Key Themes - Joy

As we study the key themes in the book of Philippians, we will seek to discover these themes as a class through the following process.

	Step #1 - identify all verses related to the theme being discussed
	Step #2 - describe a "principle" from each verse in its context
	Step #3 - summarize the key teaching of Philippians relating to the theme.

We will seek to see how each theme is developed as part of the purpose statement for Philippians:

"To encourage the Philippians to persevere with joy in the midst of suffering by keeping in mind the salvation & eternal hope they have in Christ."

Chapter 1

	Greetings (1-2)
	Thanksgiving Prayer (3-11)
	Paul’s suffering for the Gospel (12-30)

Before we discuss various themes from Philippians we want to see how the book as a whole fits together. After the introductory greetings of verses 1-2, Paul prays for the Philippians in verses 3-11. Paul is able to pray with thanksgiving because of the special ministry the church in Philippi has had through their participation in the Gospel. He loves them deeply and hopes the grace and work of God that has already been evident in their lives will continue to bear fruit. They have caused him joy through their faithful support.

Paul finishes describing how thankful he is for their support in so many ways and then proceeds to give them an update on his current situation. He especially wants them to know that although the circumstances have been difficult, they have worked out for the advance of the Gospel - both in witnessing to unbelievers and encouraging believers (12-14). Speaking of the Gospel, there are some who have been "preaching" with less than pure motives, but Paul’s primary desire is for the Good News to be proclaimed and in this he rejoices (15-18).

Not only is this a cause for joy, but Paul’s hope for his deliverance from his current imprisonment is another reason for joy (19). While he realizes that death would mean seeing Christ whom he loves face-to-face, he also realizes that the Lord may still have "fruitful labor" for him to do on earth (20-23). Paul concludes that the Philippians joy will be increased if he lives, is released from prison and able to visit them again (24-26).

If the Philippians live their lives in a manner worthy of the Gospel (27ff), even in the midst of difficulties and trials, this will cause Paul joy personally, and of course will also bring glory and honour and joy to God.

Chapter 2

	Servanthood of Christ (1-11)
	Paul’s Example (12-18)
	Timothy & Epaphroditus’ Example (19-30)
	Philippians - The Big Picture

Chapter 2 (to me) is all about the topic of humility and how this leads to joy. Verses 1-4 describe how Paul’s joy will be completed – not if he gets out of prison – but by the Philippians unity and standing together for the sake of the Gospel. Rather than putting their personal interests to the forefront, they need to look out for the interests of others above their own. This will enable them to stand together in times of trouble and this will give them, Paul, and the Lord cause for joy.

The ultimate example of humility is our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ who "for the joy set before him, endured the cross, despising its shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2) which is the essence of the message of Philippians 2:6-11. Verses 12-18 follow this describing that the believer is to work out their salvation in daily life because God’s Holy Spirit is at work in them for His good pleasure. In verses14-16 Paul explains that he wants the Philippians to live Godly lives so that he will have reason for joy that his life’s ministry has been worthwhile. Paul more explicitly states exhortation to rejoice in verses 17-18.

The chapter ends with two more examples of humble service: Timothy & Epaphroditus. Timothy is described as one who "takes a genuine interest in your [the Philippians] welfare" (20) and does not look out for his own interests but for the greater good of the church of Jesus Christ (21). In this way, he has "proved himself" (22) as a true, faithful, genuine, humble servant of Christ. Because of this quality, Paul wants to send him to the Philippians for their encouragement.

A second example of humble servanthood is Epaphroditus. He was willing to risk his life in order to "take care of my [Paul’s] needs" on behalf of the Philippians. His ministry to Paul was a blessing and now the Paul sends him back to the church "so that when you see him again you may rejoice" (28) and encourages them to welcome him back "with all joy" (29).

Chapter 3

	Not boasting in human accomplishments (1-11)
	Pressing on toward the goal (12-17)
	Earthly or heavenly citizens (18-21)

Chapter 3 begins with another (actually two) exhortation to rejoice. The continual reminder from Paul to rejoice is not just vain repetition because Paul doesn’t know what else to say. If they live in an attitude of joy, this will provide a safeguard for them as they face external opposition from false teachers who are described in verse 3. Even though Paul had the best human heritage one could ask for and many human accomplishments, this was nothing in comparison to Christ and the righteousness He provided (6-11). True meaning, satisfaction, joy in life came not from a "good life" but from a good relationship with Christ, even in the midst of struggles & difficulties.

Paul presses on for "the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus..." (3:14). In the midst of difficult circumstances, Paul does not look back, but keeps striving forward. Paul wants the Philippians to follow his example and the example of others who have lived their lives with this attitude of perseverance in the midst of suffering.

The reason Christians can press on is because of the eternal joy that awaits them in heaven. When Christ comes again, we will live with Him forever in heaven. This world is not the end, and life is not about satisfying the temporary pleasures of earth (18). Rather the salvation we enjoy on earth is only a foreshadowing of the wonderful life everlasting with Christ when He comes again and "transforms the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory" (21). Now that's a cause for joy!

Chapter 4

	Stand firm & united (1-3)
	Rejoice (4-7)
	Think & Do what is right (8-9)
	Continual Contentment (10-13)
	Thanks for your care (14-20)
	Final Greetings (21-23)

Paul concludes his letter again echoing the theme of joy in the midst of troubles, specifically an internal struggle in the church of Philippi between two women. Paul says that the Philippians are his "joy and crown" (4:1). The word for crown (stephanos) is the prize wreath given to the winner in an athletic competition; the equivalent of a gold medal in the Olympics today. That's the kind of joy Paul feels when he thinks of the Philippians.

Verse 4 then emphasizes "rejoice," as Paul gives this command twice. Yet in between verses 1 and 4 the tension between Euodia and Syntyche is considered and they are to stand united in the Lord in resolving this matter. Undoubtedly, the resolution of this squabble will cause Paul joy, and will show the witness of the believers to outsiders.

In the midst of suffering or trials, God's presence or imminent return (depending on your interpretation of (v. 5) and prayer (6), giving our troubles over to God and trusts in Him, will give us the peace of God (7) in the midst of whatever circumstances we face.

Verse 8 describes what a Christian should think about. All these things are part of living a satisfied and joyful Christian life - even in the midst of trials. Verse 9 follows verse 8 in what to do.

Paul again returns to another reason for his personal joy: that the Philippians showed such care and concern for him (10, 14-18). Paul described in verses 11-13 that he has learned the secret to experiencing contentment, the God present peace and joy in the midst of success or suffering. The secret is that he can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens him (13).

Paul's final greetings show his joy in people - not in circumstances. He takes care to "greet every saint" (21) and to let the Philippians know that all the Christians with him, especially those of Caesar's household send their greetings (22). There is joy in the unity of Christians.

Stuart Briscoe in his book Bound for Joy (Glendale, CA: Regal Books, 1975) says:

"To rejoice in the Lord is does not mean to ignore your responsibilities, neither does it mean to evade obvious issues. Rather it means to be fully cognizant of the situation, fully prepared to deal with it responsibly, and fully convinced of the power of the Lord to give you wisdom, grace and courage to deal with whatever comes along. When this attitude is adopted, it will not produce a giddy irresponsibility or a naive ecstasy, but a deep, mature, responsible faith that has as its core a majestic Lord. When He is the One at the core, you can result because of the certainty of His ultimate triumph, the assurance of His benevolent purpose and the opportunities for spiritual growth that the situation affords." (pp. 135-36).