Message Notes

(I) THE PRACTICE OF REJOICING IN THE LORD ALWAYS

1. Joy in Prayer

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy” Philippians 1:3-4

2. Joy despite being cast into prison

“What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” Philippians 1:18

3. Joy found in faith

“…for your progress and joy of faith” Philippians 1:25

4. Joy in pouring of self into ministry

“Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.” Philippians 2:17-18

5. Joy found in relating to the Lord

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord…” Philippians 3:1

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!” Philippians 4:4

(II) POWER OF A LIFE FILLED WITH JOY

1. Power to triumph over being incarcerated

“…it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ” Philippians 1:13

a) No bitterness against those who persecuted him

b) No fear despite being in jail

2. Power to triumph over the fear of death

“…Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:20-21

3. Power to consistently seek to grow in knowledge and faith

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also has laid hold of me…
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12, 14

4. Power to do all things for the Lord

“…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 4:12-13

(III) PURSUIT OF THE POWER OF JOY

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” Philippians 3:10

1. A deeper knowledge of the Lord Jesus

2. A greater comprehension and experience of His power

3. A closer identification with Christ and His suffering

4. A greater depth of conformity to Christ