How to Enjoy the People in Your Life
Philippians 1:3-11
Paul begins, right off the bat, talking about people. Do you ever have problems with the people in your life? People problems put a real GRIND on the joy of life, don’t they? However, to experience “The GOOD Life,” we must learn how to ENJOY the people who are part of it! How can we do that?
How to Enjoy Life No Matter What
Philippians 1:12-26
Have you noticed how many people around you seem to be having a miserable time in life? Life really appears to be an endurance contest rather than a joyful opportunity. Certainly, one of the major mentalities that lead to this is the idea that life has to be perfect before I can enjoy it. Are there any problem-free lives? No! So, if we are to learn to enjoy life, we’re going to have to learn to be joyful in spite of the situations and problems we find ourselves in!
How to Reduce Conflict With Others
No doubt, one of the biggest joy killers in our lives is conflict with others. Conflict and disunity are very destructive to any area of life, but to those that require love, like family and church, they are especially destructive. Whether you are talking about family, church, business, athletics, or even government, unity is always preferred above conflict. This is true, quite frankly, because very little in life is ever accomplished by yourself. The problem is that people don’t always get along. Do they? How do you reduce conflict and increase cooperation? The Apostle Paul gives us five good suggestions.
What’s So Special About Jesus?
Every year on December 25th, the attention of the entire world takes focus on one single event. Of course, I’m referring to Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ! Offices shut down and business ceases as we celebrate this one special day of the year. What’s so special about it? What’s the big deal? Why all the hoopla? What’s so special about Jesus that would cause over two-thousand years of distinction?
God’s Part / My Part In Changing Me
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be? If you’ve been in very many Christian meetings, you’ve undoubtedly heard some happy Believer exclaim, “God changed my life!” Do you wonder how? Is it all me? Is it all God? According to what Paul says here, when it comes to changing me, God has a part AND I have a part.
Conquering Complaining
Complaining is a killjoy. It not only makes you unhappy, it makes everyone around you unhappy. The problem is, complaining is a hard habit to break. As humans, we all tend to be bent toward the negatives in life. We are also now in a time of political upheaval where we are being encouraged to see ourselves as victims. Complaints and complainers are capturing the national dialogue as gratitude slinks to the corner like a chastened child. Our days (and nights) are filled with accusations of what’s wrong with everything! The Book of Philippians tells us that God wants His people to be different.
God’s Model for Manhood
It’s interesting to watch men now-a-days. Manhood has almost become a lost art in our society. Paul uses two men as examples of the kind of man who makes a difference in the world: Timothy, who Paul describes as having a heart and passion similar to his own, and Epaphroditus, the trustworthy representative that Philippi sent to minister to Paul’s needs. Based on the lives of these two men, let’s examine the kind of man God is looking for.
How to Maintain Your Joy
One of the questions I most often hear from Christians is, “What happened to my joy?” You begin with such a merry heart. Your burden has been lifted, and all seems right with your world. Then slowly, over a period of time, it’s like you spring a leak or something. Your joy just seems to slowly seep away. The fact is there are many killjoys in life. This message proposes three safeguards God gives us to help keep the joy in our Christian life.
Succeeding In Life
Have you noticed how many books and videos are on the market related to success? When I want to learn about success, I want advice from someone who’s done it. My experience says we learn far more from models than we do from manuals. And who is our model? Jesus Christ, of course! Well, next to Jesus, one of the most successful Christians who ever lived would have to be Apostle Paul. Philippians 3 is Paul’s autobiography. The first half of the chapter deals with his past, while the remainder deals with his present and future. All this is to conclude that, from this chapter, we can certainly see a model of successful living.
Growing Up Spiritually
If you’ve ever tried to use GPS in a place with bad reception, you know what it’s like to think you’re going the right way… until suddenly the voice says, “Recalculating!”
In the Epistle to the Philippians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul has just said,
– I press toward the mark!
– I haven’t arrived yet.
– I’m still straining forward!
And now in verses 15–21, he shows us what a Mature Christian Mindset really looks like!
The Peace that Makes No Sense
In times of tremendous anxiety or painful loss, I have often quoted Philippians 4:7, “and the peace of God which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This is a wonderful promise and a comforting thought. That’s exactly what I need! However, I’m sure you’ve noticed that this verse is NOT the first verse in this observation. It actually comes far down the line, following six verses that come before. These six verses contain pertinent information upon which this verse stands. No one comes out of the blue with a thought that begins with “and.” We all want this supernatural peace that passes all understanding, right? Is that possible?
The Secret to Satisfaction
During my late childhood/early teen years the rock group, “The Rolling Stones,” released a song, “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” (1965). It quickly became THE anthem for the rebellious 60’s. Amazingly, 61 years later, we still hear that sentiment as a common complaint. We’re constantly encountering those who are unhappy, unfulfilled, and dissatisfied. We live in an age of discontent. If you believe commercials, contentment is not difficult to find. It can be sprayed on, rolled on, inhaled, eaten, or driven! It is as if all these PRODUCTS can bring you lasting satisfaction. Sadly, they don’t, do they? Well, what is the secret to a satisfying life?
More Than Money: The Ministry of Generosity
The Book of Philippians is all about a spirit of thanks, love, and gratitude for the generosity of God and His People. Verse 19 says, “And my God shall supply ALL your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” That has to be the greatest promise in the Bible. It’s so comprehensive that all the rest of the promises certainly fit within its scope. The question then becomes, why are so many people NOT having their needs met? I’m sure you know some. What’s the problem? Is God not being honest with us? Is the promise somehow invalid?
In the closing verses of this outstanding Epistle to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul, gives us some guidance on this matter.