Letter of Joy

(Sermon Series)

 by Rev. Richard Jones

THE JOY OF A SUBMISSIVE MIND

Philippians 2:12-30

IN AND OUT
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV)
12  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
13  for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV)
1  Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
20  Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,
21  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

BE A CONTRAST
Philippians 2:14-18 (ESV)
14  Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15  that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16  holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
17  Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18  Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.

Colossians 1:25-29 (ESV)
25  of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,
26  the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27  To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28  Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29  For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

NOBODY LIKE TIM
Philippians 2:19-24 (ESV)
19  I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.
20  For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.
21  For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22  But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel.
23  I hope therefore to send him just as soon as I see how it will go with me,
24  and I trust in the Lord that shortly I myself will come also.

HONOR YOUR MESSENGER
Philippians 2:25-30 (ESV)
25  I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26  for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27  Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28  I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29  So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30  for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.