Unchained – Love’s Fulfillment – Sermon – Pastor Marlee and Dave Page

Recall back in our first message of this series we made the statement that to understand this letter to the Philippians as the Epistle of Joy may not exactly be the correct way to view Paul’s writings. Recall that we said for Paul, Joy was a vehicle that he used to convey different themes he wanted to get across to these people he loved so much.

In these verses, Paul is talking about his own experience of love’s fulfilment in his life, and how living out a life of total commitment to the love that he experiences in Christ, brings great joy, even in the midst of suffering. He calls us to take a look at our life in Jesus and find joy in the power of His spirit. That’s important at the outset here, because when we understand our position in Him, our position of one who is loved so, so much, we’re able to put faith not only in emotions and human desire, but also in something much more lasting- the very character of God Himself – which is love.

What Paul is modelling for us all here is how an individual’s joy and positivity can impact their entire world for Christ. We find ourselves in a day where society tells us constantly to look inwardly and think only about ourselves, but we know God wants something different from us. He expects us to be aware of the people around us and to be passionate about His mission. It is no doubt that Paul was passionate about sharing the gospel with those around him, even when he found himself confined in prison. It is also no doubt that his passion inspired countless others to do the same. Let me show you what I’m talking about here…. The three key points to take with you today are: choosing the right attitude, striving for joy, and being stewards of the gospel.

I. Choosing the Right Attitude

One theme throughout much of Paul’s writing is that successful Christian living starts with choosing the right attitude.

Look at Paul’s attitude and the impact it had on the attitudes of those around him. Paul’s attitude in prison could have gone two very different ways. He could have felt sorry for himself, focused on his own circumstances, and wallowed in sorrow; instead, he chose to reframe his situation into something positive. No matter what our circumstances may be, we must remember that there is always an opportunity to find joy in the struggle and choose a good attitude.

James 1:2-4 says,

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.”

When faced with any struggle, regardless of how challenging the situation may be, the direction from Paul is to trust in the Lord, allow Him to direct our paths, recall His love and desire for good in our lives and then choose a good attitude. Notice we said ‘attitude’ – the right attitude reflects who we intend to be as Christians. If we are going to represent the love of Christ, in the way that we experience His love, then we must strive to have the right attitude each and every day. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2 that we should not be conformed to this world, but that we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds. So then, if our attitude does not reflect the Lord’s love and truth, then it needs to be changed. Remember, people are watching us!

Now, let’s be honest with each other here; this can be difficult for some. But just imagine what the world around us would look like if everyone had a good attitude! We admit that’s a bit ‘Pollyannish’ but we could make a huge difference for the kingdom of God and for humanity— if only we were willing to switch our mindset and make an effort to choose a good attitude in tough seasons of life. To actually strive for joy.

II. Striving for Joy

In the second part of our passage, Paul says that he wanted his chains—which once bound him—to become a platform whereby people heard the gospel message. He was no longer confined by his mere physical restraints; he became free in joyous expectation that God was working through him.

Church, listen now, don’t lose heart when bad situations or problems arise. Realize that your inner joy, driven out of our knowledge of God’s love for each of us, compels other people to open their hearts to receive the gospel message. They come to want what you have!!

Remember how that works though, there’s an order to this. In order to let our joy overflow and touch the lives of others, we must first feed it from within. We have to stay connected to God’s love, keep reading His Word, and pray continually, to maintain our own joyful spirit. Because true joy cannot be produced by merely hurried conversations about our circumstance; true joy requires us to stay rooted, taking some time to meditate on, and depend fully on God.

Psalm 30:11-12 says,

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.”

As believers, we can trust that God will turn our mourning into dancing. It may not always be in the manner or timing we would like but you can trust that in whatever situation you may find yourself in today, you can throw off your heavy yoke and let the joy of the Lord fill you completely. So that the love you know spills over onto those around you!! Transforming your attitude, striving for Joy – these practices most often end up in us being Good Stewards of the Gospel.

III. Being Stewards of The Gospel

Paul understood that his time in confinement was an incredible divine opportunity to spread the gospel—he was intentional about investing in other’s spiritual growth. Whether in prison, church, home, or office, like Paul, if we commit ourselves to being faithful stewards of the gospel, opportunities for ministry will present themselves. That doesn’t just include using words to share the gospel. Rather, living with integrity, truthfulness, kindness, and respect is one powerful way to promote the gospel and bring glory to the Lord. Just look at the impact that Paul had on the Palace Guards around him:

“As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.”

Here’s a very important question for us to consider this morning….

Do you have the ability to reflect the appropriate attitude of joy in the midst of difficulty, or do you allow passivity and negative emotions to consume and flow out of you?

Is the love of Jesus fueling your joy such that even when it all seems stacked against you – deep down your comfort and security are obvious to those around you? Church this is really important!!!

C.S. Lewis:

“Joy is the serious business of Heaven.”

An attitude of Joy reflected by the deep sense of God’s love in our lives is the most seriousness of business for us who follow Jesus….Now you might be asking, that’s easy to say, but how can that be, especially given what I’m going through? Let us give you some ways to consider:

#1 – Let go of any sense of entitlement

This might sound harsh, but we are not entitled to a lack of suffering, lack of peace, lack of health…but we are entitled to God’s love through Jesus if we are willing to accept that. So, accept it and then press into the love and joy of the Lord, and become vibrant ambassadors of that love so others might know it too.

#2 – Walking Side by Side

Learn to trust Him: Partnering with Jesus is a lifetime pursuit which brings us ever closer to the intimate bond that He desires with us. Be mindful of His presence each day and make time in our schedules for intentional time with Him— whether it’s a morning prayer time, journaling, an evening devotion or Bible study. Make a commitment to walk one step at a time, in a close walk with Him, just as any other loving couple in a relationship would do. Nurture your bond with Jesus as you would a romantic relationship; share hopes and dreams with Him, learn new lessons and grow together in Christ.

#3 – Living Out Life Without Fear

Let go of fear. Paul’s Resolve In the final verse of this passage, verse 18, expresses his goal of completing his course of ministry without concern for the consequences of his stand against those who oppose the gospel. It’s more than simply living without fear but living without worrying what people may think of him.

When you live with that kind of confidence, what a powerful message of belief!

Letting go of fear allows us to seek the face of God rather than our desire for approval and identity from others. It powers us to live courageously, pursuing Jesus wholeheartedly and confident that He won’t leave us.

William Barclay said,

“Love means to commit oneself without guarantee, to give oneself completely in the hope that our love will produce love in the loved person. Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love.”

Could the love that Jesus has shown for you, in His giving completely of Himself, be any more clear?  His love for you is offered to you out of a deep desire for you to love Him back.

You’ll see many of these Valentines Hearts in the coming week.

When you do, remember that this Valentine’s Day, love does not guarantee us a life free from pain or permanent bliss, but when lived out, fearless in Jesus, it will produce a joy greater than any earthly happiness. That’s because, with Jesus as Lord and companion, when you accept Jesus as the ultimate Valentine, you’ve found the love’s ultimate fulfilment.