LifeLink Devotions for Friday, August 9, 2024

Welcome back to our study of the book of Philippians where we discover how we can be people of joy. Let’s see what we learn from the next passage of Scripture in chapter two starting in verse 12.

“Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life-in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”

Paul was in prison and in chains.  He was convinced that his suffering would not end soon. In fact, he even states that he was facing death when he says that his life may be poured out like a drink offering. Yet he said he was glad and rejoiced with all the people in the church at Philippi. How is that possible?

I see three principles that will help us understand how joy can be experienced through suffering. Let’s look at principle number one today.

1. We will personally experience joy, even when we are suffering, when we are fulfilling the desire God has given us to accomplish His redemptive purpose.

Paul could rejoice while he was suffering in prison because he had obeyed Christ’s commission to go to Philippi and preach the Gospel. He was filled with joy because he was seeing the fruit of his ministry in the lives of others. Even though at this point in his life he was nearing death, he reflected on his life and saw it all as a drink offering being poured out on the sacrifices and service that were coming from the people of the church.

I can attest to the feeling of joy that comes when I see the people of the church accomplishing the ministry of the Gospel because they have faithfully responded to the commission of Jesus Christ on their lives. People serving in all capacities, with the same level of love for Jesus and passion to serve the Lord. It overwhelms me with the joy of the Lord when this is the attitude and activity of the church. The joy of it all sustains me, as it did Paul, even when there is suffering.

So, from principle number one we have two challenges. First, are we faithfully serving Jesus in love by passionately pursuing people with the Gospel? And second, are we filled with joy that sustains us through tough times because we know the fruit of our labors is living on in the lives of others?

Take some time today to contemplate three things. First, the level of love you have Jesus. Second, the desire to serve Jesus that comes from His love. And third, the level of joy you have because you are acting on the desire to serve Jesus.

Pastor John