As we have journeyed through the first chapter of Philippians, we have learned that we can find joy in the midst of all circumstances.  Whether life is easy or difficult, we can rest assured that our joy is sustainable if it is rooted in Christ who never changes.  There are 2 truths we have studied thorughout this chapter that we can cling to which result in our joy.

#1 God is working all things out for the good of the believer.  As we follow Christ we can rest assured that he is using all things for our good.  This is whay Paul writes in Romans 8:28-29 when he tells us that God is working all things out for the good of those who love Hiim and that He is using it to conform us to the image of His son.  So we see that in every event in life, God is using it for our good as he molds us and shapes us to be more like Christ.  We call this progressive sanctification.  This is why we can have joy in the midst of all of life because God is working it out for our maturity and betterment.

#2 For His Glory.  Bigger than our good though is the truth that all things are for the glory of God.  As believers this should be the greatest source of our joy, because it is the purpose of our creation.  We can have joy, because our desire and life should be about God being glorified, even if it means difficulty for us.  That is why Paul wrote that he wanted God to be honored in his body whether by life or by death (Philippians 1:19-20). Life will not always be easy but we find joy by living for him and honoring him with our lives.

I am praying for us as a church that we would find our joy in Him and that we would be willing to experience and endure whatever is necessary to bring him glory.