Be Joyful Philippians 4:1-9

                                                        BE JOYFUL  Philippians 4:1-9

 

One of the most joyful and celebratory months in the Church calendar is December, when Christians all over the World look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ. Growing up in India, I found Christmas to be one of my favorite Christian festivals. It is the season of Joy. What brings absolute Joy is not the festivities, gifts, or good food, but rather a promise kept. It was about the birth of the promised Savior of the World. That is the Good News of Christmas.

 In the Christmas narrative we read each year, what the angel said to the frightened shepherds who were tending their flocks in the mountains at night. Luke 2:10-12, "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good News that will cause great Joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Where does true Joy come from? Is Biblical Joy a seasonal thing we reflect on only once a year during Christmas? Or has it become an integral part of the followers of Christ? What is Biblical Joy and how do we grow in it? In the past weeks, we have been dwelling on themes like "Being Thankful in all circumstances, hopeful in afflictions, and faithful in God's service and the service of one another, which leads us to another theme of Being Joyful. Philippians 4:1-9.

I. How do we define Joy?

The dictionary defines Joy as an intense feeling of pleasure and happiness. It suggests that we derive intense pleasure when good things happen to us, which makes us joyful. Most people in the US believe that the more things we have, the happier we will become. If that is the case, the Americans should be the happiest people on earth. "The USA this year fell to its lowest-ever place on the World Happiness Report. Finland remained the happiest nation for the eighth year in a row, while Mexico and Costa Rico ranked among the top 10 for the first time.

Researchers found that belief in the kindness of others, as well as actively caring about and sharing with others, has a strong effect on happiness, according to the report. "Happiness isn't just about wealth or growth — it's about trust, connection and knowing people have your back," Jon Clifton, the CEO of Gallup, said in a statement."[1]

The Biblical Joy, however, is different. It is not always based on feelings or external material things; it is an attitude that needs to be cultivated and grows over time in Christians. People pursue happiness in the wrong places, whereas Joy cannot be pursued; it is a gift from God and a byproduct of knowing God and seeking His Kingdom and righteousness first.

II The Joy Of The Lord

Sometimes we have a wrong picture of who God is; we assume Him as a grumpy old guy sitting in Heaven, policing everyone and ready to punish us the moment we do something wrong. We see him as someone who doesn't know how to have fun and who kills all Joy. But the opposite is true. God is the source of Joy, and He wants His children to be filled with Joy.

Psalm 16:11, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with Joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." The Psalmist would rather spend a day in the courts of God than a thousand elsewhere. Ps 84:10. Biblical Joy is not something we run after, but it is God's gift to his followers. Ro 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Biblical Joy is an abiding sense of happiness and contentment rooted in spiritual realities rather than in temporal circumstances. In the OT. Joy is frequently linked with God's providence. Miriam led the Israelites in joyful singing after they crossed the Red Sea: "I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea." Ex 15:21.

The Hebrew word for Joy, "simchah," appears in various contexts, including religious festivals, victories in battle, and the worship of God. Nehemiah 8:10 states, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." This verse highlights the sustaining power of divine Joy in the lives of God's people. Unlike fleeting happiness, biblical Joy is enduring and can be experienced even in the midst of trials and suffering.

Biblical Joy can persist in the harshest of circumstances because it depends on God and his promises. Matthew 5:11-12, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

When the Jewish leaders incited persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from that region, they shook the dust off their feet as a warning, and the disciples were filled with Joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:50-52. We have Jesus himself as an example who endured the cross, scorning its shame for the Joy that was set before him. Hebrews 12:1-3.

In the N.T, Joy is associated with the coming of Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings. Remember what the angel of the Lord said to the shepherds? "I bring you good News that will bring great Joy to all people. Good News was about the birth of Mary's child, Jesus, which means "The LORD Saves." Jesus exemplified Joy through his teachings and ministry. To the grieving disciples, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, who would be in them and produce the fruit of Joy. Who can experience this pure Joy and remain joyful throughout their lives?

III. Being Joyful in Christ

People can be happy sometimes based on circumstances, but cannot be Joyful all the time. Only those whose sins are forgiven, and those who will abide in Christ, who is the true wine, will bear fruit of the Holy Spirit, which is Joy. For Christians, Joy is a gift from the Lord.

To remain joyful is a discipline that we are called to cultivate and grow in. We grow in our Joy through trials and temptations. James 1:2-3 encourages believers to, "Consider it pure Joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." The Apostle Paul, who himself was familiar with harsh physical beating, intense persecution, and even imprisonment, rejoiced in his sufferings.

 Colossians 1:24, “Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.” Rejoicing in suffering doesn’t automatically happen. No one particularly enjoys pain, yet Paul chose to rejoice not once but several times so he could encourage us to do the same.

Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Being Joyful in the midst of challenges and hardships is very difficult.

When we go through painful situations and sufferings, we have a choice to make: we can either blame everyone, ourselves, or even God. Or we could choose to rejoice in the Lord, not once but over and over again, realizing that Jesus is very near to us in our sufferings. We may be going through incredible hardships like no other, without any reason.

Let’s remember, perhaps we may be being considered like Job in the OT, where God said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job?” Job 1:8. Or when we suffer for the sake of Christ, can we rejoice like the disciples who rejoiced in their persecution because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of Christ. Being joyful is something we can grow in over time as we remain closer to God, in whose presence there is fullness of Joy.

 

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[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2025-world-happiness-report-us-lowest-ranking/

Be Faithful

                                                                              BE FAITHFUL

This past week, I had a Zoom call with one of my pastor friends, who had been my ministry friend for over sixteen years. When we were in Quincy, we used to meet every month for breakfast to encourage one another. Since then, he moved to Indianapolis, but we've never stopped our monthly check-in meetings, which now happen on Zoom.

In an age where it is hard to make and keep friends, what made our friendship thrive all these years? I would attribute that to one word, "Faithfulness!"  As I reflected on our friendship, Proverbs 20:6 came to my mind: "Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find?" Do you have a faithful friend? It may be your spouse or a close friend.

If you do, thank God for them and do all you can to preserve that relationship. We all agree that for any relationship to survive and thrive, Faithfulness is essential. Where Faithfulness is absent, those relationships suffer and eventually fall apart. In the past weeks, we have focused on being thankful in all circumstances and being hopeful in afflictions. We will look at the importance of Being Faithful. What does the Bible say about Faithfulness that keeps or breaks a relationship? How does God's faithfulness manifest? How can we grow in Faithful service of God and one another? Romans 12:3-13. How is Faithfulness defined?

The dictionary defines Faithfulness as Fidelity, loyalty, firm adherence to allegiance and duty, as the Faithfulness of a subject. As Truth, veracity, as the Faithfulness of God. Strict adherence to injunctions, as the Faithfulness of servants or ministers. Strict performance of promises, vows, or covenants; constancy in affection; as the Faithfulness of a husband or wife.[1]

In the scriptures, to be faithful is to be reliable, steadfast, and unwavering. The Bible speaks of Faithfulness in four ways: as an attribute of God, as a positive characteristic of some people, as a characteristic that many people lack, and as a fruit of the Holy Spirit. We would never know what Faithfulness is apart from God, so let's see how God manifests Faithfulness.

I. Faithfulness is the Essence of Who God Is.

            Scriptures speak often of God's Faithfulness. God doesn't have to work at being faithful; He is faithful. Faithfulness is one of God's inherent attributes. The Psalmist proclaimed, "Who is like you, LORD God Almighty? You, LORD, are mighty, and your Faithfulness surrounds you." Ps 89:8. We learn in the scriptures that when God says He will do something, He will do it even when it seems impossible. God's promised son to Abraham and Sarah. Genesis 21.

God is always faithful, even when we are faithless; He remains faithful. For he cannot disown himself." II Timothy 2:13. This scripture means when we lack faith or fail in our promises, God remains faithful to His character and promises because He cannot deny Himself. 

That was the experience of the wisest King Solomon. He witnessed how God fulfilled his promises, so after his prayer of dedication of the temple, he blessed the Israelites, saying, "Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses." I Kings 8:56

            According to these scriptures, if God is eternally reliable and steadfast in his promises to people, how about Jesus? "As Moses was faithful as a servant in all God's house,.. but Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house. And we are his house." Hebrews 3:5. Can we even fathom what it means for us to be God's house, and Jesus has been committed to us? What comfort should that give us? Jesus is committed to me and to all of us because He loves us.

 

            One of the promises that Jesus made to us, his children, is that He would never leave us nor forsake us, even unto the end of the age; He will be with us, Matt 28:20. Jesus is faithful to protect us from evil, II Thes 3:3. He sets limits on our temptations, I Cor 10:13. When we confess our sins, he is faithful to forgive them I John 1:9. In this world people change but Jesus never changes He is the same yesterday today and forever, Heb 13:8, so we can depend on Him.

II. Benefits of Growing in Faithfulness

Growing in Faithfulness carries several benefits. In the scriptures, we often see loyalty and Faithfulness go together. Prov 3:3-4, "Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people,  and you will earn a good reputation." (NLT).

Prov 14:22, "those who plan what is good find love and Faithfulness." (NIV). Prov 16:6, "By loyalty and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, And by the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil." (RSV) Proverbs 20:28, "Loyalty and Faithfulness preserve the king.  And his throne is upheld by righteousness." (RSV). In English, loyalty and Faithfulness are synonyms.

"Loyalty means the state or quality of being loyal; Faithfulness to commitments or obligations."[2] "In the Bible, the concept of loyalty is purely relational. This means our whole being is thoroughly committed to someone (Joshua 24:15). The two greatest commandments express such loyalty in both the divine and human realms: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength," and "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mk 12:29-31)."[3] God calls us to be loyal to Him but to one another.

Ruth, a foreigner, embodied loyalty, as she demonstrated her devotion and duty to her Jewish mother-in-law: ^"Ruth said, 'Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God." Ruth 1:16. Ruth sacrificed her youthfulness in the service of her aging mother-in-law in Bethlehem. God honored her loyalty and made her an ancestor of the ruler of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ, who was going to be born in that little town of Bethlehem."

III. Growing in Faithfulness in God's Service and Of One Another.

            A faithful God wants us to be faithful in all aspects of our lives, not only in our family and the Church but also at our workplace. Being faithful means you are hard-working, doing everything with diligence and integrity. You are a man or a woman of your word, which means you do what you say you will do, even if it hurts. People can rely on you. How faithful are you?

Growing in Faithfulness means growing in our loyalty to God and to one another. This growth doesn't happen by mere words, but through acts of service. Jesus demonstrated his loyalty to his friends not just by serving them and ultimately giving up His life for them.

When God calls people to serve His great plan of redemption, he often calls those who are insignificant and from obscure places. Who would have thought that God, bypassing all the prominent cities, would choose Bethlehem to be a birthplace for the future rule of the world, the King of His Kingdom? "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." Micah 5:2. A little town of Bethlehem played a BIG role in God's plan.

Similarly, God is bringing people who are not so significant and from obscure places into His Church worldwide. The best way to grow in Faithfulness is by serving in your family and in the family of God, the local Church where you belong. For many, it is Hope Church for now.

In Romans 12:3-13, the Apostle Paul encourages the believers to grow in their humble service in the local Church. He acknowledges that each member of the Church is given a gift to serve one another. Whatever that gift may be, we are to use it diligently and cheerfully.

We are called to be devoted or loyal to one another in love, never lacking in zeal, keeping our spiritual fervor, and serving the Lord. We are to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Be generous towards the Lord's people who are in need—practice hospitality.

 I see several of you growing in Faithfulness by using your gifts and serving the Lord in Hope Church. Many of our Deacons, Trustees, and other ministry leaders are aging. We are not growing any younger. If Hope Church is to survive for another ten years, we need younger people to step up and serve in various roles, as our future depends on them. Whether you are young or old, a new believer or a seasoned believer, growing in Faithfulness depends on the Holy Spirit, as Faithfulness is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Gal 5:22.

 

  

 

 

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[1] https://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/faithfulness

[2] Collins Dictionary

[3] https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-loyalty.html

Be Hopeful

                                                                       BE HOPEFUL

During my recent encounter with acute abdominal pain and a subsequent seven-day hospitalization, I saw and met more people suffering from pain. Amid my unbearable pain, I cried out to God for help through the prayers of family and friends. I eagerly looked at teams of young doctors and nurses, hoping that they would help me be free of pain and be healthy again.

I even told the doctors, "I am emotionally and spiritually doing well, but my physical health is in your hands, and I trust that you will make me well." A couple of times, I felt as if I was not going to make it, especially when I was being driven in the ambulance. Other nights staying up in the hospital bed, both arms poked with IV vials, with an accelerated heart rate and uncontrollable blood pressure, I thought perhaps this may be my last night. I may die alone here!

I was not afraid to die because I knew with certainty where I would spend the rest of my life when I die, in heaven with God. But what was more unbearable was the thought of not being able to see and hold my lovely wife, my children, and especially our five-month-old grandchild, and the one that is yet to be born soon. All along, I have not given up trusting God for a miracle. What kept me going was my Hope in God and my determination to stay alive for my family.

Lo and behold, God heard our prayers. He intervened! The pain was gone. Through all the incredible efforts of these efficient young doctors, nurses, and a supportive own and my church family, I was healed and on the road to normal health. However, some of my doctors are still working with me to address specific concerns related to my health. It's an ongoing process.

When people are emotionally, spiritually, physically, financially, relationally, and socially hurting, the only thing they can hang on to is a rope of Hope. As long as they keep their hopes up, they could be helped. But once they give up Hope, no one can help them. Today, we will explore why Hope is such an integral part of living, how Biblical Hope doesn't disappoint us, and how we can Be Hopeful when everything around us seems hopeless. I Peter 1:1-9

I. Why Hope Is an Integral Part of Life?

We had two young girls join us at our Thanksgiving table. During our conversation, they both said how the past churches they attended had changed their names to Hope Church. It is no coincidence that whenever our Church's name was changed from Evangelical Baptist Church to Hope Church, God saw it coming. People need Hope more than ever, living in a world that is unstable, uncertain, and frightening. It is not by having Hope either in our name or in the name of our Church that we would find Hope, but by trusting in the God who is our Hope.

Why is Hope such an integral part of life? Before we define what Hope is, here are what certain famous people in the world said of Hope: "Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness." Desmond Tutu

"It's always something, to know you've done the most you could. But, don't leave off hoping, or it's of no use doing anything. Hope, hope to the last!" —Charles Dickens.

"Hope is the last thing ever lost." Italian proverb. "And now these three remain: Faith, Hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." The Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 13:13

          When we give some thought, we agree that Hope is essential for living; without it, people and the world will not exist. If Hope is one of the three things that will remain, and it is the last thing we have lost, what is Hope? Where can we find Hope to stay hopeful?

II. What is Hope? A Biblical View

The dictionary defines Hope as a feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen. We often use the word 'Hope' this way, for instance, if someone asks you, 'Do you think the Sun will shine tomorrow?' We will respond, "I hope so." In other words, we desire and expect a bright and sunny day, but given the gloomy and dark days, we are not confident. You are going for a job interview, and your close friend asks, "Do you think you will get this job?"

We cross our fingers without saying the words, but in reality, we're saying, "I may not get it." The word Hope in English often conveys doubt and uncertainty. In this world, people hope for something, but they do not know whether they will get it, given their disappointments. In contrast, the Biblical Hope is quite the opposite, as it is based on God who doesn't disappoint us.

The very words for Hope, both in Hebrew and Greek, exude confidence and certainty. In the OT, the Hebrew word batah conveys confidence, security, and a sense of being without care; therefore, the concept of doubt is not part of this word. Consider these scriptures: Psalm 16:9. "Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely." (NASB).

Psalm 22:9. "Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother's breasts." (NASB). "In these scriptures, the word Hope denotes: trust, confidence, security, joy, and reliance on God and His word. In most New Testament instances, the word Hope is the Greek elpis/elpizo. Again, there is no doubt attached to this word.

Therefore, we could define biblical Hope as a confident expectation or assurance based on a firm foundation, for which we wait with joy and patient endurance. That sure foundation is God and His promises. When the Psalmist said, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your Hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Psalm 42:11.The Psalmist is not saying, "I hope so, or I am crossing my fingers." No! Based on God's past deliverances and provision, he preaches to his soul to wait for God to come through.

For many OT believers, putting their Hope in God is not only a personal experience but also a collective practice. When calamities hit them, they collectively would cry out to God, saying, "We wait in Hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our Hope in you." Psalm 33:20-22. When troubles hit us, where do we place our Hope, in people or God?

III. Be Hopeful

For many in this world, it is hard to remain hopeful as they witness so much chaos and uncertainty, placing their Hope in human leaders who often fail to deliver what they promised.

On the contrary, the followers of Christ can be hopeful in the midst of a failing economy, famine, earthquakes, and wars. What is the difference? The difference is in whom you put your Hope. Biblical Hope begins and ends in God Himself and His eternal Word. Isaiah prophesied to a distressed people, those whom God humbled as they came through several wars.

He prophesied that people living in darkness would see a great light at the birth of God's Son and the dawn of His eternal Kingdom of Peace and righteousness. Isaiah's prophecy made God's people Hopeful. After centuries, the Apostle Peter, a broken man himself, wrote to God's elect, scattered throughout the world, living under the threat of persecution.

Some traditions say that soon after writing the letters, Peter was crucified upside down by the emperor Nero between 64 and 68 AD. He gave them three Biblical truths that would help them remain hopeful and endure persecution joyfully. These truths can also help us stay hopeful.

Truth Number One: Vs 3, Our Father God, in his mercy, through Christ's resurrection, gave us a new birth into a living Hope. We, as Christians, are people born of Hope. Truth Number Two: Vs. 4. We have an eternal inheritance of God's presence which can never perish, spoil, or fade. Unlike the gold and the riches of this world, what God has for us endures forever.

 

Truth Number Three: We rejoice when we face trials as they strengthen our faith, which is of greater worth than gold. How could we rejoice during our struggles? By fixing our eyes upon Jesus, who is the author and the finisher of our faith. All these years, it is the believers in other parts of the world who have suffered persecution for their faith, yet they remained faithful.

 

Now it is the time for the Christians in the Western world. What gives us courage and strength amid challenges and possible persecution? Remember these hope-giving scriptures: Jer 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you Hope and a future. Psalm 33:18, "But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose Hope is in his unfailing love." Psalm 130:5, "wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,  and in his word I put my Hope. On this first Sunday of Advent, my prayer for all of us is this: May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13.