Forward

Part 1: Forward in Joy

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Summary

Sometimes life doesn’t go as we planned. 2020 is like that for all of us. Yet, when the apostle Paul found himself in prison in Rome, he didn’t sit and feel sorry for himself. He moved forward in his faith and in advancing the Good News of Jesus. Because of Paul’s commitment, we have this incredible letter he wrote, Philippians, and Paul had some serious joy in his life. Where’s your focus today? If you focus on your problems, you get stuck in life. When you focus on Jesus, you are filled with joy and you move forward. Choose to move forward in Christ today.

Content

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2

Three Life-Impacting Truths from Philippians 1:

1. Focus on Jesus
I thank my God every time I remember You. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6

  • Don’t let circumstances define you. Let Jesus define you.
  • Prayer moves our attention off of our circumstances and onto God.
  • Live on God’s agenda and not your own agenda.

2. Be Joyful
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the Gospel.  Philippians 1:12

  • Joy comes when you realize God is at work.
  • Joy is a choice.
  • 19 times, in the book of Philippians, Paul uses the word joy.
  • C.S. Lewis wrote, “Joy is the serious business of heaven.”
  • Is there joy in your life today? Why or why not?

3. Move Forward
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27

  • Wherever you are in your life today, know that God is calling you to move forward.
  • Paul didn’t choose prison, but God had a greater purpose.
  • The letters Paul wrote from prison are still impacting lives for Jesus Christ today.
  • Don’t sit around complaining and wallowing, but always be moving forward.

Communion
This morning we share Communion together as God’s people. The Lord’s Supper is the way Jesus gave us to focus our hearts on Him. As you take the bread (“Christ’s Body broken for you”) and drink the cup (“His blood poured out for you”) thank God for the gift He has given you in Jesus Christ, His Son, and commit to move forward in His love and grace today.

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