Joyous Foundations!

 

 

Rejoice in the Lord- 2

TITLE: Joyous Foundations!

TEXT: Philippians 1:3-11

TONE: Encouragement

TARGET: Believers

TASK: To encourage believers to reflect on God’s past faithfulness, to intercede for others, and to have true godly affection in their hearts.

TEACH: In construction, a solid foundation ensures that building can withstand external forces such as weather, earthquakes, and time. Similarly, in personal development, strong foundational beliefs, values, and skills provide stability in the face of life’s challenges. Structures built on solid foundations are more likes to stand the test of time. Good foundations provide stability, strength, and longevity. As a matter a fact, the stronger the foundation the higher the floors. So it is with Christian, when our foundations are solid then the whole body stands tall.

 

If you think about the alternative, which are weak foundational elements. If you are not building upon your life biblically then you will have a poor foundation which leads to structural failure, resulting in hazards and costly repairs. Individuals with weak foundations struggle to cope with adversity, leading to stress, anxiety, or despair. It can also lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and division. Without solid foundations a person will feel lost or aimless. As Christian, we recognize that Jesus is our only true and reliable foundation -He is the Rock on which we stand, while everything else is but sinking sand. When we abide in Him as we ought, we experience the profound and transformative joy of the Lord. This truth is vividly illustrated in the life of the Apostle Paul, particularly in the opening chapter of Philippians, where his unwavering faith and joy shine through even in the midst of trials.

 

TRUTH: Paul’s imprisonment deeply troubled the Philippians. They owed so much to him; he had faithfully shared the message of Christ with them and endured suffering on their behalf. Their love for Paul was overflowing, evident in their fervent prayers and active support. The very thought of their beloved apostle, who had brought them the gospel, being chained was almost unbearable for them.

 

In times of distress, it’s all too easy for fear to take root, leading to arguments, divisions, and a loss of joy. Paul, however, calls them to a higher perspective. He urges them to walk in unity and to elevate the needs of others above their own. He encourages them to rise above their immediate circumstances -both his and theirs and instead “rejoice in the Lord.” In the darkest times there are moments to rejoice, but you must place your feet on the proper foundations. Let’s discuss these foundations by looking at Paul and his writing.

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Concerning the first foundation, Paul wrote….

 

I.                             I have you in my Thoughts (v.3)

Explanation: Paul wrote, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you…” The Greek word for “remembrance” (ἀνάμνησις, anamnesis) carries the connotation of recalling someone with affection and gratitude. It’s not a mere menta; recollection but a heartfelt reflection that stirs emotions and responses. Of course, ‘you’ refers specifically to the Philippians believers indicating a communal aspect of his remembrance. Paul fondly remembers them individually and collectively, emphasizing the relational nature of his gratitude.

 

Paul’s gratitude is not selective or limited; it encompasses every memory he has of the Philippians. This suggests that their relationship was foundational and impactful in Paul’s life. Remembrance often evokes joy and gratitude. For example, the Israelites were commanded to remember God’s past deed (Deut. 8:2), which served to remind them of His faithfulness.

 

Paul reflected upon their partnership in the gospel and how they supported and participated in his mission endeavors. Paul also remembers their growth in faith and how they have continued to support him through prayer and encouragement. Knowing that they are thriving in their relationship with Christ brings him happiness. He also a deep emotional connection with them, which was a true source of joy.

 

Application: Embrace the joy of Reflection.  Remembrance is not just a recollection of past experiences but a source of ongoing joy. Through reflection we are reminded of the faithfulness of God and others. Reflect upon biblical accounts of God’s past faithfulness. For example:

 

·      Noah’s Covenant (Gen. 9:8-17): After the flood, God promises never to destroy the earth by water again, symbolizing His faithfulness with a rainbow.

 

·      Abraham’s Promise (Gen. 12:1-3): God calls Abraham, promising to make him a great nation and bless all peoples through him, demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant.

 

·      Deliverance from Egypt (Ex. 3-14): God faithfully delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, parting the Red Sea and leading them to freedom.

 

·      Provision in the Wilderness (Ex. 16-17): God provides manna and quail for the Israelites and brings water from a rock, showing His care and sustenance.

 

·      Conquest of Canaan (Josh. 1-21): God fulfills His promise by leading the Israelites into the Promise Land, providing victory over their enemies.

 

·      David’s Anointing (1Sam. 16): God chooses David as king, demonstrating His faithfulness to His plans and promises despite David’s flaws.

 

·      Solomon’s Wisdom (1Kings 3): God grants Solomon wisdom when he asks for it, fulfilling His promise to bless those who seek Him.

 

·      Elijah’s Provision (1Kings 17:8-16): During a drought, God provides for Elijah, a widow, and her son, demonstrating His care and faithfulness in times of need.

 

·      Exile and Restoration (Jer. 29:10-14): God promise the Israelites that after 70 years of exile, He will bring them back to their land, showing His commitment to restore His people.

 

·      Promise of a New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34): God assures His people of a new covenant where He will write His law on their hearts, demonstrating His enduring faithfulness.

 

·      Jesus’ Birth (Matt. 1:18-25): The fulfillment of OT prophecies regarding the Messiah’s birth, showcasing God’s faithfulness to His promises.

 

·      Jesus’ Baptism (Matt. 3:13-17): God affirms Jesus as His beloved Son during His baptism, demonstrating His faithfulness in revealing His plan of salvation.

 

·      Miracles of Jesus: Jesus performs miracles (healing the sick, feeding the 5000, calming storms), illustrating God’s faithfulness in providing for and caring for humanity.

 

·      Crucifixion of Resurrection (Matt. 27-28): Jesus death and resurrection fulfill God’s promises of salvation demonstrating ultimate faithfulness to redeem humanity from sin.

 

·      The Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20): Jesus promises to be with His followers always, assuring them of God’s ongoing presence and faithfulness in their mission.

 

·      Pentecost (Acts 2): The outpouring of the Holy Spirit fulfills Jesus’ promise and empowers the early church, showing God’s faithfulness to guide and support His people.

 

·      Promise of His Return (Rev. 22:12): Jesus promises to return, affirming God’s faithfulness to complete His plan of salvation and establish His eternal kingdom.

 

·      New Heaven and New Earth (21:1-4): God’s faithfulness is ultimately revealed in the promise of a new creation where He will dwell with His people forever, wiping away every tear.

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Concerning the second foundation, Paul wrote….

 

II.                         I have you in my Prayers (v.4)

Explanation: The Greek for ‘always’ (ἀεὶ, aei) indicates that Paul’s prayers are a constant practice. This suggests a habitual and persistent connection with God regarding the Philippians. This statement also reflects the depth of Paul’s commitment to the Philippians and his ongoing concern for their spiritual well-being.

 

“Every prayer” is a phrase that emphasis the comprehensive nature of Paul’s prayer life. He does not limit his prayers to certain occasions or specific needs; rather, every prayer he offers includes the Philippians. Our lives are to be intertwined with others through prayer. Paul continued with “for you all” this phrase indicates that Paul is prayer for the entire community of believers in Philippi, not just a select few. This underscores the importance of every member. For Paul, sees the collective body rather than isolated individuals.

 

Paul continues, ‘making my prayer with joy.’ The verb implies an active engagement in prayer. Paul is not just reciting prayers; he is actively involved and invested in the act of praying. The phrase ‘with joy’ captures the emotional aspect of Paul’s intercession. The Greek for ‘joy’ (χαρά, chara) signifies a deep-rooted sense of delight and gladness.

 

He also encourages them greatly when he wrote, “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” he is expressing several important theological truths: First, divine initiative. Second, confidence in God’s faithfulness. Third, belief in eschatological fulfillment.  Paul is confident that their partnership and growth will continue.

 

If we move down to verses 9-11, we see what Paul was actually praying for the Philippians. First, ‘that you love may abound.’ The Greek term is agapē (ἀγάπη) -love. This term refers to the selfless, sacrificial love that believers are to called to exhibit toward one another. Concerning this ‘love’ he prays that it ‘may abound’ perisseuō (περισσεύω) meaning ‘to increase,’ ‘to overflow.’ Abundant love is what Paul wanted for them. Second, he prays that their love be accompanied with ‘knowledge and all discernment.’ The term ‘knowledge is

 gnōsis (γνῶσις). This term often refers to a deep, experiential knowledge. Knowledge is essential for love to be directed biblically. The term “discernment’ is aesthesis (αἴσθησις) which implies the ability to distinguish in a moral or spiritual context. Both must be used to guide our love toward others.

 

And this important ‘that they may approve what is excellent.’ Excellent diaphorē (διάφορος) literally means ‘superior.’ The aim is not just to discern what is good and what is bad, but what is best. And why is this important? “And so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ…, katharos (καθαρός) – "pure,” indicates moral integrity, amōmos (ἀμώμος) – "blameless” suggest a life above reproach.

 

Application: Practice joy of Intercession. Praying for others creates a joyful engagement in their spiritual journeys. Paul’s joy is rooted in the knowledge that he is actively participating in God’s work in their lives.

 

Concerning the third foundation, Paul wrote….

 

III.                      I have you in my Heart (v.7)

Explanation: “It is right for me to feel this way about you all.” The Greek term for ‘right’ (ἀξιον, axion) carries the connotation of being just or appropriate. Paul affirms that his feelings of affection and gratitude towards the Philippians are not only natural but also justified. ‘To feel this way’ expresses a deep emotional response to the Philippians. His love and affection are rooted in their shared experiences and mutual support. He wrote, “for you are all partakers with me of grace.” The Greek for ‘partaker’ (κοινωνοί, koinonoi) conveys the idea of sharing in a common experience.

 

Specifically, Paul is referring to the ‘grace’ offered through the gospel (χάρις, charis) refers to the unmerited favor of God. Paul stated this earlier in verse 4 translated ‘partnership.’

The phrase ‘partnership in the gospel’. The term κοινωνία (koinonia) indicates a deep relational, aspect within the Christian community. It suggests that the partnership is rooted in love, commitment, and a shared belief in the transformative power of the Gospel. The Philippians were not merely passive recipients of Paul’s ministry, but active participants of the spread of the gospel. Notice that their partnership began “from the first day’ of their encounter with the Gospel.

 

They partnered with Paul “in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.” The term ‘defense’ (apologia) refers to the act of defensing one’s beliefs, akin to a legal defense. Paul is actively engaged in explaining and defending the Christian faith, even while in chains. Paul also uses the term “confirmation” bebaiōsis (βεβαίωσις), which conveys the idea of establishing, strengthening, or making firm. It is derived from the root verb bebaioō (βεβαιόω), which means to make firm or secure. The term suggests a process of affirming the truth and validity of the Gospel message.

 

Paul also states ‘God is my witness, how I yearn ποθῶ (pothō) for all with the affection of Christ Jesus.” This term captures the deep emotional longing and love Paul has for the Philippians, his heartfelt desire for them was truly from the gut.

 

Application: Choose the joy of Affection. When we open ourselves to love others, we experience the joy that comes from praying, giving, and serving. Acts of kindness and compassion often lead to a sense of fulfillment, which in turn fosters joy.

 

TAKE-AWAY: These foundational elements, along with others are absolutely essential to rejoicing in the Lord. What are they again?

 

1.        The Foundation of Reflection.

2.        The Foundation of Intercession.

3.        The Foundation of Affection.

 

By practicing these faithful you will experience the joy of Participation.

 

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