Philippians #1: "Joy in Jesus"
Audience
- Mostly Roman citizens, but a lot of Jews also
Occasion
- In some ways, it is a “thank you” letter from a missionary (Paul) to a supporting church (as you saw in the video)
- It is also perhaps the most encouraging letter Paul ever wrote to any one church
Theme
- The Joy of the Lord
- Joy/Rejoice used more often in Philippians than any other NT book, by far.
- The CLEAR reason for joy: Jesus Christ
- Suffering is also a theme in this letter - and “joy in suffering” is both modeled and encouraged.
And so our title for this new series:
- Philippians: Joy in Jesus
- And that JOY produces a faith that is authentic and contagious.