Finding Joy

Big Idea

The uncertainty in the world lately has made it difficult to find anything resembling joy. But it’s there, if you know where to look. We can find joy in our interactions with others and in our time with Jesus. God places opportunities in our lives to make a difference and grow closer to Him. This is where we find true joy: from God, the source of all good things.

In this series, we’ll study selections from Paul’s letter to the Philippians. We’ll examine specific examples of where Paul tells his audience to find joy, and we’ll discover what that looks like in our lives right now.

Series Breakdown

June 27/28, 2020: Joy in Teamwork

God did not create humans to be alone. We are meant to be together. When we work together in our families, with our coworkers, or on a sports team, we can find joy in teamwork. This joy is multiplied when we join as brothers and sisters in Christ, joining Jesus on his mission and sharing His good news.
Sermon Text: Philippians 1:3-6

July 5, 2020: Joy in Christ Proclaimed

God created individuals with unique personalities, abilities, and interests. That’s why we all share Jesus differently. Preachers have different styles and churches have different types of worship music, but what really matters is that the true Word of God is shared with our community. No matter what it looks like, we can find joy when Christ’s truths are proclaimed.
Sermon Text: Philippians 1:18

July 11/12, 2020: Joy in Unity

It is a beautiful thing when people unite in harmony and love. Selfish desires, personal preferences, and status become unimportant when people come together. Unity isn’t easy to achieve, but it can happen when a group of believers join in Jesus’ name. There is joy in unity.
Sermon Text: Philippians 2:1-4

July 18/19, 2020: Joy in Christ’s Work

By grace we are saved through faith. This means that we don’t have to worry about doing enough or being good enough to enjoy eternity with Jesus. At the same time, we can find joy in Christ’s work, which we do as a reflection of His love for us. Doing Jesus’ work isn’t always easy, but we press on towards the prize of eternity.
Sermon Text: Philippians 3:1-12

July 25/26, 2020: Joy in the Lord

God is with you always. When you cast all your anxieties and cares to Him in prayer, he hears you and gives you peace. We find joy in the Lord when we meditate on his Word and his promises to us, focusing on the gift of forgiveness he has given to us.
Sermon Text: Philippians 4:4-9

August 1/2, 2020: Joy in Meeting Others’ Needs

God doesn’t need anything from us. But other people do. When we meet the needs of others, we are doing the work of the Lord. Our offering of time, talents, and treasures to those around us brings us the joy of knowing we have made a difference, and it is a way for us to show others the love of Jesus.
Sermon Text: Philippians 4:10-19