How Do I Choose Joy?

Sermon Summary: Pastor Dave Hentschel

April 16, 2023

Scriptural Text: Philippians 1:1-11

Author Katherine Wolf says we need to “Disrupt the myth that joy can only be found in a pain-free life.”  This could be the tag line for the book of Philippians. Philippians 1:1-11 is a passage from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, written by the Apostle Paul to the Philippians, a Christian community in the city of Philippi. The passage carries several themes, including gratitude, prayer, love, and growth in faith. It is also a passage about choosing joy in the midst of very difficult circumstances.

The passage begins with Paul expressing gratitude and thanksgiving to God for the Philippians and their partnership in the Gospel. He remembers them fondly and prays for them with joy. (Phil 1:1-3) Next, Paul expresses his prayers for the Philippians, specifically praying for their love to abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. He also affirms his confidence that God, who began a good work in them, will carry it on to completion.(Phil 1:4-6) Third, we see Paul’s Affection for the Philippians (Philippians 1:7-8): Paul expresses his deep affection for the Philippians and how they have been in his heart, both in his imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel. He longs for them with great affection and desires their continued growth in faith. (Phil 1:7-8) Finally, Paul prays that the Philippians’ love may abound in knowledge and discernment, so that they may approve what is excellent and be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ. He desires that they bear the fruit of righteousness through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Phil 1:9-11)

Drawn from these first 11 verses, here are the six decisions we can make to choose joy, even in adversity:

1. I Choose Joy … When I Remember the Grace of God.
2. I Choose Joy … When I Am Grateful For the People In My Life.
3. I Choose Joy … When I See The Good In Other People
4. I Choose Joy … When I Remember That All People Are In Process.
5. I Choose Joy … When I Choose To Love People From The Heart.
6. I Choose Joy … When I Choose To Pray For The People In My Life.

Overall, Philippians 1:1-11 conveys Paul’s deep affection, gratitude, and prayers for the Philippians’ growth in love, knowledge, and righteousness, as well as his confidence in God’s faithfulness in their lives. It encourages the Philippians to continue in their faith, be united in love, and live in a manner that brings glory to God.