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Philippians is the “gospel” of the Pauline letters. The word “gospel” is used six times in chapter one. If we know the gospel, we understand the Book of Philippians.
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now (Philippians 1:3-4, NKJV).
Other versions of the Bible translate “gospel” as “good news.”
The other keywords in Philippians are “joy” or “rejoice,” used sixteen times. The good news message of this book teaches us to live in joy.
Paul writes that the goal of maturity in Christ is. . .
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (v. 4:4)
In our age, joy is a rare commodity. What are the steps to a joy-filled life taught in the Book of Philippians?
First: Focus on preaching the gospel.
Self-help books say to look within, culture encourages us to do our thing, and the spirit of this age encourages us to blame others. Paul says. . .
Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice (v. 1:18).
Joy starts with having a purpose larger than self.
Second: Follow the example of Christ.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men (vv. 2:5-7).
The gospel overwhelms worldly ambition. The plots and ploys of this world will always yield futility. Only a humble approach to serving Christ is the good news of joy.
Third: Let Christ take over!
But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things (vv. 3:7-8).
There are only two approaches to life: do it yourself or let Christ do it for you. As Paul continues. . .
And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection (vv. 2:9-10a).
There is a fourth point in the Book of Philippians’s path to joy, but before I mention it, let’s discuss the Philippian people. By reading this book, we know that the church in Philippi was Paul’s favorite church. In all his other letters to churches, he would mention their ungodly actions and attitudes but there is none of this in Philippians.
Paul describes his relationship with them. . .
Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved (v. 4:1).
Now, number four: Walk in God’s promises.
There are over 3,000 promises in the Bible, and all these promises can be summarized in Philippians 4:7 (the peace of God), Philippians 4:13 (the power of God), and Philippians 4:19 (the provision of God).
Focusing on the gospel, humility, and maturing in Christ brings supernatural peace, power, and the provision of God—what joy!