Brian Fisher

Grace Bible Church

“The Duty of Joy”

Philippians 4:4-9

Joy is not merely the result of certain actions or attitudes. Joy is a command. Joy is duty. So then, how do we obey this command? By finding our joy in the Lord. Do not be deceived by our adversary. Any attempt to find joy in anything other than Jesus Christ will result in fear, anxiety and frustration. True joy, joy that transcends all earthly circumstances, can only be found in Him.

Christians are supposed to be the most joyful people on earth, yet we are no more joyful than the rest of the world.

I want to be joyful. But how? Joy is mentioned 13 times in Philippians.

In 4:4-9, there are seven commands; 1st command is repeated 2 times. Controlling theme of this section

Joy is a command. Think of joy as the result. Certain actions or attitudes result in joy.

Joy itself is obedience. How do we find it?

1. Relinquish false joys for true joy – 4:4

a. Only found in the Lord

b. Define “joy”

i. “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune” (Webster’s)

ii. “always”; independent of circumstances

iii. “or by the prospect of possessing what one desires” (Webster’s)

iv. Philippians 3:1; 4:10; 2:17-18; 2:2; 1:18

v. Cross-references – James 1; Gal. 5:22; Rom. 12:12

vi. Not happiness. Sense of strength and power that Christ is enough

c. Identify false joys

What does not satisfy when we find it, was not the thing we were desiring. — Lewis, The Pilgrim’s Regress, pg. 128

i. What do you think you need to be joyful?

ii. If only… Human experience has proven that joy is not found

1. in Pleasure -- Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure. He wrote: "The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone."

2. in Money -- Jay Gould, the American millionaire, When dying, he said: "I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth."

3. in Position and Fame -- Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both. He wrote: "Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret."

4. Not in earthly glory and accomplishment-- Alexander the Great conquered known world in his day. Having done so, he wept in his tent, before he said, "There are no more worlds to conquer." In independence from God -- Voltaire wrote: "I wish I had never been born."

“I sometimes wonder whether all pleasures are not substitutes for joy.” — Lewis, Surprised by Joy, p. 170.

d. Surrender false joys for Christ. 4:5. Define “gentle.” “not insisting on every right … yielding, gentle, tolerant” – to show them grace; patient kindness irrespective of how they treat you; Surrender of rights for sake of Christ.

e. It is a paradox; 1 Peter 2:21-23. “I don’t want joy that way.”

2. Replace anxiety with petition and thanksgiving – 4:6-7

a. American Institute of Stress, “It has been estimated that 75 - 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related problems”

b. “stress” = modern version of biblical word “anxiety”

c. Define “anxiety”; tension and fear because we feel responsible for things over which we have no power or control. These things must be controlled for us to have joy.

d. Not saying “do nothing”; Proverbs – observe the ants storing up for winter

e. Matthew 6:25-33; don’t worry, but trust in God’s provision

f. Prayer – we are assured that God knows

i. Anxious for nothing

ii. Pray about everything

g. Thanksgiving – 1 Thess. 5:16-18 (rejoice always, pray without ceasing…)

i. Rom. 1:21; First step toward idolatry is failure to give thanks

h. First PROMISE – incomprehensible peace

i. “guard”; assemble a garrison; Roman soldiers in Philippi

ii. Not a promise of changed circumstances

3. Remove lies and live truth – 4:8-9

a. Suffering believers; tempted to focus on circumstances

i. Paul directs their minds to something greater

ii. “reckon” on these things

b. Truth that transforms – 4:8

i. True - John 8:44 – Satan’s primary strategy is deception

1. we don’t scrutinize our own thoughts; messages from culture

a. “no one likes me”

b. “I could have joy if I just had ____”

ii. Honorable, righteous, pure

1. we are constantly bombarded with so much that is just filthy

2. be especially careful of entertainment

3. ex – Philippians memorization; on their mind constantly

iii. Lovely, of good repute, excellent, worthy of praise

1. not just scripture – anything lovely in creation

a. music, art, nature

b. flowers, birds, trees

c. people

d. for Christ’s sake

c. Practice truth – 4:9

i. Place Christ at the center of life

ii. Removing sins

iii. Removing lesser loves

Application

What is keeping Christ from the center of your affections?

How will you pursue Christ?