KJV Sermon Outlines

The Joy Of The Christian Life

Text: Philippians 1

Introduction:
The book of Philippians will teach us the Biblical concept of joy.

I want us to look at the foundation upon which our joy rest. That foundation is the Christian life. This Christian life is impossible without Christ!

Keep in mind as we study this first chapter, that one of the foundation stones upon which joy rests is fellowship. "Fellowship" means to have in common. The common denominator is Christ.

I. THE GREAT PROMISE FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE
(verse 6 - hath begun ... will perform it)

A. The strength of the promise. "being confident"

B. The source of the promise. "he which hath begun"

ILLUSTRATION: CROSS FLORIDA BARGE CANAL WAS NEVER FINISHED - JESUS WILL NEVER QUIT!

C. Paul describes the Christian life like a race.

II. THE GREAT POTENTIAL FOR THE CHRISTIAN LIFE vv. 9-20

A. To mature in the faith vv. 9-11
1. To love even the unlovable. Love may abound! V. 9
a. In the knowledge of the truth which is the Word of God!
b. In all judgment or trials
c. ILLUSTRATION: LOVE CAN BUILD A BRIDGE

B. WHY!
1. So you will accept and approve that which is excellent, good, and righteous V. 10
2. So you will be sincere, honest, genuine, and real.
3. Not a hypocrite! Not a fake! Not a gossiper!
4. Without offense or fault. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
5. For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. Ecclesiastes 2:26

III. THE GREAT PURPOSE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE vv. 21-26

A. To magnify Christ vv. 21-24 (ef. v. 20)
1. That men might see Him.
2. That men might be saved by Him.

B. To minister for Christ vv. 25-26

C. Is Christ Magnified in your life?

IV. THE GREAT PRIVILEGE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE vv. 27-30

A. The privilege of salvation vv. 27-28

B. The privilege of suffering vv. 29-30

ILLUSTRATION: A nine-year-old who had leukemia was given six months to live. When the doctor broke the news to her parents outside her hospital room, the youngster overheard the doctor's words. But it did not become obvious until later that she knew about her condition. To everyone's surprise, her faith in Christ gave her an attitude of victory. She talked freely about her death with anticipation in her voice. As she grew weaker, it seemed that her joy became more radiant. One day before she sank into a final coma, she said to her family, "I am going to be the first to see Jesus! What would you like me to tell Him for you?"

C. …joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

D. But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. Psa. 5:11

Have you lost your joy this morning? David wrote in Psalms 51:12 "Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit." Let that be your prayer this morning. Don't let Satan steal your joy away from you!

Let the joy of Christ be obvious in every area of your life!

Joy is one of the 13 fruit of the Spirit!

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