The Contentment of Commitment - Philippians 1
There are some essential elements to the commitment that the true believer must make to the Lord Jesus in order to live in joy.
Background info:
Author: Paul
Written to: Believers at Philippi
Approx. date of writing: a.d. 60
Circumstances: written from prison, probably in Rome.

vs. 1-7
1. Love other believers. 

vs. 9-11
2. Allow Christ to rule you.

vs. 13-18
3. Treasure telling the message more than anything.

vs. 19-26
4. Cherish Christ more than your own life & convenience.

vs. 27-28
5.Keep the world out of your life.

Vs. 29-30
6.Realize that God has allowed your trouble.


Conclusion:
True commitment to Christ includes every area of our life. Anything less robs us of the joy that only comes from serving the Lord with all our heart. 

“And this I pray, that your love may 
abound still more and more…  
and that you may be sincere and without 
offense till the day of Christ…” 
Philippians 1:9-10

Paying To Serve. Not paid To Serve– Philippians 2
What is the secret of becoming more like Jesus?
How do I obtain the desire and ability to serve Him?
And what will it cost?
vs. 1-2. If Christ is truly living and ruling in you and in me, we will become like - minded.
vs. 3-4. We should not be controlled by our wants but by the needs of others.

vs. 5-11. Christ’s example was that He was willing to let go of everything.

vs. 12-13. If we are surrendered to God, He will give us both the desire and the ability to do His will.

Vs 14-15 If we avoid arguing and complaining we will be a contrast to this sinful world.

Vs 16-18 If we, instead, use that energy to speak God’s Word we glorify God and bring joy to other servants.

Vs 19-24 Paul hoped to send Timothy to them soon because he was a true servant as opposed to so many who were self-serving.

Vs 25-30 Epaphroditus was paying the price of serving the Lord with his health.

Conclusion:
So as it was in those days, there are many today
who are in ministry for the benefits.
True servants actually pay, joyfully, to serve the Lord.
For the believer, the secret to joyful victory
is total surrender.

The Power Of Hope – Philippians 3
Last time we examined the price of service in the army of heaven. But soldiers must have hope of a good outcome to keep on. So, how is the Christian soldier to have joy and hope in a hopeless world?

vs. 1-6 Our joy and hope is not in what we 
are or what we do.

vs. 7-9 Everything we used to cherish becomes useless 
compared to knowing the Lord Jesus Christ.

vs. 10-11 The power of our hope comes from the 
resurrection of Christ and enables us to embrace our trials.

vs. 12-17 We don’t focus on the past but work hard at 
what God has called us to do. There is joy in a job well done. 

vs. 18-21 When Jesus takes us to heaven, we will be like Him. That brings joy to our hope.The world’s hope is in the human spirit and accomplishment. The Christian’s hope is in God’s promises through His Son.

Knowing our future is secure gives 
us a joyous hope in the present.

“I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to bless you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 


True Peace, True Joy – Philippians 4
As Christians, we have found forgiveness. But what is the secret to finding true 
peace and contentment?
vs. 1-4
We are commanded to stand firm, be of the same mind, and always rejoice.

vs. 5-7
Be gentle. Don’t worry. Just ask God and be thankful, and God will put your mind at ease, even when it doesn’t make sense.

vs. 8-13
If we think about good things and rely on Christ, we can be content regardless of the circumstances.

vs. 14-20 
Be generous. God will provide for us and will be glorified forever.  

True peace and contentment comes from the joy of knowing that it’s not about me,
but that it’s all about God.
Romans 11:36


Do not sorrow,
for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10