The Joy Choice: Focus

 Philippians 1:1-11

 Philippians is known as the letter of joy.  That is amazing as Paul wrote this epistle from prison.  The Greek word for joy “chara” means delight, a source of joy.  The root word “xar” means extended favor, grace recognized, and the awareness of God’s grace.  Think grace when thinking of joy. https://biblehub.com/greek/5479.htm

Happiness Vs Joy:

• Happiness is an emotion in response to a current situation and can change quickly
• Joy is an unshakeable gratitude rooted in unchanging truths.
• Our unchanging truths: Present Grace and Future Grace.

What did Paul focus on and what our focus should be:  It will result in J O Y!

• JESUS: Verses 3&4—I  thank my  God every time   I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.
• OTHERS: Verses 7&8—It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me.  God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
• YOUR PURPOSE: Verses 9-11—And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

As a church, may we be a church of joy with the purpose of impacting the city of Waller with the life changing love of Jesus Christ...reaching out and teaching them to become followers of Jesus...by helping them grow in their love for God, love for people, and their ability to make a difference.