Week of December 7

“I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,” are the words to one verse in a familiar youth camp song that many of us sang when we were younger. Joy, a fruit of the Spirit and key virtue in Paul’s view, was not only to be felt in one’s heart but to overflow in one’s relationships. “Joy” would be the one-word theme I would place above the entire letter to the Philippians. Let’s see how we may live each day filled to overflowing with joy.

The theme of joy is “echoed” 18 times throughout this brief letter! (HCBC). This motif coincides with his exhortation for the church to practice humility, fellowship, and unity (1:27-2:11; 4:2-3). We have heard many sermons from this short letter and, no doubt, in some cases even participated in Bible studies on the book. Even though Paul has written an intimate and practical letter to his dearly beloved friends, his guidance and warnings are theologically based (HCBC). The theological foundation is quite simply that joy which is centered in Christ.

I believe Paul wrote the letter over a period of time, which would answer the questions that some scholars have about its literary structure. This relaxed structure allows me to view Philippians 2:5-11 as the centerpiece of the letter. Scholars note that this was likely an early Christian hymn, but I also believe it provides us with a powerful lesson on how we may live joyfully. Everything in the letter flows from the example Christ set. He humbled himself (2:8), shared fellowship with us through living in the flesh (2:8; John 1:14), and unified all things under His Lordship (2:9-11). Do you see it? I hope so! He really is the reason for every season and is the ground of hope and joy we have in this life. So, how are we to respond to Him?

Pursue consistent discipling. The church experienced discord then, as it does now, so Paul provided a means for sustaining unity: doctrinal (2:1-11) and practical (2:12-18) instruction (cf. EBC). I have long believed that the Body of Christ needs to place a stronger focus on practical discipleship as a means for developing believers and sustaining concord.

Humbly serve others. Secondly, an attitude of gratitude for salvation would also lead to humility in dealing with one another (cf. 2:3). There is precious little time for selfishness when we have our eyes focused on helping others as Christ did (2:4-5). We term this fellowship. It may seem strange, but the equivalent of “I’ve got the joy down in my heart” was very likely “I see Jesus on the Throne” (2:5-11). Let’s hum this joyful tune throughout our day.

Hot North Texas summers often lead to HVAC breakdowns. The Center’s building has some fairly old units in it. We average about one unit per year that needs some type of repair.  I have become well-acquainted with their flaws, and I also have made some good friends of the repairmen! I have noticed that a relay would often break down on the far end of the building and a transformer would malfunction on the near end. A repairman noticed that I knew the quirks in each unit and what typically went wrong with them.

Here is the spiritual point. Most of us are not theologians or Bible scholars, but we do know “church.” The unquenchable attitude of well-being and hope, despite difficulty, is the fruit of Christ’s Spirit, known as “joy” (Galatians 5:22). Joy wells up from the spring of Christ’s being. Keeping the church in good working order is not rocket science. We already know how to keep the joy flowing through the church body. So, let’s practice humility, fellowship, and unity.

1. Very often the trouble at the church is a “simple fix.” Add joy to the church body and the results would be transformational. Pray for joy to flow into and out of your life each day.

2. So, the problem at church is very likely not caused by the need for a younger pastor, or a new style of worship, or more young couples. Add joy to the life of your church. A common discipleship core will help to produce a unified vision. Fellowship based on mutual service will strengthens relationships. A lot less of “me” and a whole lot more of “Christ is Lord” will place the focus in the right place.

3. For Families: Help your family this week to sing joyfully. Our children can praise God in song all day long, all year long! Here is a link to an hour of great kids’ worship songs they can sing while helping with supper, or playing, or even doing their homework. Click here to play and sing along: Praise and Worship for Children.

May your paths be straight,
Larry C. Ashlock