Joy in Sacrifice

Sacrifice (Rejoice in ability to make sacrifices for Jesus)

Philippians 2:17, 18
Your faith in the Lord and your service are like a sacrifice offered to him. And my own blood may have to be poured out with the sacrifice. If this happens, I will be glad and rejoice with you. In the same way, you should be glad and rejoice with me.

Will you choose the easy way or the right way? “By what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity” (I Timothy 4:12) pursue the right way. Many people want to show you another way, but there is “a much better way” (I Corinthians 12:31).

“These three remain faith hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:13

Anything done without love has no meaning. A pure heart reacts in love. We can always choose to act in love, but automatic reactions comes from what’s in the heart. A heart filled with affection always gives love. How can we fill our hearts with love?

“Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails! (I Corinthians 13:4-8a NIV)”

That kind of love comes from God’s spirit. It is from the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. “Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8). God’s love works through you. Then you will have an enduring affection. This love keeps on giving without judging or expecting anything. Looking for the right way produces saving love.
Sometimes this requires sacrifice. However, the joy that comes from seeing God work makes the sacrifice worthwhile.

1. Why should we rejoice in suffering?

2. How do we become more like Jesus?

The Philippians service to the Lord was a sacrifice given through faith. It was possible that Paul might die. Yet, not even death sentence would kill his joy. Paul taught the Philippians to rejoice in God’s plan. God would make good out of whatever situation. God had not forgotten them. He would finish the work he had started in them.

3. When have you shown love when it would have been easier not to?

4. What and how can I sacrifice for God (time, money, commitment, emotion)?

Rejoice in Salvation

Salvation (Rejoice in salvation.)

Philippians 1
18But that doesn’t matter. All that matters is that people are telling about Christ, whether they are sincere or not. That is what makes me glad [joyful].

I will keep on being glad [joyful],

…25But I know that all of you still need me. That’s why I am sure I will stay on to help you grow and be happy [joyful] in your faith. 26Then, when I visit you again, you will have good reason to take great pride [joy] in Christ Jesus because of me.

3:1 Finally, my dear friends, be glad that you belong to the Lord. It doesn’t bother me to write the same things to you that I have written before. In fact, it is for your own good.

Joy is the “what”. Grace is the “how”. By grace we can have the joy Paul experienced. God reminded Paul that grace is enough. God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Christ’s grace would always strengthen him. Joy would be the result.
God’s joy, deep joy, keeps us strong. We see God’s strength when He carries us to a place where joy is possible. So, our weakness brings us joy in His presence.
Through grace we are lifted from our humble position and to the mountaintop of God’s glory.

1. Why should we rejoice?

Paul encouraged the Philippians to rejoice in God. Doing what God wants is reason enough to rejoice. Joy comes from being in Christ Jesus not from the situation.

The Philippians needed to remember that circumstances should not decide one’s joyfulness. They were worried about Paul’s situation and disagreement in their church. But Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord!”
God’s presence gives us good reason to be rejoice in our salvation. Joy becomes thanksgiving when we think about what God has done. Jesus has prepared us to do His will and helps us to do it. There is always reason to rejoice in what God is doing. God has given us more than we need. Let us rejoice!

2. What happens when the joy of our salvation is restored?

3. What gives joy?

4. What does joy do?

5. When have you let God’s strength make you strong in a difficult situation? How did God give you joy at that time?

Pray with Joy

Day 1 – Pray (Pray with joy.)

Read Philippians 1:3-5, 9-11
3Every time I think of you, I thank my God. 4And whenever I mention you in my prayers, it makes me happy. 5This is because you have taken part with me in spreading the good news from the first day you heard about it.
9I pray that your love will keep on growing and that you will fully know and understand 10how to make the right choices. Then you will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day, 11Jesus Christ will keep you busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.

1. Why did Paul pray with joy for the Philippians? Philippians 1:3-5

2. How often does Paul pray with joy? Philippians 1:3-5

_ _ _ prays that _ _ _’s love will keep on growing and that _ _ _ will fully know and understand how to make the right choices. Then _ _ _ will still be pure and innocent when Christ returns. And until that day, Jesus Christ will keep _ _ _ busy doing good deeds that bring glory and praise to God.

The Philippians helped Paul spread the gospel. This made him joyful. Immediately, when they learned about Jesus, they joined Paul in the work of Christ. As Paul prays for them, he remembers the good times they shared together – their faithfulness and perseverance. Paul experienced a deep joy because the Philippians obeyed the voice of God. Paul could be confident they would do what was right and necessary.

Paul rejoiced because the Philippians’ names were written in heaven. But the Philippians wanted more. They wanted to show how much they loved God through their daily lives. Paul knew this and taught them everything he had learned. The Philippians eagerly learned God’s truths. Paul enjoyed watching them faithfully apply God’s Word to minister to others.

People who pray for us also rejoice as we obey God’s Word. Their prayers teach us the correct way to behave and to understand God (II Timothy 3:16). Then we are ready for every good work. People expect us to do things for God instead of for ourselves. Joyful memories created with other Christians help us to forget envy and rivalry.

1. Do you feel joy when you pray for others? Why?

2. Please share a joyful memory you have of serving God with other Christians.

3. How can you make the people who pray for you more joyful?