Philippians The Theology Of Joy

Joy in the Christian life has never been a divine suggestion but an indelible part of His new creation, yet we have found that much of what is today dubbed Christianity lacks this intrinsic feature. As to naming the source of the problem, we have found many views. But this author has but one to name, and that is the laziness of modern Christians in understanding their position in Christ. Christians do not make the study of the scriptures a lifestyle. Joy, as a concept, was God’s invention, not man’s, and yet today, people are convinced that they can obtain this blessing without Him. He gave it and outlined only in His Word how to get it and keep it. This is why I call it a theology and not a philosophy. It requires thinking biblically. A pastor of a local church and loves teaching the Bible verse by verse.

There are many people who claim they are devout Christians but when asked what it means to be a Christian, they cannot give a clear and direct answer. Some of them live their lives contradictory to their beliefs and to the teachings of God. These and many other instances lead them nowhere but to a dead end. But which is the right path to joyous Christian living? In his new revealing book, author David Ray Gutierrez takes readers on a Journey to Joy by living the Christian life according to the Word of God explained by the Epistle of Paul to the Philippians. Divided into four major components, Journey to Joy provides an in-depth explanation of the messages that the Book of Philippians tries to convey to every Christian believer. These four components which are described as important journeys—The Journey of Conduct, The Journey of Character, The Journey of Consequence, and The Journey of Influence—represent the four chapters of the book that are simplified and refined to give readers a better understanding of the Word of God. Supported by personal experiences and spiritual insights, this book will help anyone define the meaning of Christianity, discover the secret to living a joyful Christian life, and develop a closer relationship with God.

Rejoice! Every day. Sure, we find joy in our triumphs, but not so much in the trials. Yet real joy, genuine joy, is always ours in the saving grace of Christ Jesus. This close look at Paul's Letter to the Philippians, the "letter of joy," unpacks messages of contentment, confidence, humility, and hope- all found in Christ and infused with joy-in the mountaintop moments and in the mundane. Enclosed are eight weeks of study, divided into forty short sessions, to help you realize the gifts from God's hand more fully. Ample materials are provided to make the sessions flexible for personal or group use and to accommodate changing schedules and individual needs. Targeted study, discussion and reflection questions, and life-application challenges guide you in your exploration of JOY. Book jacket.

In this provocative study, Dr Moltmann develops his interest in political theology with particular reference to the questions of liberation, joy and the glory of God. How, he asks, can we laugh and rejoice when there are still so many tears to be wiped away and when new tears are being added every day? He cites the recent musical Fiddler on the Roof. Are the Jewish congregation here singing just to forget, or is there really such a thing as freedom in the midst of slavery, joy in the midst of suffering ? The rest of his extended essay investigates the possibility that in playing we can anticipate our liberation and with laughter rid ourselves of the bonds which alienate us from real life. David Jenkins, who writes an extended introduction and comment, takes up two points from Dr Moltmann's work. Moltmann argues that instead of using God to enjoy the world, men can now use the world to enjoy God. Furthermore, this development liberates the concept of 'God' to become what it really is, free and sovereign, instead of an idea enmeshed in our own plans and purposes.

You may have found yourself reflected from the pages of Paul's letter to the Phillipians - the subject of 'Serving with Joy'. Why? Because in many respects the Christians in first-century Philippi were very similar to evangelical Christians today. They were orthodox in belief. They were faithful to the gospel. They seemed to harbor no gross sins. But they nevertheless had need of encouragement and instruction. In 'Serving with Joy', Stephen A. Grunlan concentrates on the practical aspects of Paul's short letter: being like-minded, the cost of commitment, dealing with struggles, overcoming attitudes. I have attempted to avoid heavy theological issues and details that are of limited scholarly interest, he says. Rather, I have attempted to look at Paul's practical counsel and draw application for us today. 'Serving with Joy' is also ideal for personal study. Thought questions at the end of each chapter help summarize the book's content and stimulate reflection.

The world the apostle Paul inhabited was dramatically different from our time. He knew nothing of capitalism, or physics, or Zoom, and more significantly, Paul was a regular in Caesar’s prison. For us, “Caesar” is a salad. But a constant in the human story is that every life faces suffering. Paul’s life was no different. And yet, on Paul’s worst days, he still exhibited a spirit of joy. In this spirit of joy, Paul offers us some inspiration. Joy is not a common reality in modern life. We are more acquainted with anxiety and fear, and on good days we can settle for happiness; but joy is less common. The worst days come to all of us. At some point the dreams die, the body fails, the spirit is crushed. Those days leave their mark on us. But an imprisoned apostle passed down 104 verses to an ancient congregation in Philippi, and they have passed it down to us. It is their testimony that when the worst days come—and they will—they do not have to be the end of joy. Indeed, they might be the beginning.

Pentecost creates a devotional study of Philippians that contains helpful study and review questions for personal Bible study or sermon preparation.