When Joy is Hard to Find
Pastor Kirk, November 4, 2018
Scripture: Philippians 3:1-14
Summary: When life is rough you can safeguard your heart and find joy by recognizing the lies, recognizing the truth and recognizing his presence.
Main Thought: When joy is hard to find, return to the source.
Getting to Know Each Other (Start Here):
- What is bringing you joy these days?
Going Deeper:
- Philippians 3:1 says that rejoicing in the Lord will safeguard your heart. What does Paul mean when he says, “rejoice in the Lord”? (cross-reference with what the Psalmist says in Psalm 100:4). Has rejoicing in the Lord every safeguarded your joy?
- In Philippians 3:2-3, Paul is seeking to have the Philippians recognize the lies that the Judiazer (“mutilators of the flesh”) were telling. What were the lies and what were the dangers if the Philippians believed the lies?
- Have you ever believed a lie about yourself? What happened when you believed that lie? Is there a lie you are believing now about yourself?
- What is the truth Paul wants the Philippians to recognize about themselves and Jesus? Refer to Philippians 3:7-9. Why is this important?
- Pastor Kirk spoke about basing our identity on what Jesus says, instead of what we do, where we are from or who we know. What does it mean to base your identity on Jesus?
- What does Philippians 3:10-11 mean to you? How do you interpret what Paul is saying?
- Have you ever recognized more of Jesus’s presence during a rough time in life? What did you experience?
Apply it:
- What is the Holy Spirit saying to you? What do you need to do as a result of what he is saying to you?
Pray without ceasing:
- Pray for Seamless Link Partners R & B as they prepare to return overseas for another four years of ministry.
- Pray for the upcoming Soul Care Equipping Conference and the over 200 people who will be participating. Pray that they would be able to remove the roadblocks and barriers they have to intimacy with God.
