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ROUTE 66 EP 056

Route 66: The Book of Philippians

Introduction: The Theme of Philippians - Joy vs. Happiness

The sermon series, "Route 66," continues with an overview of the book of Philippians. The pastor began by contrasting true, lasting joy with fleeting happiness. Our culture tempts us to pursue happiness by looking at what others have, which leads to dissatisfaction. Happiness can be manufactured through temporary means (e.g., consumerism, pornography), but these leave us empty. True joy, found in the Lord, gives us the strength to rejoice even in trials.

The pastor introduced this theme by referencing the story of Joni Eareckson Tada, a woman who, despite immense suffering as a quadriplegic, has found profound joy and has a global ministry. Her life serves as a modern example of the central message found in Philippians.

  • The Theme of Philippians: Christ is everything.

  • Paul's Context: The Apostle Paul penned this letter, often called the "letter of joy," while he was imprisoned. Despite his own difficult circumstances, he expresses contentment, gratitude, and encourages the Philippian church to find their joy in Christ.

  • Key Mandate: Paul's repeated instruction to the church is to "rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say, rejoice" (Philippians 4:4).

I. A Panoramic View: The Founding of the Philippian Church

The pastor provided a "big picture" overview of the origins of the church at Philippi, drawing from the book of Acts.

  • Paul's Second Missionary Journey: The story begins in Acts chapter 16.

    • The Macedonian Call: Paul receives a vision of a man from Macedonia urging him, "Come over into Macedonia and help us" (Acts 16:9).

    • Arrival in Philippi: Philippi is described as a "chief city of that part of Macedonia" (Acts 16:12).

  • Ministry Challenges in Philippi: The ministry was not easy. Paul himself recounts that they "suffered and were shamefully entreated at Philippi" but remained bold in preaching the gospel (1 Thessalonians 2:2).

    • Encounter with a Demon-Possessed Girl: In Acts 16:16-18, Paul encounters a young woman with a "spirit of divination" who was being exploited. Paul cast the spirit out of her in the name of Jesus Christ.

    • The Power of Spirits: The pastor noted that just as he desires to be filled with the Holy Spirit when he preaches, other people can be filled with a different, malevolent spirit when there is an emptiness inside.

  • Imprisonment and Praise:

    • Arrest: The girl's masters had Paul and Silas arrested, stirring up trouble by accusing them of teaching unlawful customs (Acts 16:19-21).

    • Joy in Jail: While locked in prison, "at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises unto God, and the prisoners heard them" (Acts 16:25). This act of worship in the midst of suffering perfectly illustrates the joy Paul later writes about.

    • Example of Joni Eareckson Tada: Like Paul and Silas, Joni is physically bound but spiritually free. Her joy is a testament to a power that runs deeper than happiness.

  • Paul's Continued Ministry:

    • Paul often caused an "uproar" wherever he went, a sign of effective ministry (Acts 20:1).

    • The book of Philippians was written later, while Paul was under house arrest in Rome (around Acts 27).

II. The Details of the Chapters: The Purpose and Plan in Suffering

The pastor summarized the core message of Philippians: "The joy of the Lord leads to peace on the inside."

The pastor began this section by acknowledging that suffering is an unavoidable part of life. He shared a personal story about his brother, who once struggled with a heroin addiction and viewed religion as a "crutch." The pastor agreed, noting that everyone has a crutch to cope with suffering. The crucial question is not if we will suffer, but what we are willing to suffer for. By choosing to live to please Christ, one can find a position of joy.

  • The Link Between Joy and Suffering:

    • The book contains 19 references to joy, rejoicing, or gladness.

    • The second most prominent theme is suffering. The two concepts are inextricably linked.

  • What the Bible Says About Suffering and Joy:

    • The Example of Jesus Christ: In Philippians 2:5-8, we see that Jesus, the Creator, chose suffering. He became a servant and was "obedient unto death." His choice to suffer was an act of joy, and a significant part of that joy is us—He suffered for you and for me.

    • The Fellowship of His Sufferings: In Philippians 3:10, Paul expresses his desire to "know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings." To become like Jesus will inevitably involve suffering.

    • Learning Contentment: Paul writes in Philippians 4:11-12 that he has "learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Life has highs and lows; the key to contentment is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

    • The Church's Role: Paul commends the Philippian church in Philippians 4:14 for communicating with his affliction. The pastor explained that prisoners' families had to bring them food, so their support was a literal lifeline. The point is that if you are willing to suffer and "lose the world," you will gain your soul and true joy.

  • The Purpose of Suffering:

    • Furthering the Gospel: Paul states, "the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel" (Philippians 1:12). His imprisonment made his message known (Philippians 1:13).

    • Inspiring Others: His chains inspired other believers to be "much more bold to speak the word without fear" (Philippians 1:14).

    • Application: Our own ailments and troubles can have a purpose: to further the good news of Jesus Christ.

  • A Christian Perspective on Life and Death:

    • Paul famously declares, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

    • To "live is Christ" means to embrace a Christ-centered life, which often includes suffering, just as Jesus endured the cross because of the "joy set before him."

    • Example: The pastor compared this to a pregnant woman enduring discomfort for the joy of the child to come. The joy comes at a cost.

  • Suffering as a Given Privilege:

    • Paul states, "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake" (Philippians 1:29).

    • Believing in Jesus is a privilege that brings eternal life. According to Paul, suffering for His sake is also a given privilege.

III. The Importance of the Mind

A recurring theme throughout the book of Philippians is the "mind."

  1. We are to be of one mind.

    • Philippians 1:27 calls believers to stand fast in one spirit, with one mind.

    • Philippians 2:2 reiterates the need to be "likeminded."

    • Philippians 4:2 shows Paul urging two women, Euodias and Syntyche, "to be of the same mind in the Lord," demonstrating the practical need for unity.

  2. We are to have the mind of Christ.

    • Philippians 2:3-5 instructs us: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves... Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus."

    • The mind of Christ is a mind of humility ("lowliness of mind") that is selfless and sacrificial.

  3. We are to avoid an earthly mind.

    • Philippians 3:19 describes the "enemies of the cross" as those "who mind earthly things."

    • Minding earthly things is a key obstacle to joy. The mind can become a trap, like an anxiety "merry-go-round," but our choices can bring joy.

A Four-Chapter Outline of Philippians

The pastor provided a simple, Christ-centered outline for the book:

  1. Chapter 1: Christ is our Life. (Philippians 1:21)

  2. Chapter 2: Christ is our Example. (Philippians 2:5-8)

  3. Chapter 3: Christ is our Goal. (Philippians 3:10)

  4. Chapter 4: Christ is our Strength. (Philippians 4:13)

    • This verse is not about accomplishing worldly desires, but about having the strength to endure any circumstance by relying on Christ.

Three Key Points from Philippians

The pastor identified three "great preaching points" from the book.

  1. To Live is Christ

    • Scripture: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21)

    • Application: Christ desires to be our entire life. As Paul wrote in Philippians 3:7-8, he counted all things as "loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." To "win Christ" (Philippians 3:8) and know the power of His resurrection (Philippians 3:10) involves embracing the fellowship of His sufferings. The pastor also cautioned against using this verse carelessly at funerals, as grieving families may not feel their loss is a "gain." Compassion is more important than "weaponizing" scripture.

  2. Press Toward the Mark

    • Scripture: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)

    • Application: The Christian life is not about avoiding pain but seeing purpose in it. When suffering comes, our instinct is to pull away, but Paul tells us to press in toward God.

    • Example: The pastor shared a story about whitewater rafting. The guide's secret to staying in the raft was to lean into the big waves and paddle hard. In the same way, it's in leaning into difficulty that we find stability.

  3. Be Anxious for Nothing

    • Scripture: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)

    • Application: This is a powerful and encouraging verse. However, you cannot separate the book's message of joy from its message of suffering—they go together. True joy is found in Christ, often through suffering.

Practical Application: Joy is a Choice

The central application of the sermon is that joy is a choice, not a circumstance.

  • Examples of choosing joy:

    • An athlete in the church, unable to move after hip surgery, found joy in being "still" for God.

    • When facing terminal illness, we can choose to bring God glory through our condition rather than being angry.

    • When struggling with anxiety, we must choose the mind of Christ.

Three Results of Joy

  1. Jesus wants our joy to be full. We can ask Him: "Fill my cup, Lord."

  2. Our full joy is linked to helping others find full joy. This means coming to church not just to be ministered to, but to minister to and serve others.

  3. There is joy in suffering for Christ. Jesus commanded us to "rejoice, and be exceeding glad" when persecuted, for our reward is great in heaven (Matthew 5:12). Maturity is finding joy in suffering because we know God is doing a perfecting work in us (James 1:2, 1 Peter 5:10, Hebrews 5:8).

Concluding Example: Corrie ten Boom

The pastor concluded with the story of Corrie ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor whose family hid Jews in their home (the "hiding place").

  • In a concentration camp, as her sister was starving, she complained about the flea infestation. Her sister replied, "Corrie, thank God for the fleas... God's protecting us." She chose to find God's provision even in the worst imaginable suffering.

  • After the war, a former prison guard asked her for forgiveness. She chose joy and forgave him. Her life is a profound testament to choosing joy and finding strength in Christ, no matter the circumstances.