Philippians by Jim Leffel (2018)

Philippians is often referred to as the epistle of joy. What is true joy? How do we experience it? This teaching is an introduction to these questions.

Our culture is extremely autonomous. We value independence and freedom above all else. However, at the same time, reports of loneliness have skyrocketed. People have very few real friends. A look at how to build relationships with people and how to experience true joy through relationships.

Like Paul, sometimes our situations seem to distract us from joy. However, we see that when we understand God's sovereignty and ability to work purposefully, even through superficially negate situations, we gain a new perspective and can experience joy throughout the worst of circumstances.

Paul expresses a motivation to serve others that is rooted, in part, by the deep connections formed as a result. When we understand, like Paul, that we are victorious with Christ both in this life and the next, we can be free to strive to love others, joyfully.

Unity in our lives matters because we are witnesses of God's grace and good news. There are many ways in which we can all pursue unity with one another. We learn, not only how we can pursue unity, but that when we pursue unity with the same humility Jesus demonstrated by dying on the cross, we will have real joy in our lives.

We learn about what it means to appreciate our lives as a gift from God and to joyfully offer ourselves to God in thanks. Jim Leffel argues that since we are all pouring our lives out for something, the best thing we can pour our lives out for is the cause of Jesus.

The apostle Paul tells us that one of the best ways to safeguard our relationship with God is to rejoice in Him. And because of the mercy which God has for us, we can press on toward transformation in the Christian life.

When we are willing to set aside our own expectations, examine our blind spots and realize that we are also a difficult person to get along with, we can build real relationships. These relationships help us through life and show the unity that is ours through the body of Christ. Euodia and Syntyche are struggling to get along and Sue Olah and Theresa Moon share their struggle to work through conflict and towards friendship.

The peace that we can receive from God can enable us to have peace in our lives regardless of the circumstances or turmoil in our lives. In this way, we can effectively attempt to meet the pressing needs of others. We're taught, here, how to practically cultivate God's peace so that we can better meet these needs.

Despite his difficulties, Paul was content, and his contentment produced joy. Paul says contentment is not something we are born with, but is something we can all learn over time. Here he shares his secrets for living with joy, even when life isn't under control or pleasant.

An exploration of the underlying meaning of joy and how to find the full expression of joy in Jesus Christ. Joy is contrasted with pleasure and happiness. True joy is experienced in our salvation, in God speaking to us, and in our eternal hope. Are you experiencing the joy of the Lord?