The Heart of Paul's Joy
by Rev. Kirby Williams
Paul's testimony of the preeminence of Christ whether in life or in death.
Text: Phil. 1:18-26
Date: 02/18/2024, the Evening service.
Series: "Evenfall; Sunday Evening Worship" Part 9
Description:
Paul continues to reveal how he can be joyful regardless of his circumstances. Simply put, the heart of Paul's joy is Christ. If he lives, he lives for Christ, if he dies he goes to Christ. Either way, his whole focus is Christ. This is the boundless spring from which his joy flows. We will realize from Paul's own description of the conundrum he is in that he would prefer to depart and be with Jesus but is willing to remain because it is better for the Kingdom in general and the church at Philippi in particular. Ultimately we will ask ourselves if our view of our own death is aligned with Paul's, and if not-- why not and what can be done about it?
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I. Introduction
II. Exposition of the text, Phil. 1:18-26.
A. Context
B. Life or death in Christ.
1. Paul's assurance of "deliverance". vs. 18b-19.
2. An eager expectation of courage, vs. 20.
a. Honoring Christ in suffering, 2Cor. 11:23-28.
b. Honoring Christ in the body.
c. Honoring Christ in life or in death.
3. Revealing the heart of his joy, vs. 21.
4. Positive aspects of life in the "flesh", vs. 22.
a. A life full of Kingdom fruit, Eph. 2:10.
b. Struggling with his options, 1Tim. 6:15-16, Rom. 8:28.
5. Paul's desire to depart, vs. 23.
a. Restating the conundrum.
b. A better place with Christ, 2Cor. 5:8, 1Cor. 13:12.
6. The selfless path, vs. 24, Phil. 2:3.
7. Paul's final conviction, vs. 25.
8. Paul's double blessing, vs. 26.
III. Application
IV. Conclusion
