Christians can choose to be joyful, and Philippians shows how.
I. Joy is a choice made by those who discipline their attitudes.
A. Paul commands us to be joyful.
1) How is this possible?
2) It is an attitude that determines feelings, not a feeling
that determines our attitude.
B. It is not automatic, but work.
II. Maintain a grateful heart.
A. Think of how God has used you to bless others.
B. Remember God’s blessings on your family and friends.
C. Glory in even the simplest things.
D. Learn to see God’s goodness, because times of drought will come.
III. Focus on future hope.
A. Paul kept his future rest in mind. 1:21
1) He saw the final good, the final victory.
B. Jesus is an example of such hope. 2:5-11; Heb 12:2
C. Hope winches us out of despair.
1) Think beyond the present.
2) Think beyond yourself.
IV. Pursue godly goals.
A. Keep your spiritual goals clearly in mind. 3:8-11
B. A forward focus doesn’t leave time for depression and
disappointment.
C. Set our minds on heaven.
V. Pray.
A. Impulse to pray when in trouble is almost automatic.
1) We see it as our right to grumble.
B. Pray about everything.
1) It is the alternative to anxiety.
2) Joy doesn’t just wait for answer, but grows through prayer
itself.
3) Prayer carries a promise: peace. 4:7
VI. Think godly thoughts.
A. Tragedies tend to focus our minds and stifle us.
1) But we can choose what to think about. 4:8-9
2) Instead of being obsessed, we need to back off and give it
all to God.
3) Substitute pure thoughts.
B. Thoughts are best disciplined in action.
VII. Learn contentment.
A. Find contentment in what you have, rather than despair at what
you don’t.
1) Jesus encouraged us to get busy in the present. Matt 6:34
2) Contentment in not in amount, but in attitude.
3) Dissatisfaction breeds anxiety and frustration.
B. Discontent happens naturally, but contentment is learned.
1) Exercise discipline and self-control.
2) Seek first God’s Kingdom. Matt 6:3
C. Sadness is normal, but we don’t have to let it gain control
of our lives.
1) Self-pity leads to enslavement.
2) The alternative can be chosen – joy.