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"Our Joyful Goal in Christ" (Philippians 3:1–14)njgrace.org – 6th Message in Philippians Series (Theme: JOY)
- Overall Theme & Definition of Joy
- The book of Philippians emphasizes JOY (mentioned 7 times).
- Joy is defined as: A deep, enduring state of gladness and peace that comes from the Spirit of Christ (a fruit of the Spirit).
- Context & Introduction
- Paul shifts in chapter 3 from general Christian living teachings to sharing his personal testimony (bio).
- He describes his transformation from joylessness as a Pharisee (law-keeping) to joyfulness as a believer in Christ.
- Key motto: "For to me to live is Christ!" (Philippians 1:21).
- Joy comes from having the same humble, emptied attitude as Christ (not my will, but Yours), allowing God to work within us (working out our salvation).
- Warning Against False Teachers (Philippians 3:1–3)
- Paul urges: "Rejoice in the Lord" and says repeating truths is a safeguard.
- Beware of "dogs," "evil workers," and "false circumcision" — those who add works (e.g., circumcision, baptism, commitment acts, sin-cleanup) to faith for salvation.
- True believers are the "true circumcision": worship in the Spirit, glory in Christ, and put no confidence in the flesh (works).
- Salvation is by faith alone in the Gospel (Christ's death and resurrection); no works to earn or maintain it.
- Three Spiritual Steps to Experience Joy as a Fruit of the Spirit
- Joylessness from Law Keeping (Philippians 3:4–6)
- The Law (613 commandments) is good and holy but burdens man and exposes inability to achieve righteousness.
- Purpose of the Law: Tutor to lead sinners to Christ (Galatians 3:24–25); not for the righteous (already saved).
- Paul was the ultimate Pharisee: superior pedigree, blameless under the Law, zealous persecutor — yet no joyin rule-keeping.
- Attempting to live by rules (Law or "Christian rules") produces permanent joylessness.
- Joyfulness from Being Righteous in Christ (Philippians 3:7–11)
- Paul counts all former "gains" (law-keeping, achievements) as loss and rubbish compared to knowing Christ.
- Righteousness comes not from the Law, but from God through faith in Christ.
- New desire: Know Christ deeply, experience the power of His resurrection, fellowship in His sufferings, and be conformed to His death (Way of the Cross — crucifying self-life).
- Result: Joyfulness replaces joylessness once righteousness by faith is settled in the heart.
- Joyfulness in the Goal of Pursuing Christ as My Life (Philippians 3:12–14)
- Paul admits he has not fully attained perfection or complete co-resurrection life yet.
- He presses on: forgets the past, reaches forward, and pursues the goal — the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
- The prize: Living "for to me to live is Christ" — deeper dependence on Christ, being used by Him in ministry, and advancing the Church on earth.
- Greatest joy: Allowing Christ to live His life in, through, and for us.
- Joylessness from Law Keeping (Philippians 3:4–6)
- Core Message & Application
- Paul’s path is a model for all believers: Move from joyless rule-keeping → righteousness by faith in Christ → joyful pursuit of Christ as life.
- True joy flows from dependence on the Spirit, not self-effort or works.
- Encouragement: Press on toward Christ-likeness; there is no greater joy than living from Christ and being used by Him.
- Final Visual Summary
- Joylessness From the Law Keeping
→ Joyfulness From Knowing You Are Righteous by Faith in Christ
→ Joyfulness in the Goal of Pursuing Christ as My Life
- Joylessness From the Law Keeping
This message calls believers to reject works-based living (for salvation or sanctification) and embrace grace, faith, and Christ as the source of true, enduring joy.
