In this final week of the Philippians series, Pastor Paul Durbin walked us through the last chapter of Paul's letter—and showed us five “joy activators” that help joy stick in our lives. Much like epoxy resin needs an activator to become strong, unshakable joy requires certain relational and spiritual postures to hold together. Paul highlights five: relational unity, genuine trust, selective focus, letting others in, and confident faith. When we live these out, our lives become stabilized by the joy of Jesus—no matter what our circumstances look like.
What’s something in your life that you’ve had to “epoxy” back together—either literally or figuratively?
(Yes, duct tape counts.)
If you were carried across a tightrope, who would you trust to do the carrying—and why?
On a scale of “calm coffee drinker" to “this is fine” dog in a fire—how are you handling life’s chaos right now?
Philippians 4:4–9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Context:
Paul is writing from prison with a heart full of joy—modeling confidence in Christ, even when circumstances are not ideal. These verses summarize how we hold that joy together.
Questions: