BULLETIN OUTLINE Chain Reaction: Rejoice! Philippians 3:1 01.26.

14 Rob Sweet, Teaching Pastor A surprising command An unexpected benefit A delightful discipline LOOKING BACK Chain Reaction: Rejoice!

Philippians 3:1

Rejoice in the Lord. Can it really be that simple? It sounds good (who doesnt like to rejoice?) but it seems easier said than done especially when circumstances dont cooperate. Yet there it is a simple command in black and white. How will we do it? Perhaps Pauls words are a great invitation to deliberately pursue what our souls most desire. When we are connected to God through Christ we discover everyday opportunities for joy. When we start paying attention, there are always things to celebrate. Thinking it Through

All joy emphasizes our pilgrim status; always reminds, beckons, awakens desire. Our best havings are wantings. ~C.S. Lewis True joy, it turns out, comes only to those who have devoted their lives to something greater than personal happiness. ~John Ortburg Joy is the serious business of heaven.
~C.S. Lewis

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
~Psalm 118:24 Working it Out 1. Do you agree with the statement We are all on a perpetual quest for happiness? How have you pursued this quest throughout your life? 2. Reflect on your most recent experience with joy. What brought you joy and caused you to really celebrate life? How was that experience different from simply feeling happy? 3. Which of the three Joy-Killers do you need most need to address in your life: Comparison, Complaining, or Self-Centeredness? What will be your first step? 4. Write out a list of your personal Joy-Gifts ways that you personally experience joy, or some things that bring you the most joy in life. Begin this week to practice the discipline of celebration by deliberately engaging in these things with conscious gratitude to the Giver of all good gifts. 5. What are some of the unchangeable and eternal joy-gifts God has given you that no one can ever take away? How can these be a regular source of joy even when times are tough?

LOOKING AHEAD Chain Reaction: Confidence

Philippians 3:2-9

Confidence is a relative term. How confident we are of something depends upon what it is and upon our assumptions regarding it. Is confidence something that is good when it comes to our relationship with God, or not so good? How confident are you of that? Paul speaks very passionately and personally about his confidence in 3:2-9. See where you stand when it is all over! Looking It Up 1. Read through these verses a couple of times and write out some of your impressions and questions. 2. How does the phrase confidence in the flesh in v. 3 and in v. 4 help you understand the issue or problem the Philippians were facing? (You can also find it in Acts 15:5,10-11.) 3. What is Pauls claim (v. 4) and what are his credentials (vs. 5-6.)? What is common about the first four? How are the last three different? 4. How does the flow change beginning in v. 7? 5. Where does Pauls confidence come from and how does he get it? (v. 9) 6. How confident are you that you are good enough for God-and why?