GROWING AND EXPERIENCING THE JOY OF FAITH

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2 GROWING AND EXPERIENCING THE JOY OF FAITH

3 Phil. 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

4 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

5 Experiencing the joy of faith increases down the road of progressing in faith

6 Before Paul had saving faith in Jesus he was Acts 8:3 crusading to eradicate faith in Jesus As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. 1 Tim 1:13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy

7 New in faith, he lacked mercy and wisdom. Some of his violent nature remained. Acts 9:20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 22 Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. (No converts! But he won the arguments!) 23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him

8 Paul progressed in the knowledge and grace of Jesus as he taught others Acts 11:25 Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

9 After 26 years Paul has grown into an example, and he has become merciful, compassionate Phil. 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

10 Once proudly religious, Now humble, happy, persecuted, and in jail, facing trial for his life

11 1. v.21 Paul lived every day and every night loving, serving, and surrendering to the One who had loved him, suffered and died to pay Paul s incredibly high debt for sin. Without God s forgiveness he would spend eternity in the Lake of Fire.

12 #2 Clue to Paul s Happiness 2. v. 23b Paul accepted his impending death, but saw past death, however it would come, and grasped the reality of going to live with Christ, a win win place to be. For the followers of Jesus, to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord 2 Cor.5:8 -The spirit/soul does not sleep in the dead body until resurrection -Neither do the spirits of the dead haunt cemeteries (haunting spirits are evil, fallen angels, demons)

13 #3 Clue to Paul s Happiness 3. v.22 Paul saw his own life as producing fruit. He looked forward to an innocent verdict and being released to tell more lost people about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

14 #4 Clue to Paul s Happiness 4. v Paul chose to see good regardless of whether the court said he should die, or whether the court would set him free.

15 #5 Clue to Paul s Happiness 5. v.24 Paul viewed himself first as a servant of Christ, and second as a servant of fellow followers. (he was not a millennial who expected God and others to provide what he wanted)

16 6. v.25 Paul had an inner confidence that God would over rule whoever wanted him dead. He believed in the Sovereignty of God Thy will be done...

17 #7 Clue to Paul s Happiness 7. v. 25b Paul was investing himself in his spiritual children. He had a driving purpose for living. He was determined to impart spiritual progress and the JOY OF FAITH to others 1 Peter 2:2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

18 Clues to Paul s Happiness Spiritual progress comes when a follower of Jesus drinks in the Word of God, regularly and consistently, allowing it to change opinions, beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, habits, friends, ambitions, pleasures Faith grows when the follower of Jesus believes the Word of God. THE JOY OF FAITH is experienced as one grows in the grace and knowledge of Jesus

19 #8 Clue to Paul s Happiness 8. v.26 Paul knew that he had all weather friends in the believers at Philippi. If you need some all weather friends, join a home group. See Allen and Theresa Rogers

20 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.