Introduction

When life gets messy or uncertain, real joy can start to feel out of reach. But according to Scripture, joy was never meant to be dependent on circumstances in the first place. In this message, Pastor Paul Durbin kicks off our Unshakable Joy series by exploring the first chapter of Philippians—a letter written from prison—and showing how joy is a learned, practiced way of life rooted in something deeper. Using the Apostle Paul’s words and example, we identify five foundational stones for unshakable joy: People, Perspective, Prayer, Perseverance, and Practices.

📌 Study Guide Tips

• You don’t need to do every section—use what fits your group or season.
• Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage.
• For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through it with you.

⌘ Space to Belong (Icebreaker)

Start with some light-hearted conversation to make space for honesty and community.

• What’s something that reliably makes you laugh or smile—no matter what kind of day you’re having?
• Describe the difference between joy and happiness in your own words. Have you ever felt joy in the middle of a hard season?
• If we each had a “joy meter,” what do you think has been draining yours lately—and what fills it back up?

⌘ Space to Believe (Scripture Focus)

Philippians 1:3–6 (NIV)“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Paul wrote this encouraging letter from prison—to people who were far from perfect. Yet his joy shines through in every paragraph. Why? Because he had built it on something stronger than comfort or circumstance.

Reflection Questions:

• What stands out to you in this passage? Is there anything new for you to believe or obey?
• Where have you seen God begin a good work—in your life or someone else’s? Is it easy or hard for you to believe He’ll complete it?
• Why do you think Paul could feel joy while sitting in prison?