Living the Joyous Christian Life Philippians 4:1-23 Part II

In this section of Philippians, the grand Apostle Paul was vitally concerned that the Philippian believers’ lives would be characterized by joy.  Paul urged these believers to seek a life of joy independent of circumstances.  Genuine joy can be experienced when Christ is the center of a believer’s life.  Philippians 4:1-23 may be outlined as follows:  I. Standing Firm in the Lord – Philippians 4:1-3; II. The Recipe for Joy – Philippians 4:4-9; III. God’s Supply of Human Needs – Philippians 4:10-20; IV. Paul’s Concluding Remarks – Philippians 4:21-23. III. God’s Supply of Human Needs – Philippians 4:10-20 In verses 10-11 Paul “rejoiced in the Lord greatly” at the gift the Philippians had sent him.  He was joyful because the gift exhibited their love and concern for him.  When the saints had the opportunity, they gave to Paul (v. 10).  Paul continued to express that it was the Philippians’ gesture of love more than the material gift itself that he appreciated.  Paul had learned to be content with his circumstances, whatever they were (v. 11), By God’s grace Paul had learned the lesson of being content regardless of his circumstances in life. In verses 12-13, Paul knew “both how to...