JOY IN THE VALLEY—Philippians 4

JOY IN THE VALLEY
Philippians 4:1-23

1. How should we read Philippians?

As a letter from the , through the Apostle Paul, to us!

2. Happiness vs. Joy
   1. Happiness is a emotional state of feeling
   2. Joy is a state of being that is a from God based upon His and our in His Word
      
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3. If Paul were to speak to us today…
   1. No matter the circumstances… in Christ! (Philippians 4:1; Habakkuk 3:17-18; I Corinthians 15:58)
   2. for the sake of the ! (Philippians 4:2-3; 2:3-4 Romans 1:16-17)
   3. In any and every circumstance…find our deepest in the Lord! (Philippians 4:4;
      1 Thessalonians 5:16; James 1:2-4)
   4. Let our show off ! (Philippians 4:5; Ephesians 5:1-5; Titus 2:6-8)
   5. Pray about with ! (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18; 1 Peter 5:6-7; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
   6. No   ! (Philippians 4:8-9; Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:5)
   7. Learn the secret of ! (Philippians 4:10-21; 1 Timothy 6:6-10, 17-19; I John 2:15-17; Matthew 6:25-34)
      
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4. Question…
   1. What verse in this chapter is the bringing to your attention?
   2. Is there a   that you need to bring to the Lord?
      
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5. God’s promise…

can do all things through who strengthens us! (Philippians 4:13)

DIGGING DEEPER

1. Read Philippians 4 out loud in several versions.
   
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2. Talk about the difference between the worldly pursuit of happiness versus God’s desire for us to have joy.
   
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3. Review the various directives that the Apostle Paul gives to his friends and coworkers in Philippi. What are some ways in which the devil gets us off track from these things?
   
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4. What has helped you to find joy in any and every circumstance?
   
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5. When the circumstances seem difficult, and the way out does not seem clear, what scripture or life experience helps you to hold fast to Christ?
   
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6. What is your takeaway from these passages of scripture? Is there anything in your life that is robbing you of joy? How can we encourage you today?
   
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