October 25th, 2020 | Kyle Brenon

This week, we continue in our new sermon series “Joy, No Matter What” as we look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

It’s often hard to find joy when things aren’t going the way we want or the way we think they should be—especially when we are trying so hard to honor the Lord and walk in obedience to Him. When we find ourselves in these impossible situations, facing things we never would have chosen on our own, how do we respond? Do we get frustrated? Do we take matters into our own hands? Or do we look to see what God might be doing?

Why does He allow these trials to come to us, and what is His purpose through it?

In Philippians 1:12-18, from his prison cell in Rome, Paul encourages the church by pointing out how the impossible situation he finds himself in is actually serving to further the gospel, and how it is strengthening the faith and boldness of his brothers. Since Paul’s ultimate goal is that the gospel be proclaimed and that Christ’s kingdom be expanded, his prison cell is no reason to lose hope. In fact, He sees the value of this difficulty for the cause of Christ. For this reason Paul finds great joy!

Philippians 1:12-18 (The advance of the gospel)

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.”

October 18th, 2020 | Kyle Brenon

This week, we begin a new sermon series—"JOY, no matter what”—a look at Paul's letter to the Philippians. With all the stress, tension, and general unknowns surrounding us in nearly every area, joy seems to be an elusive thing these days.

When we think of joy, we often think of an emotion—something that comes and goes like a wave, moment by moment. Our joy is often tied to the way we feel about things, even the way we feel about ourselves.

From a prison cell in Rome, Paul talks about real joy that is independent of any external circumstances or some sense of control he might gain over an impossible situation. What is the source of this joy, and how can we find it? Do we believe it is available to us today?

Philippians 4:11-12

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”