The Jehovah of Joy
Joy is mentioned in the book of Philippians over and over. In the book of joy, we find references to several unique names for the Lord.
The Joy of Your Salvation
Believers experience spiritual joy through walking in harmony with the Lord, producing fruits of the Spirit. However, sin can grieve the Holy Spirit, diminishing joy but not affecting salvation, which is secure through Christ’s work. Restoring joy requires self-judgment and confession. Eternal security in salvation and the fluctuating experience of joy must not be confused; salvation stands immutable, while joy depends on the believer’s spiritual conduct.
The Assurance of Salvation
People often doubt their salvation, relying on feelings rather than God’s assurance. It’s not about the amount or strength of our faith, but the truth that our faith is in Christ and His work. We must believe God’s word over our feelings.
The Way Of Salvation
In Old Testament times, a donkey had to be redeemed by the sacrifice of a lamb according to the Law of God. This act points us to the Lord Jesus, the “Lamb of God,” who gave His life to redeem sinners, taking their punishment upon himself to grant them forgiveness and eternal life, demonstrating God’s love and justice.
Pursuing Peace With The Lord’s People
The Bible does not teach that disunity among believers is a difficulty or a problem but rather it is seen to be sin and weakness. In pursuing peace on a practical level with the Lord’s people, we must first confess our sin and then seek the Lord’s mind for it is His testimony!
Fellowship That Produces Contentment
Psalm 23 emphasizes that true contentment stems from a deep, personal relationship with the Lordrather than fleeting material blessings. David’s portrayal as a content sheep under the Lord’s guidance illustrates that provision and protection are secondary to the connection with the divine Shepherd. This relationship begins through recognizing Christ’s sacrifice and continues as one listens to His voice and follows His lead—where real satisfaction and joy are found, irrespective of life’s situations.
Oh, Magnify The Lord With Me!
The call to magnify the Lord is one of the greatest invitations to all the people to join together in praise. The life of the Lord Jesus exemplified this by glorifying God and bringing Him near to us. Paul the Apostle exemplified this through his desire to honor God in life and death, emphasizing that both our living and our passing can magnify and glorify Christ to those around us.
Biblical Principles for Giving
In the passages from 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, giving is highlighted as an expression of God’s grace, a means of fellowship, and a testament of self-giving and love. It’s a voluntary act that should be joyful, and is both an act of worship and a public demonstration of faith that brings glory to God.
Thoughts From Philippians 1
Philippians advocates for joy and unity amongst believers, with Paul emphasizing confidence in Christ, who will complete His good work in us. The church in Philippi, based on prayer, power, and praise, is exhorted to live worthy of the gospel, striving together and not succumbing to fear amidst adversities, recognizing suffering as a part of Christian calling.
The Lamb of God
The subject of the Lamb is one of the most beautiful themes in the Word of God. It’s threaded throughout Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. As the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus was gentle, sinless, and the perfect sacrifice that could take away the sin of the world.