SGC Dayton Messages

Philippians: Our Guide to Indestructible Joy

Paul’s Letter to the Philippians is exactly the dose of biblical truth we need to hear as we walk through the wearying and frustrating circumstances of this fallen world. Paul is writing this Letter to the Philippians from prison, under extremely dire circumstances likely facing a sentence of death. The church in Philippi, that Paul planted is also experiencing some struggles. There is Roman persecution the Christians are facing there. Christians are being tempted by Jewish tendencies to place their hope in the law. Gentile converts are being tempted by to go back to their licentious Gentile ways. There are divisions and disunity is developing in the church. Paul’s own circumstances in prison and the struggles of this church he planted just 10 years ago are the right recipe for him to be in despair and deep discouragement. Yet, in spite of Paul’s own circumstances and the circumstances plaguing the church in Philippi – Paul is experiencing something supernatural – he is experiencing indestructible joy. This sense of joy in the Lord comes through this letter more an any of Paul’s other letters. And through this letter, we will see how Paul guides the church in Philippi into the secret of experiencing indestructible joy no matter what life’s circumstances may bring. This is why we have titled this series Paul’s Letter to the Philippians – Our Guide to Indestructible Joy.