...he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.
Text: Philippians 1:1-11
Jesus doesn't quit on you so keep fighting in His strength. Fight for joy by pursuing Jesus.
What brings you joy?
Pastor Tim Keller writes, "If we look to some created thing to give us the meaning, hope, and happiness that only God himself can give, it will eventually fail to deliver and break our hearts.”
Do you desire the sturdy, durable joy that only Jesus can give? If you do, please take time to think through the following questions at the end of each paragraph:
Joy is closely connected to purpose.
As a Christ-follower, you have been given a divine purpose by the Creator of the universe.
Are you living for His purposes?
What needs to change for you to live by God's purposes?
Who do you think you are?
Joy is closely connected to the things you say to yourself (hopefully not out loud) every minute of every day.
Your definitive and functional identity is "Saint" because of the blood of Jesus. Saint means holy.
You may not feel holy, but if you are in Christ, He has declared you forever holy!
What false or counterfeit identity have you assigned to yourself?
What needs to change for you to know you are a saint in God's eyes?
What needs to change in order for you to win this battle in your mind?
Who are you in partnership with for the gospel?
Joy is closely connected to Christ-centered community.
Paul writes that he and the Philippians were in koinonia for the gospel.
Jesus has connected you to Grace Church so you can live in gospel community.
What needs to change for you to engage with others in intentionally intrusive gospel community?
Jesus is fighting for you! So all of the changes you need to make in order to experience the joy of the Lord are possible because "[God's] divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence!" (2 Peter 1:3)
The battle for your mind is real and whatever gets your mind gets you. If you're in need of serious discipleship, personal prayer in breaking demonic strongholds in opposition to the gospel (2 Corinthians 10:4), or help finding mental health resources, please EMAIL ME.
Keep in mind that nutrition, exercise, and sunlight exposure can all have a powerful effect on your ability to manage your mind. Most importantly, be in the Word and dedicate quality time for prayer.
It's All About Jesus!
John