WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 The great Japanese philosopher and house declutterer Marie Kondo 00:00:06.480 --> 00:00:12.580 called us to throw away things that don't spark joy. 00:00:13.120 --> 00:00:16.980 She made us ask that great question, does it spark joy? 00:00:17.160 --> 00:00:17.920 Do you remember this? 00:00:18.000 --> 00:00:19.000 It was a couple of years ago. 00:00:19.580 --> 00:00:23.260 We'd take something and think, how does this make me feel? 00:00:23.339 --> 00:00:24.339 Does it spark joy? 00:00:25.300 --> 00:00:27.280 I was tempted to pick up my children and ask that question. 00:00:27.359 --> 00:00:27.940 No, I didn't do that. 00:00:27.980 --> 00:00:28.359 That's okay. 00:00:28.359 --> 00:00:33.079 Joy, defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, 00:00:33.359 --> 00:00:38.619 is a feeling of pleasure or happiness that comes from success, 00:00:39.259 --> 00:00:42.500 good fortune, or a sense of well-being. 00:00:43.460 --> 00:00:46.000 That seems to be the worldview of most of us. 00:00:46.719 --> 00:00:51.239 I am built for joy based on the things that I have, 00:00:51.620 --> 00:00:54.200 the things that I hold, the things that I can achieve, 00:00:54.200 --> 00:00:58.340 and I will pursue joy at the expense of other things. 00:00:58.540 --> 00:01:00.700 I will hold some things, they will give me joy, 00:01:00.880 --> 00:01:04.340 I'll hold some things and I'll put them in the bin because they do not bring me joy. 00:01:06.100 --> 00:01:11.079 Joy, according to Marie Kondo, is about having the right stuff, 00:01:11.719 --> 00:01:14.159 or the right amount of the right stuff. 00:01:14.159 --> 00:01:20.759 And that dictionary definition of joy, well, I think we'd all like some of that. 00:01:21.640 --> 00:01:24.759 Joy from a sense of well-being and good fortune. 00:01:25.420 --> 00:01:29.719 And I think that's been pretty hard to have over the last couple of years. 00:01:30.759 --> 00:01:37.199 Can we depend on something so intangible as well-being or good fortune to find joy? 00:01:37.200 --> 00:01:39.939 Here's another definition of joy. 00:01:40.100 --> 00:01:43.359 This is Pastor John Piper from the US, his definition of joy. 00:01:44.100 --> 00:01:49.079 Christian joy is a good feeling produced in the soul, 00:01:49.159 --> 00:01:51.620 feeling in the soul produced by the Holy Spirit, 00:01:52.180 --> 00:01:58.159 as he causes us to see the beauty of Christ in the word and in the world. 00:01:58.600 --> 00:02:01.600 There's a little bit more going on there, so let me just unpack that briefly. 00:02:02.060 --> 00:02:03.460 Joy is a feeling. 00:02:03.459 --> 00:02:03.599 It's a feeling. 00:02:04.799 --> 00:02:11.479 It's a feeling found in the soul, not in the head, not in the mind. 00:02:12.319 --> 00:02:15.859 It is not just an idea, but it is something that comes upon us. 00:02:15.900 --> 00:02:17.159 It is a feeling that comes. 00:02:18.219 --> 00:02:20.400 It's produced by the Holy Spirit. 00:02:21.180 --> 00:02:23.519 It's not produced by things. 00:02:23.659 --> 00:02:27.719 There is no shortcut to real joy, but it is from God. 00:02:27.719 --> 00:02:36.719 And we find it in the beauty of Christ, as we see it in his word and in the world. 00:02:37.319 --> 00:02:43.020 So as we sit down and do, you know, as we seek to do four or more devotions, 00:02:43.120 --> 00:02:47.460 seek to read the Bible, or as we see the impact of God in the world, 00:02:47.479 --> 00:02:52.199 as we've heard briefly today about what God is doing in Japan and in Germany. 00:02:52.199 --> 00:03:02.099 So one view of joy says it's found in the things we have or the things that we chase in a temporary way. 00:03:02.560 --> 00:03:09.139 And the other says it is from God and it is not temporary because our God is not temporary. 00:03:09.139 --> 00:03:15.519 I wonder if we know where we are seeking our joy from, 00:03:16.279 --> 00:03:20.179 or if we end up getting stuck chasing fake joys. 00:03:21.599 --> 00:03:27.919 Looking at myself, I'm actually worried that I won't even chase joy in this season 00:03:27.919 --> 00:03:30.019 because it's too great of a risk. 00:03:30.219 --> 00:03:33.899 And so instead, I will just try to avoid pain. 00:03:34.199 --> 00:03:35.579 I'll avoid difficulties. 00:03:35.580 --> 00:03:38.640 And so I don't want to have real lows. 00:03:38.860 --> 00:03:43.240 So I'm not going to try and do real highs, try and work hard to get real highs instead. 00:03:43.920 --> 00:03:49.380 Because it has been a hard season, joy just seems far away. 00:03:50.880 --> 00:03:56.360 And so this week we are starting a short four-week season in the book of Philippians, 00:03:56.860 --> 00:03:58.280 united by joy. 00:03:58.280 --> 00:04:07.180 Two weeks ago in chapter 15 of Romans, Paul spoke about how he longed to visit the church in Rome. 00:04:07.639 --> 00:04:09.120 And he's now achieved it. 00:04:09.420 --> 00:04:10.099 It's wonderful. 00:04:10.759 --> 00:04:11.979 It's just a slight problem. 00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:13.500 He's in prison. 00:04:14.300 --> 00:04:20.180 He wanted to go and visit the church, but he can't because he's under arrest. 00:04:20.360 --> 00:04:21.300 He's under lock and key. 00:04:21.300 --> 00:04:28.220 And so while he's in Rome, he writes this letter to encourage the Philippian church that he planted. 00:04:29.520 --> 00:04:35.860 And so today, as we see this letter that Paul writes to the church in Philippi, 00:04:36.520 --> 00:04:42.259 we're going to start building a picture of what real joy is, true and lasting joy. 00:04:42.580 --> 00:04:44.580 A joy that is deeply satisfying. 00:04:45.160 --> 00:04:49.720 Our one key aspect of that joy that we find is in relationship with others. 00:04:49.720 --> 00:04:52.840 And so today, there are three points for us. 00:04:52.900 --> 00:04:54.260 You can find them on the St. Paul's app. 00:04:54.780 --> 00:04:55.620 Have that open. 00:04:55.980 --> 00:04:57.180 Have your Bible open. 00:04:57.700 --> 00:04:58.280 Three points. 00:04:58.540 --> 00:04:59.460 Joy in relationships. 00:05:00.140 --> 00:05:01.120 Joyful ambition. 00:05:01.680 --> 00:05:02.880 And joyful sacrifice. 00:05:03.540 --> 00:05:05.540 Let me pray and we'll have a look. 00:05:05.940 --> 00:05:08.280 Heavenly Father, I thank you for your word to us. 00:05:09.440 --> 00:05:16.080 Father, I pray that today, as we read your word, we would see the beauty of Christ. 00:05:16.079 --> 00:05:22.279 That we would find joy in you, not in temporary things, Lord. 00:05:23.099 --> 00:05:24.419 We ask this in Jesus' name. 00:05:24.699 --> 00:05:25.039 Amen. 00:05:26.899 --> 00:05:28.199 United by joy. 00:05:28.360 --> 00:05:31.300 And so first of all, we see some joyful relationships. 00:05:32.000 --> 00:05:39.000 When Paul starts writing his letters, he often writes about how much he has affection for a church. 00:05:39.000 --> 00:05:44.379 And Philippians, the letter to the Philippians, is just such a delightful start to a letter. 00:05:44.680 --> 00:05:48.060 He has such deep affection for these people. 00:05:49.379 --> 00:05:50.660 He loves them dearly. 00:05:51.420 --> 00:05:52.800 Chapter 1, verse 3. 00:05:52.879 --> 00:05:57.319 I thank my God every time I remember you. 00:05:58.180 --> 00:06:02.639 And he prays with joy in all of my prayers for all of you. 00:06:02.639 --> 00:06:11.259 I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 00:06:11.620 --> 00:06:15.079 Paul gets joy from this church partnership. 00:06:16.159 --> 00:06:17.500 He gets real joy. 00:06:17.939 --> 00:06:25.339 That definition from Piper, he is getting to see the impact of the beauty of Christ in the world. 00:06:26.039 --> 00:06:32.099 He is seeing how God is impacting this church and it is giving him joy. 00:06:33.519 --> 00:06:35.459 They are sharing the good news of Jesus. 00:06:35.459 --> 00:06:41.599 They are growing like Paul and they are growing in God confidence. 00:06:43.000 --> 00:06:46.919 The way Paul describes where he gets his joy, it's really helpful. 00:06:47.079 --> 00:06:48.759 It's really instructive for us. 00:06:49.039 --> 00:06:50.879 He gets it from a partnership with them. 00:06:52.099 --> 00:06:57.199 His joy is not just from the fact that these people are like him. 00:06:57.199 --> 00:07:03.199 He is not saying, I have great affection from you, Philippians church, because you are like me. 00:07:03.279 --> 00:07:04.360 We have a lot in common. 00:07:05.300 --> 00:07:07.879 We are doing similar kinds of things. 00:07:09.480 --> 00:07:14.300 He doesn't just have affection for them because they are easy to love. 00:07:14.300 --> 00:07:17.980 It's not just like, you know, those memes of cute puppies you see. 00:07:18.180 --> 00:07:20.000 Oh, I have such affection for you. 00:07:20.060 --> 00:07:20.759 You're adorable. 00:07:21.879 --> 00:07:25.199 He doesn't just get joy sitting next to them in church singing the same songs. 00:07:25.259 --> 00:07:28.540 He doesn't get joy just from having a coffee over morning tea. 00:07:29.460 --> 00:07:33.319 He doesn't even get joy from having a meal with them after church. 00:07:33.680 --> 00:07:38.460 These are places to start a relationship or to continue to build. 00:07:38.459 --> 00:07:41.079 But he gets joy from partnership. 00:07:43.159 --> 00:07:45.000 They are co-workers. 00:07:45.719 --> 00:07:48.560 They have the same drive, the same vision. 00:07:49.139 --> 00:07:52.659 Jesus is continuing the good work in them. 00:07:53.639 --> 00:07:57.959 They want to love Jesus more and they want to see more people love Jesus. 00:07:59.339 --> 00:08:02.719 The New Testament often uses this partnership word. 00:08:03.299 --> 00:08:07.319 And it's a bit strange when you read in the original language because it's a business term. 00:08:08.459 --> 00:08:11.620 It's a picture of two people getting into business together. 00:08:12.839 --> 00:08:16.159 It's like somebody buying a company, a bus company or something. 00:08:16.319 --> 00:08:16.899 You know, two people. 00:08:17.060 --> 00:08:20.639 We're both going to invest all of our life savings into this company. 00:08:20.639 --> 00:08:22.180 We are both invested. 00:08:22.479 --> 00:08:24.180 We both need this to work. 00:08:25.659 --> 00:08:28.219 This is the idea of Paul. 00:08:28.799 --> 00:08:31.139 We have both committed to this. 00:08:32.460 --> 00:08:34.460 We both love Jesus. 00:08:34.639 --> 00:08:38.220 We both want to see him known in the world. 00:08:38.460 --> 00:08:42.320 We both want to see Christianity flourish across the world. 00:08:44.300 --> 00:08:47.680 There is warmth and intimacy here. 00:08:47.679 --> 00:08:53.000 Because Paul has a shared vision with them. 00:08:54.099 --> 00:08:56.539 These people are going in the same direction. 00:08:57.739 --> 00:09:00.979 And he is thanking these brothers and sisters that from the moment of conversion, 00:09:01.159 --> 00:09:05.339 they have rolled up their sleeves and they've gotten involved in the advancement of the gospel. 00:09:05.759 --> 00:09:06.659 They've served. 00:09:07.239 --> 00:09:08.259 They've shared the gospel. 00:09:08.399 --> 00:09:09.439 They've prayed for Paul. 00:09:09.679 --> 00:09:10.699 They've sent money. 00:09:10.700 --> 00:09:15.160 It is all a picture of what is important in church partnership. 00:09:17.120 --> 00:09:24.120 Back when I was in Moore College, many, many years ago now, it was a really unique time. 00:09:24.960 --> 00:09:31.580 It was, on the one hand, wonderful because I just had four years of studying theology and studying God's word. 00:09:31.580 --> 00:09:36.540 But one of the unique joys was that at the time we lived in Parramatta. 00:09:37.220 --> 00:09:39.500 And there's just a unique joy from living in Parramatta. 00:09:40.860 --> 00:09:45.940 And we lived with 18 other families in the exact same situation. 00:09:47.379 --> 00:09:50.780 They were all studying and serving in church. 00:09:50.779 --> 00:09:53.860 And we were all going through the exact same things. 00:09:54.019 --> 00:10:03.199 And there was a joy to see each of us flourishing, to see them succeeding in what God was teaching them to do. 00:10:03.959 --> 00:10:06.220 And so there was a joy in church partnership going, 00:10:06.419 --> 00:10:08.500 oh, look, you know, this person, he's the year ahead of me. 00:10:08.559 --> 00:10:09.959 They're going out to a church now. 00:10:10.019 --> 00:10:11.079 They're serving in a church. 00:10:11.559 --> 00:10:13.799 Isn't that amazing that they're doing that now? 00:10:13.799 --> 00:10:21.459 Gospel ministry, when we deeply partner, there is joy to be found there. 00:10:22.859 --> 00:10:29.139 That definition from John Piper of joy, a feeling of joy. 00:10:29.319 --> 00:10:33.299 Paul is getting a feeling of joy, not brought from a success he has had, 00:10:33.859 --> 00:10:39.039 but from seeing the impact of Christ's work in someone else's life. 00:10:40.019 --> 00:10:41.759 They are going in the same direction. 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:46.080 The Philippian church has been changed to be like Jesus. 00:10:46.600 --> 00:10:54.179 They have been so impacted by the beauty of Jesus that Paul gets joy from them as they're going in the same direction. 00:10:55.819 --> 00:11:00.360 Church, we as a church missed out on something last week. 00:11:01.439 --> 00:11:03.480 We missed out on something quite unique. 00:11:04.659 --> 00:11:08.460 We had a prayer afternoon on Zoom with our mission partners. 00:11:09.240 --> 00:11:11.179 And there was only a couple of us that attended. 00:11:11.759 --> 00:11:21.179 And we actually missed out on having an opportunity to encourage and hear from our missionaries directly over Zoom. 00:11:21.319 --> 00:11:24.379 It's one of the strange things that came out of COVID last year, 00:11:25.019 --> 00:11:30.659 being able to have our mission partners in the same online room as us. 00:11:30.659 --> 00:11:43.059 And we as a church missed out on being there and hearing from them directly and praying for them and getting the joy that comes from deep gospel partnership. 00:11:43.059 --> 00:11:46.379 So let me be encouraging you. 00:11:46.379 --> 00:11:48.199 Know what they're up to. 00:11:49.500 --> 00:11:55.279 Check the emails and be reading in the mission book about what our mission partners are doing. 00:11:55.699 --> 00:11:57.039 Be praying for them. 00:11:57.659 --> 00:12:04.739 Send them an email so that we can have joy from seeing Christ work across the world. 00:12:04.740 --> 00:12:16.240 Paul is so focused on seeing people saved and starting churches that he, in one sense, doesn't care how it happens. 00:12:17.060 --> 00:12:19.960 He has such a joyful ambition for the gospel. 00:12:20.080 --> 00:12:21.060 It's our second point today. 00:12:21.680 --> 00:12:24.480 That, in one sense, he doesn't care about how it happens. 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:27.800 And he talks about, let me go forward. 00:12:28.460 --> 00:12:29.139 Thank you. 00:12:30.379 --> 00:12:31.560 Yes, thank you. 00:12:31.620 --> 00:12:32.120 Verse 12. 00:12:32.659 --> 00:12:36.100 Paul continues by talking about the elephant in the room. 00:12:37.800 --> 00:12:39.420 He is in prison. 00:12:40.759 --> 00:12:44.460 I can imagine people in the church in Philippi going, oh, there's a letter from Paul. 00:12:44.680 --> 00:12:45.460 He sent us a letter. 00:12:45.779 --> 00:12:47.100 He's the guy that's in prison. 00:12:47.560 --> 00:12:49.019 Should we really listen to him? 00:12:50.019 --> 00:12:54.819 Well, he can't be really spreading the gospel in Rome if he's stuck in prison, can he? 00:12:55.059 --> 00:12:57.759 If he's locked up, should we even listen to this letter being read out? 00:12:58.919 --> 00:13:05.360 And as he answers this question, it reveals his joyful ambitions. 00:13:06.899 --> 00:13:07.460 Verse 12. 00:13:07.819 --> 00:13:12.100 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me, 00:13:12.319 --> 00:13:17.120 the fact that he's been arrested and he's in prison, has actually served to advance the gospel. 00:13:17.120 --> 00:13:19.419 I wanted to come to Rome. 00:13:19.779 --> 00:13:21.899 I wanted to advance the gospel here. 00:13:22.840 --> 00:13:26.879 And even change to these soldiers, this has advanced the gospel. 00:13:27.340 --> 00:13:28.560 It's happened in three ways. 00:13:28.659 --> 00:13:30.679 The first way, the palace guard. 00:13:31.139 --> 00:13:34.879 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard 00:13:34.879 --> 00:13:38.320 and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 00:13:40.100 --> 00:13:45.919 Historians tell us that the palace guard, the praetorian guard, was 9,000 soldiers. 00:13:47.120 --> 00:13:54.139 Paul is such an extraordinary prisoner who he has made it clear that he is there 00:13:54.139 --> 00:13:59.100 because of a dead Jewish rabbi who he claims has come back to life. 00:13:59.879 --> 00:14:07.060 Instead of protesting his innocence or trying to curry favor in the Roman court, 00:14:07.480 --> 00:14:10.940 he is talking about a man who has been raised to life. 00:14:10.940 --> 00:14:17.380 Paul was so unique that stories spread around about him, 00:14:18.060 --> 00:14:22.800 but also about Jesus because it was for Jesus that he was in chains. 00:14:23.840 --> 00:14:27.660 Paul wanted to go to Rome and have an impact for the gospel. 00:14:28.900 --> 00:14:33.980 He would never have dreamt of being able to impact 9,000 soldiers 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:36.940 and the whole palace with the gospel. 00:14:37.659 --> 00:14:41.440 It's almost like he's infiltrated the palace as a spy, 00:14:42.300 --> 00:14:43.940 but under lock and key. 00:14:45.200 --> 00:14:48.700 It is such a wonderful accidental turn of events. 00:14:49.700 --> 00:14:52.100 It's clearly only God at work. 00:14:53.259 --> 00:14:58.480 He has that feeling of joy seeing God at work in the world. 00:14:58.480 --> 00:15:06.379 The second impact of his confinement is in verse 14. 00:15:06.500 --> 00:15:11.960 Because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord 00:15:11.960 --> 00:15:15.700 and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. 00:15:17.800 --> 00:15:18.340 Oh, wow. 00:15:18.460 --> 00:15:21.940 Paul, he's in prison and he's still preaching the gospel. 00:15:21.940 --> 00:15:24.180 He can face persecution. 00:15:25.160 --> 00:15:28.400 And we'll get to the persecution that he's facing in chapter 4 later 00:15:28.400 --> 00:15:33.000 when he says that he can endure all of this because of God who strengthens him. 00:15:33.560 --> 00:15:35.700 But he is an encouragement to others. 00:15:37.420 --> 00:15:39.020 And I love Paul's descriptions here. 00:15:39.540 --> 00:15:42.900 These people have become confident in the Lord. 00:15:43.360 --> 00:15:43.780 Confident. 00:15:43.920 --> 00:15:45.120 That's what we want, isn't it? 00:15:45.120 --> 00:15:47.560 We want to have more and more confidence in the Lord. 00:15:47.559 --> 00:15:52.839 And they dare all the more to proclaim without fear. 00:15:54.039 --> 00:15:57.179 Now this really takes me back to my primary school years. 00:15:58.019 --> 00:16:01.019 When was the last time someone dared you to do something? 00:16:02.479 --> 00:16:03.719 When was the last time someone said, 00:16:03.879 --> 00:16:04.279 I dare you. 00:16:04.459 --> 00:16:05.459 I double dare you. 00:16:07.399 --> 00:16:09.459 That was the language of me growing up. 00:16:09.879 --> 00:16:12.159 I think I had this moment. 00:16:12.419 --> 00:16:13.000 Well, not I. 00:16:13.639 --> 00:16:16.059 My wife with the kids were out yesterday at the beach. 00:16:16.059 --> 00:16:23.279 I think my darling daughter was daring my son to climb up a rock wall. 00:16:23.699 --> 00:16:25.479 And he did because he doesn't have any fear. 00:16:26.159 --> 00:16:28.619 And then he fell down and sliced the bottom side of his toe. 00:16:28.939 --> 00:16:29.339 He's fine. 00:16:31.439 --> 00:16:33.079 But this concept of dare. 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:36.459 I dare you to go up to them and tell them about Jesus. 00:16:39.299 --> 00:16:43.659 I wonder if there, for me, there is similarities with language learning. 00:16:43.659 --> 00:16:49.219 Because for me, we need to be dared to do things because there's fear. 00:16:49.659 --> 00:16:52.379 I think this is why children and maybe young men do it. 00:16:52.399 --> 00:16:53.100 I dare you. 00:16:53.259 --> 00:16:55.039 Because we want to show that we don't have fear. 00:16:55.059 --> 00:16:55.779 I don't have fear. 00:16:56.219 --> 00:16:57.019 I'm not fearful. 00:16:57.899 --> 00:17:00.459 I'm a big kid. 00:17:00.539 --> 00:17:01.139 I'm a man. 00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:01.799 So dare me. 00:17:01.860 --> 00:17:02.559 Do whatever you like. 00:17:03.740 --> 00:17:06.019 And so for me, I see similarities with language learning. 00:17:06.779 --> 00:17:10.839 It's often described as being really hard for adults to learn another language. 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:13.720 Children are better at language learning, I hear. 00:17:14.539 --> 00:17:16.359 And there's probably truth to that. 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:20.579 But I've also heard that adults can learn language faster than children. 00:17:21.639 --> 00:17:23.179 But the problem is fear. 00:17:24.339 --> 00:17:30.399 You can compare a two-year-old and a 42-year-old in their language learning. 00:17:30.879 --> 00:17:33.359 A two-year-old does not have fear. 00:17:34.079 --> 00:17:36.319 So they stumble and they mumble. 00:17:36.639 --> 00:17:38.539 They say whatever they need to communicate. 00:17:38.539 --> 00:17:43.539 My three-year-old nephew, I cannot understand about 50% of what he says. 00:17:44.119 --> 00:17:46.559 But I get the rough enough gist of it. 00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:48.220 That's how we learn language. 00:17:49.399 --> 00:17:53.740 But an adult will often not say anything unless it is perfect. 00:17:54.680 --> 00:17:57.000 Because they are fearful of getting it wrong. 00:17:58.000 --> 00:18:01.379 Being looked down on, I must say the perfect things. 00:18:01.480 --> 00:18:02.579 I must have the perfect grammar. 00:18:02.920 --> 00:18:04.099 I must have the perfect tones. 00:18:04.220 --> 00:18:05.519 I must know all of the words. 00:18:05.519 --> 00:18:08.400 I must know everything before I say anything. 00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:11.819 Fear rules the adult. 00:18:13.139 --> 00:18:15.539 Isn't this the same when it comes to sharing the gospel? 00:18:16.400 --> 00:18:18.579 What if I don't know what I'm going to say? 00:18:19.160 --> 00:18:20.960 What if I don't have all of the words? 00:18:21.639 --> 00:18:22.799 What if I get it wrong? 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:26.240 What if they say something back to me and I don't know how to answer it? 00:18:26.240 --> 00:18:31.720 I wonder if this is often why our kids are better evangelists. 00:18:32.599 --> 00:18:33.700 Hey, come to my church. 00:18:33.900 --> 00:18:34.980 Hey, come to youth group. 00:18:35.660 --> 00:18:37.400 Come to this lunchtime group at school. 00:18:37.980 --> 00:18:38.500 There's food. 00:18:39.599 --> 00:18:42.460 And they're not as fearful of being knocked down. 00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:48.960 The Roman church, seeing Paul in chains, sharing the gospel, 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:54.380 it grew their confidence in God and not in themselves. 00:18:54.380 --> 00:18:57.300 And so they were not controlled by fear. 00:18:58.320 --> 00:19:01.320 They dared to share the gospel. 00:19:02.480 --> 00:19:03.500 Making mistakes. 00:19:04.520 --> 00:19:05.640 Stumbling, I'm sure. 00:19:06.180 --> 00:19:10.360 But learning to speak the language of how good Jesus is. 00:19:11.860 --> 00:19:13.840 And so brothers and sisters, let me encourage you. 00:19:14.600 --> 00:19:15.200 Share the gospel. 00:19:16.600 --> 00:19:18.060 Don't be motivated by fear. 00:19:19.060 --> 00:19:21.080 But by confidence in God. 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:23.839 And do you know what? 00:19:23.879 --> 00:19:28.359 If the series throughout the book of Romans hasn't given us confidence in God, 00:19:28.399 --> 00:19:33.259 I don't know what will because that is wonderful truth about God 00:19:33.259 --> 00:19:37.199 and how he is sovereign and good and he is in control of all things 00:19:37.199 --> 00:19:38.359 and he works in us. 00:19:38.359 --> 00:19:51.659 The third thing that Paul finds is that he is joyful and has joyful ambition 00:19:51.659 --> 00:19:55.839 despite how the gospel goes out. 00:19:56.740 --> 00:19:59.839 Paul was so motivated by seeing the gospel go out, 00:20:00.079 --> 00:20:02.459 he did not care how it went out. 00:20:02.599 --> 00:20:04.559 For him personally, in prison, didn't care. 00:20:04.639 --> 00:20:05.779 I'll tell these people around me. 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:08.839 They'll tell others and they'll come back to me and they'll find out more. 00:20:09.720 --> 00:20:12.680 He is so ambitious for people to know about Jesus. 00:20:13.059 --> 00:20:14.839 He is so motivated by joy. 00:20:15.039 --> 00:20:17.759 He doesn't care if others have bad motives. 00:20:19.099 --> 00:20:19.700 Verse 15. 00:20:19.700 --> 00:20:24.580 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:26.480 but others out of goodwill. 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:28.160 The latter do so out of love, 00:20:28.460 --> 00:20:30.680 knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 00:20:31.700 --> 00:20:34.460 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, 00:20:35.299 --> 00:20:36.140 not sincerely, 00:20:36.600 --> 00:20:39.600 supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:43.319 It seems that there are factions within the church, 00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:47.720 those who have good and those who have poor motives. 00:20:47.720 --> 00:20:51.559 It seems as if there were preachers and leaders within the church 00:20:51.559 --> 00:20:54.559 building up their own ministry while putting down Paul's. 00:20:55.160 --> 00:20:57.000 Paul must have deep character flaws. 00:20:57.579 --> 00:21:00.440 He must have all kinds of issues and that's why he's in prison. 00:21:00.860 --> 00:21:02.019 I'm not in prison. 00:21:02.200 --> 00:21:02.980 I'm blessed out here. 00:21:03.059 --> 00:21:04.460 God is blessing me and my ministry. 00:21:06.640 --> 00:21:09.079 Now, I'm not sure how you'd respond in that situation. 00:21:09.960 --> 00:21:12.380 I'm not sure if you'd feel the need to defend yourself. 00:21:12.380 --> 00:21:15.120 But Paul's response in verse 18, 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:17.100 what does it matter? 00:21:18.180 --> 00:21:18.860 What does it matter? 00:21:19.160 --> 00:21:21.340 The important thing is that in every way, 00:21:21.440 --> 00:21:23.100 whether from false motives or from true, 00:21:23.540 --> 00:21:25.280 Christ is preached. 00:21:26.320 --> 00:21:27.580 And because of this, I rejoice. 00:21:29.160 --> 00:21:29.900 What does it matter? 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:31.060 Christ is being preached. 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:32.800 I will rejoice. 00:21:34.260 --> 00:21:35.520 Paul's example is clear. 00:21:35.519 --> 00:21:39.839 Put the advance of the gospel at the center of our ambitions, 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:41.519 our own comforts, 00:21:42.639 --> 00:21:44.079 our own bruised feelings, 00:21:44.220 --> 00:21:45.299 our own reputations, 00:21:45.759 --> 00:21:46.940 our misunderstood motives. 00:21:47.000 --> 00:21:49.859 All of these are insignificant compared to the glory, 00:21:50.319 --> 00:21:52.039 the beauty and the goodness of God. 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:52.900 What do they matter? 00:21:55.980 --> 00:21:57.619 And so Paul says to rejoice. 00:21:59.259 --> 00:22:01.920 Paul has a singular vision in life. 00:22:01.920 --> 00:22:08.880 He can be joyful in prison because his ambition isn't about his situation. 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:12.680 His joy is not found in his money, 00:22:12.880 --> 00:22:16.240 his marriage or in the size of his following. 00:22:16.400 --> 00:22:19.019 His joy isn't found in his desire to travel. 00:22:19.180 --> 00:22:22.480 His joy, that feeling in the soul given, 00:22:23.080 --> 00:22:24.480 produced by the Holy Spirit, 00:22:25.320 --> 00:22:28.660 is because he is seeing the beauty of Christ at work in the world. 00:22:29.779 --> 00:22:31.680 People are hearing about Jesus. 00:22:31.920 --> 00:22:35.380 And the church is growing and spreading because of it. 00:22:36.580 --> 00:22:38.680 What are our ambitions for the future? 00:22:39.940 --> 00:22:40.920 Is it to have a good name? 00:22:41.380 --> 00:22:42.340 A good reputation? 00:22:42.680 --> 00:22:43.259 A good house? 00:22:43.300 --> 00:22:43.820 A good job? 00:22:43.860 --> 00:22:44.519 A good marriage? 00:22:45.120 --> 00:22:46.740 To have children and grandchildren? 00:22:47.500 --> 00:22:48.759 To retire early? 00:22:48.860 --> 00:22:49.700 To have good health? 00:22:50.800 --> 00:22:52.340 All of these are good things. 00:22:53.620 --> 00:22:57.220 But the question is whether these ambitions become so devouring 00:22:57.220 --> 00:23:03.160 that the central ambition is squeezed to the side or choked entirely. 00:23:03.160 --> 00:23:09.519 I so care about my reputation that I'm fearful about telling this person about Jesus. 00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:14.759 This relationship is so important that I won't tell them I'm a Christian. 00:23:15.759 --> 00:23:20.500 And even though I'm dating them, it doesn't matter that they are not a Christian. 00:23:20.500 --> 00:23:27.920 This job, this money is so important that it cuts into my time worshipping God with my church 00:23:27.920 --> 00:23:29.519 or meeting with my community group. 00:23:29.680 --> 00:23:33.740 Well, it's worth it because this is my central ambition in life. 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:37.980 We all have ambitions for the future. 00:23:39.339 --> 00:23:40.079 And that's a good thing. 00:23:41.400 --> 00:23:44.900 But they can choke our chance to find true joy 00:23:44.900 --> 00:23:47.059 because those things will never satisfy. 00:23:48.359 --> 00:23:52.120 We think that holding them will spark joy and they might for a moment, 00:23:53.079 --> 00:23:56.440 but not compared to the joy found in the eternal God. 00:23:57.720 --> 00:24:00.819 Finally and briefly, joyful sacrifice. 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:06.279 We see Paul struggling with his desire to be with Jesus 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:08.659 and his desire to serve the church. 00:24:09.259 --> 00:24:11.439 I could preach a whole sermon on this part of Philippians. 00:24:11.559 --> 00:24:13.960 It is quite a famous part of Philippians, but I'm not going to today. 00:24:14.939 --> 00:24:17.019 It's a picture of joyful sacrifice. 00:24:17.720 --> 00:24:21.519 What he will give up so that others can have joy. 00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:23.159 Verse 21. 00:24:24.159 --> 00:24:28.819 For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. 00:24:28.819 --> 00:24:34.779 It's very similar to the construction in the language that Steve spoke about last week. 00:24:35.279 --> 00:24:38.619 For to me to live, Christ. 00:24:39.319 --> 00:24:41.519 And to die, gain. 00:24:42.980 --> 00:24:47.399 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. 00:24:48.200 --> 00:24:49.240 Yet what shall I choose? 00:24:49.299 --> 00:24:50.059 I do not know. 00:24:50.619 --> 00:24:52.119 I am torn between the two. 00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:56.220 I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is by far better. 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:59.100 Paul's experience is so like Jesus's. 00:24:59.579 --> 00:25:02.960 His well-being is so closely tied to other people. 00:25:04.539 --> 00:25:10.100 Jesus, out of joy for us, sacrificed himself. 00:25:11.339 --> 00:25:14.019 And Paul, even though he wants to go and be with Jesus, 00:25:15.299 --> 00:25:18.400 is choosing to stay for other people's well-being. 00:25:18.400 --> 00:25:19.140 Verse 25. 00:25:19.300 --> 00:25:21.060 I know that I will remain. 00:25:21.500 --> 00:25:26.920 And I will continue with all of you for your progress and your joy in the faith. 00:25:28.460 --> 00:25:32.700 His decision about his future is what is best for other people's joy. 00:25:34.060 --> 00:25:36.820 He is so ambitious for the church to have joy. 00:25:37.680 --> 00:25:38.420 He will stay. 00:25:39.100 --> 00:25:43.080 So that they too can have that feeling of joy produced by the Holy Spirit, 00:25:43.519 --> 00:25:46.960 seeing God at work in his word and in the world. 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:54.880 Individually, we are faced with seeking our own personal joys and treasuring Jesus more. 00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:58.660 And so the challenge is about where we are finding our joy. 00:26:00.360 --> 00:26:05.319 Brothers and sisters, to be honest, I'm actually really tired and pretty weary at the moment. 00:26:06.140 --> 00:26:08.039 I'm looking forward to holidays coming up. 00:26:08.079 --> 00:26:12.519 And I know the trap that they are, that I'll find joy in those holidays. 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:17.740 But at 7am this morning, as I stood and looked at my coffee machine, 00:26:17.859 --> 00:26:20.099 thinking about making my second coffee of the morning, 00:26:21.059 --> 00:26:22.539 I felt a fraud. 00:26:23.619 --> 00:26:27.700 I was thinking that I've got to get up and speak about joy. 00:26:28.539 --> 00:26:31.700 And I'm not feeling very joyful. 00:26:31.700 --> 00:26:41.460 And I'm tempted to have a false joy, tempted to have an excitableness produced by caffeine. 00:26:43.539 --> 00:26:45.920 And I took a moment just remembering, 00:26:46.220 --> 00:26:51.360 I'm not sure if it was me or if it was God reminding me of Cheney's video today, 00:26:51.420 --> 00:26:53.400 which I recorded a couple of weeks ago, 00:26:53.400 --> 00:26:57.320 how great it is to hear about how God is working. 00:26:58.880 --> 00:27:02.800 Just that moment of seeing real joy 00:27:02.800 --> 00:27:07.759 that God is seeing people come to know and love him. 00:27:09.220 --> 00:27:15.540 Real joy hearing about the beauty of Jesus being seen across the world. 00:27:16.780 --> 00:27:18.280 And here in us, so brothers and sisters, 00:27:18.279 --> 00:27:21.899 this morning, as we finish in a couple of moments 00:27:21.899 --> 00:27:23.899 and we go out and have caffeine, 00:27:24.079 --> 00:27:25.440 and there's nothing wrong with caffeine, 00:27:27.539 --> 00:27:32.920 it is potential that we will miss out on seeing the impact of God in each of us. 00:27:34.099 --> 00:27:37.220 We can just go through the motions and talk about our days and our weeks 00:27:37.220 --> 00:27:38.940 and how good the weather is. 00:27:38.980 --> 00:27:39.920 And the weather is good. 00:27:40.119 --> 00:27:40.940 And it is lovely. 00:27:41.099 --> 00:27:42.839 And it does make us feel better. 00:27:42.940 --> 00:27:44.279 But it is not joy. 00:27:44.279 --> 00:27:53.639 We can get joy when we see how God is working in each other and in his word. 00:27:54.619 --> 00:27:56.420 So maybe even this morning, you grab a coffee, 00:27:56.519 --> 00:27:57.779 you sit down with someone and read some Bible. 00:27:59.660 --> 00:28:02.700 Or you ask them, how is God shaping you? 00:28:03.399 --> 00:28:04.720 What is God growing in you? 00:28:04.759 --> 00:28:05.899 What is God doing in your life? 00:28:05.960 --> 00:28:06.480 I want to know. 00:28:06.539 --> 00:28:07.359 I want some joy. 00:28:08.440 --> 00:28:10.819 Let me tell you what God is doing in my life. 00:28:10.879 --> 00:28:12.220 Let me give you joy. 00:28:12.220 --> 00:28:14.480 I've been reading this in the Bible. 00:28:14.620 --> 00:28:16.819 This is wonderfully nourishing for me. 00:28:19.620 --> 00:28:22.420 Paul adds a wonderful element of finding joy 00:28:22.420 --> 00:28:28.200 where we see God working in the world and in other people. 00:28:28.680 --> 00:28:32.380 There is a joy that can be found in seeing what God is doing in others. 00:28:33.440 --> 00:28:36.360 Jesus has so blessed us and made us into a family, 00:28:36.460 --> 00:28:38.539 he calls us to be going in the same direction, 00:28:38.539 --> 00:28:44.720 to have true partnership so we can celebrate and rejoice like Paul 00:28:44.720 --> 00:28:48.700 in the impact of God's word and work in our lives. 00:28:49.539 --> 00:28:51.059 Let me pray that we would do that. 00:28:53.359 --> 00:28:59.259 Heavenly Father, I thank you for Paul's words here 00:28:59.259 --> 00:29:07.140 and to see the joy he gets from seeing the impact of you in their lives. 00:29:08.440 --> 00:29:12.480 Lord, thank you for reminders today from Chenny 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:15.940 that you are working in the world. 00:29:17.079 --> 00:29:19.579 God, you are working far away from us 00:29:19.579 --> 00:29:22.579 and you are working deeply within us. 00:29:22.579 --> 00:29:28.819 Lord, help us not to be quick to miss out on that, Lord. 00:29:29.819 --> 00:29:34.619 Help us build deep partnerships in the gospel. 00:29:35.399 --> 00:29:38.179 Not just relationships of knowing one another, 00:29:38.480 --> 00:29:40.960 but of partnerships of loving each other 00:29:40.960 --> 00:29:43.240 and serving you together, Lord. 00:29:43.240 --> 00:29:47.500 Father, we ask that you would be giving us joy 00:29:47.500 --> 00:29:50.339 found only in you today. 00:29:51.140 --> 00:29:52.920 We ask this in your son's name. 00:29:53.299 --> 00:29:53.579 Amen.