The JOY Equation
Oh, how I need this formula!!!
Philippians
This is a great book. Paul is teaching about JOY, true joy. The gift of joy that only God can give.
Joy is not dependent on circumstances. Joy is constant. Joy comes from the Spirit.
Joy doesn't replace our feelings or emotions,
but our feelings and emotions should not steal our joy.
It's okay to feel. We were made to feel.
This is how I visualize Philippians:
Perspective (Chapter 1)
+
Humility (Chapter 2)
+
Faith (Chapter 3)
____________________
Joy -------> Peace (Chapter 4)
Putting together Perspective, Humility, and Faith bring us real Joy.
And, that Joy also leads to Peace.
Perspective - We need God's perspective as we deal with life. Our approach to all situations, good or bad, looks completely different from an eternal view.
Humility - An attitude of humility and servanthood lowers multiple kinds of stress and is deeply fulfilling.
Faith - Our belief in Jesus and trust we have in Him are fundamental to all things. Our confidence is in Him alone.
The result!
God's equations are always more abundant! Not only we will have Joy - We will have PEACE.
Soak this in:
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again - rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned from me and heard from me and saw me doing, and the God of peace will be with you. - Philippians 4:4-9
9.24.2016
Identity & Action
Your identity = Who you are = Who you believe you are
Your identity is fundamental to the actions you choose.
Ephesians is a great letter. Paul is writing to a church he knows and loves. Ephesians is full of encouragement and inspiration.
Chapters 1-3 remind us of our identity in Christ.
Jesus' gift of salvation has literally changed who we are. We are now GOD'S CHILDREN!!!
We are very literally adopted into the family of God. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit, which labels us and identifies us as God's - like a new last name.
You know that moment when a mom calls her son by his full name. First, last (maybe even the middle, too) She is doing more than trying to get his attention. She is reminding him of who he is.
Identity.
When your actions don't match your identity, you need to remember who you are.
Paul is giving the Ephesians confidence in who they are in Christ. This confidence inspires us to live as a member of God's family. If we are representing God, then our actions should show that.
Ephesians 4 talks about our collective identity as the church, God's family, and what that should look like. Then, Paul continues on with specifics of how living as God's children should look.
Our Actions
- Walk in love
- Be the light
He even translates for us how God's family looks within our own families: husbands/wives, parents/children.
Then Paul gets really serious.
This identity in Christ requires a boldness in our action.
Not just reaction - but a true effort and work.
Preparation.
Paul starts describing the armor of God.
Okay, we went from words like: adopted, family, unity to . . . armor.
Armor is for battle.
This section of scripture is very familiar, but if you read each verse - each piece of armor - your identity comes to life. We are a part of something so much bigger than the bits and pieces and clutter of our daily lives.
Army of God - the Lord's mighty power
We have been given a new identity in Christ.
Let's take action!
Your identity is fundamental to the actions you choose.
Ephesians is a great letter. Paul is writing to a church he knows and loves. Ephesians is full of encouragement and inspiration.
Chapters 1-3 remind us of our identity in Christ.
Jesus' gift of salvation has literally changed who we are. We are now GOD'S CHILDREN!!!
We are very literally adopted into the family of God. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit, which labels us and identifies us as God's - like a new last name.
You know that moment when a mom calls her son by his full name. First, last (maybe even the middle, too) She is doing more than trying to get his attention. She is reminding him of who he is.
Identity.
When your actions don't match your identity, you need to remember who you are.
Paul is giving the Ephesians confidence in who they are in Christ. This confidence inspires us to live as a member of God's family. If we are representing God, then our actions should show that.
Ephesians 4 talks about our collective identity as the church, God's family, and what that should look like. Then, Paul continues on with specifics of how living as God's children should look.
Our Actions
- Walk in love
- Be the light
He even translates for us how God's family looks within our own families: husbands/wives, parents/children.
Then Paul gets really serious.
This identity in Christ requires a boldness in our action.
Not just reaction - but a true effort and work.
Preparation.
Paul starts describing the armor of God.
Okay, we went from words like: adopted, family, unity to . . . armor.
Armor is for battle.
This section of scripture is very familiar, but if you read each verse - each piece of armor - your identity comes to life. We are a part of something so much bigger than the bits and pieces and clutter of our daily lives.
Army of God - the Lord's mighty power
We have been given a new identity in Christ.
Let's take action!
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