by Larry Ferrell | March 2, 2018
The third chapter of Philippians is probably the most beloved chapter of Paul’s letter. In it he sets forth many of the cardinal doctrines of the Christian life and unveils in stirring language his own desire to know and serve the Lord Jesus. It’s interesting however, that these doctrines are included not so much for their own sake but as a natural outgrowth of a challenge to the Christians at Philippi to be joyful. Philippians 3: 1-3 suggest that joy is founded to a very large degree on sound doctrine.

Remember, Jesus promised joy for those who followed Him: The angel who announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds said, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy”… (Luke 2:10-11). Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11). In John 17 Jesus prayed to his Father, “that they may have the full measure of my joy within them” (v. 13). This joy is the birthright of all true believers. It was this joy that Paul wished to see in the little congregation at Philippi.

What is joy? Joy is a supernatural delight in God and God’s goodness. And it is very different from happiness. Happiness is our translation of the Latin word fortuna and it is closely related to chance. Thus, if things happen to work out in a way that we approve, we are happy. If they do not so happen, we are unhappy. Happiness is circumstantial, but joy is not. Joy is an inner quality of delight in God, and it is meant to spring up within the Christian in a way totally unrelated to the adversities or circumstantial blessings of this life. Unfortunately, it is impossible to speak of the supernatural qualities of Christian joy without saying at the same time that many Christians fail to experience this joy, or they lose it after the initial joy of their salvation. Circumstances get them down, and instead of the victory Christians should experience, they suffer depression. This should not be. Instead of depression there should be joy in the Lord that goes beyond our circumstances.

Perhaps you are saying, “I know that I should have it, and I would like to rejoice in the Lord always. But circumstances still get me down. How can this joy be sustained?” The answer is in God’s Word, and we must follow it as we would a doctor’s prescription. The remedy can be summed up in several principles. The first principle is that you must begin by becoming a Christian. It may seem obvious to say this, but it is my experience that at least two classes of people need to face this squarely. The first class is composed of those who are not Christians and know it but whom think that the fruit of Christianity can be grown without the life of Christ. The second class of persons is composed of those who are not Christians but who think they are, perhaps because they have been raised in a religious home or because they attend church. They think they are Christians, but they do not understand the heart of the gospel and have not actually committed their lives to Jesus.

The second step is this: If you are to experience God’s joy, you must first know his righteousness and peace. This means that a life of holiness and trust are prerequisites. The order of these things is set forth in Romans 14:17. Many Christians do not know joy that could be theirs because their lives are not holy or they do not trust God for their future. Sin keeps us from God, who is the source of joy. Anxiety also works against joy. Instead of sin and anxiety in their lives, believers in Jesus Christ should experience a life of holiness and peace, and they should realize God’s peace as they submit all aspects of their future to Him.

The third step to a life of continuous, supernatural joy is to steep ourselves in the teachings of the Bible. When I first began to study what the Bible has to say about joy I was surprised to discover how many times joy is associated with a mature knowledge of God’s Word (see Ps. 19:8, Ps. 119:14, John 15:10-11). These verses teach that joy is to be found in knowledge of God’s character and commandments and that these are to be found in His Word. If you have not known much of this joy, the reason may be a neglect of a study of Scripture.

In this life neither you nor I will ever master all the great truths of Scripture. The Word of God is inexhaustible, like God himself, and if our joy depended on such mastery, we would never actually experience it. Instead, our joy depends on our relationship to God and our life with Him. However, if there is to be the joy in the Christian life that there ought to be, there must be a deep and growing experience of the basic truths upon which that life is founded. We must understand the nature of the atonement made for us by Christ. We must strive to know God better and to love Him. We must attempt to live obediently before Him as His children. There is a great deal of unrest in this world, and there will always be unrest for those who do not know Jesus. Apart from Him there is no true peace, no joy, and no real happiness. This should never be the case with a Christian. If you are a Christian, you should draw close to God, you must feed on Scripture, and God will “fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him” (Rom. 15:13).

Philippians 3:1-3 Reflection Questions:
Do you know this joy? Have you actually committed your life to Jesus Christ?
Have you submitted all aspects of your life to God?
What place does the Bible have in your life as a Christian? Are you feeding on Scripture daily?

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