lord Jesus, You are my greatest joy. In You, I am complete and satisfied. - P101
When life doesnot go as I expect, please help me to fix my eyes on You. - P101
May Your grace empowerme to rest in You in all circumstances. In Your name, amen. - P101
13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. - P103
Paul teaches the Philippians to think about things that are true, noble, right,
pure, lovely, and admirable. - P103
They should put into practice everything they have learned from him. He rejoiced greatly in their concern for him. - P103
Paul sayshe has learned the secret of being content in any situation and confesses thathe can do all this through Him who gives him strength. - P103
Paul exhorts the believers in Philippi to think about things that areworthy and admirable. - P104
He also challenges them to put into practicewhat they have learned from him or seen through his example. - P104
Ourthought patterns are critical in shaping how we live. We should not letour minds dwell on unhealthy thoughts. Rather, we are to intentionally direct them toward
whatever is good and edifying. - P104
When we arefilled with noble and God-honoring thoughts, this will translate intoattitudes and actions that please God. - P104
But though we know this is theright thing to do, we cannot do it on our own. This is why we need theHoly Spirit to renew our minds so our thoughts can align with His will. - P104
Paul expresses his gratitude for the believers‘ generosity toward himand his contentment in God‘s strength. - P104
Paul does not use his words ofgratitude toward the Philippians in order to gain continuing supportfrom them, for he has learned to be content regardless of his circum-stances. - P104
His secret is to rely on God‘s power to sustain him in times ofabundance and in times of scarcity. - P104
Contentment and dependence onGod go hand in hand. - P104
Because Paul trusts God to help him face everycircumstance, he can be content regardless of what happens. - P104
Generosityalso stems from contentment and faith: those who trust God do nothold tightly to their possessions but give joyfully as the Lord guides. - P104
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