The Pursuit of Joy, Week 1: No Matter What

The Pursuit of Joy, Week 1: No Matter What For most, life is all about the pursuit of happiness. We chase after the boy, the girl, the car, the job and the American Dream only to find that happiness is a moving target.  While happiness is short lived and good times are in short supply, there is still the pursuit of something better, something lasting, something called JOY. In this four-week study of the book of Philippians we will go on a quest to unlock the power of joy in our lives.  You'll discover the secret to a happiness that doesn't change with the stock market or the weather.  It's time to begin the pursuit of a lifetime—the pursuit of joy.  "I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)  Happiness is external. Joy is internal.  "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)   Happiness is based on circumstances.  Joy is based on Christ.  "…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11 (NIV)  Happiness is based on chance.  Joy is based on choice.  "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life…" Deuteronomy 30:19 (NIV)   No Matter What    "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)  1.       Get over the distraction of what happened.    "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel." Philippians 1:12 (NIV)  2.   Discover the new opportunities.  "As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.  Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly." Philippians 1:13-14 (NIV)  3.   Focus on what really matters.  "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.  The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.  The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.  But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice." Philippians 1:15-18 (NIV)   Ultimate Joy  "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21 (NIV)   When you know Christ, you're in a win-win situation.  "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death." Revelation 12:11 (NIV)