As Your faith deepens your joy increases.

Paul’s desire in Philippians 1 was to be with the LORD but a desire to stay to purposely benefit OTHERS growth in faith and joy!

As long as we are here we are to seek to help OTHERS, “Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.”-(Phil 1:25 NLT)

Focus on encouraging, strengthening, deepening OTHERS in their Faith and as you do their joy will INCREASE.

TRUTH, TRIALS, FELLOW BELIEVERS;

  • FAITH IS DEVELOPED THROUGH TRUTH– God’s Word.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”-{Romans 10:17

“And now I entrust you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”-{Acts 20:32}

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”-{Colossians 3:16}

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is [a]lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”-{Philippians 4:8}

  • FAITH IS DEVELOPED THROUGH TRIALS– Trials do not mature us but applying God’s Word to our trials matures us -{Read James 1:2-3; Romans 5:3-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7}

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”-{James 1:2-4}.

“And not only this, but we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”-{Romans 5:3-5}.

“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof {genuineness} of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; “-{1 Peter 1:6-7}

  • SAVING FAITH IS DISPLAYED THOUGH TRIALS– {Read 1 Peter 1:6-7}

  • “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof {genuineness} of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; “-{1 Peter 1:6-7}

    “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has [a]been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”-{James 1:12}

  • FAITH IS DEVELOPED WITH THE HELP OF OTHER BELIEVERS; -{Read Acts 16:4-5; Phil 1:25}

“Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the ordinances for them to follow which had been determined by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.  So the churches were being strengthened  in the faith, and were increasing in number daily.”-{Acts 16:4-5}

“Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.”-(Phil 1:25 NLT)

TRUTH, TROUBLES, FELLOW BELIEVERS ARE WAYS GOD uses to STRENGTHEN AND DEEPEN YOUR FAITH AND THAT OF OTHERS!

I love the words, “remain” and “continue” which Paul uses in verse 25 of his commitment to them, the words mean, “to wait beside a person ever ready to help.”

How beautiful his heart, his commitment, his love for…others! I am here beside you, right here with you to help you… how beautiful, how Christlike! Paul had committed himself to their Progress- Spiritual growth of Joy in the faith – to their advancing in Joy filled faith!

Your life counts and you have a ministry. Others focused for their benefit – as their faith deepens their joy increases!

Paul was deliberate when it came to the believers

I AM HERE FOR YOUR.. JOY…{I AM  COMMITTED TO YOUR…JOY!} 

Whose Joy are you committed to and how do you show it?

God Bless,

Aidan.