Pursuing Joy in our Hearts

Novation Church

“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining or arguments; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.” Philippians 2:12-18 NASB

Common Heart Problems And Their Remedy

Fear Faith Vs. 13

Bad attitudes Love Vs. 14

Guilt Grace Vs. 15

Pain Perseverance Vs. 16

Selfishness Sacrifice Vs. 17-18

“..work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;” Vs. 12

5 Exercises For A Joyful Heart

• Keep reminding yourself that God is with you and for you

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to desire and to work for His good pleasure.” Vs. 13

• Keep a grateful and compliant heart

“Do all things without complaining or arguments;” Vs. 14

• Keep a clean conscience

“so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,” Vs. 15

“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!” Psalm 32:1-2 NLT

• Keep your grip on the Gospel

“holding firmly the word of life,” Vs. 16

Meditate on it

Memorize it

Study it

Read it

Hear it

Apply it

• Keep living for the ultimate affirmation

“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.” Vs.17-18