Embracing Joy in Our Divine Partnership with God

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound concept of partnership with God, drawing from the book of Philippians. This partnership is not just a theological idea but a living, breathing relationship that transforms our lives. We began by acknowledging the grace and mercy God has poured into our lives, inviting us into a family that transcends even the grave. This divine partnership is akin to a three-legged race, where success depends on moving in the same direction, communicating effectively, and supporting one another.

The essence of this partnership is joy, a recurring theme in Philippians. Joy is not merely an emotion but a choice rooted in the understanding of our relationship with God. The Philippian church exemplified this joy through their partnership with Paul and, ultimately, with God. This partnership is like receiving a complex gift, such as an iPhone, which requires exploration and understanding to fully appreciate its capabilities. Similarly, our relationship with God is infinitely more complex and beautiful, offering us joy as we delve deeper into it.

Through Christ's humility and sacrifice, we are invited into this partnership, despite our unworthiness. This is the good news of the gospel: that through faith, we can accept this divine offer and experience transformation beyond our imagination. Paul emphasizes that this partnership is not passive; it requires active engagement. We are called to live lives worthy of the gospel, pressing on towards the prize of God's glory.

In this partnership, we find strength not only in our relationship with God but also with each other. We are encouraged to pray for one another, supporting each other in times of weakness and celebrating moments of joy. This communal aspect of partnership is vital, as it reflects the interconnectedness of the body of Christ.

Ultimately, the joy of this partnership is found in living out our faith, in the everyday moments where we choose to align our lives with God's will. It is in these moments that we experience the fullness of joy, knowing that we are part of something greater than ourselves. As we continue to grow in this partnership, may we be filled with love, wisdom, and grace, living lives that honor God and bring joy to our souls.

Key Takeaways:

1. Divine Partnership and Joy: Our partnership with God is a source of profound joy, rooted in the understanding of His grace and mercy. This relationship is not passive but requires active engagement, much like a three-legged race where success depends on moving in the same direction and supporting one another. [19:23]

2. The Transformative Power of the Gospel: Through Christ's sacrifice, we are invited into a partnership with God, despite our unworthiness. This is the essence of the gospel, offering us transformation beyond our imagination and inviting us to live lives worthy of this divine relationship. [21:37]

3. Active Engagement in Faith: Our partnership with God calls us to actively engage in our faith, pressing on towards the prize of God's glory. This involves living out the gospel in our daily lives, making choices that align with God's will and bring joy to our souls. [34:14]

4. Community and Support: The partnership extends beyond our relationship with God to include our relationships with each other. We are encouraged to pray for one another, supporting each other in times of weakness and celebrating moments of joy, reflecting the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. [32:23]

5. Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel: The joy of our partnership with God is found in living out our faith, in the everyday moments where we choose to align our lives with His will. It is in these moments that we experience the fullness of joy, knowing that we are part of something greater than ourselves. [39:32]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [10:41] - Prayer of Thanksgiving
- [11:34] - Prayer of Confession
- [12:25] - Promise of the Holy Spirit
- [13:19] - Joy and Laughter
- [15:37] - Partnership Analogy
- [17:17] - Philippians Overview
- [19:23] - Choosing Joy
- [20:09] - Understanding Partnership
- [21:37] - The Gospel Invitation
- [22:43] - Handshake Agreement
- [25:40] - Personal Testimony
- [26:50] - Power of Prayer
- [28:54] - Love and Insight
- [32:23] - Community Support
- [34:14] - Engaging in Faith
- [35:33] - Rejoicing in the Lord
- [36:36] - Contentment and Trust
- [37:56] - Joy in Partnership
- [39:32] - Living Worthy of the Gospel
- [42:13] - Reflecting on Partnership
- [42:55] - Closing Prayer
- [49:01] - Blessing and Mission
- [58:17] - Advent and Christmas Preparation
- [01:01:01] - Wedding Blessing
- [01:01:58] - Final Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 1:3-6 - This passage highlights the joy and confidence Paul has in the partnership with the Philippians, emphasizing the work God has begun in them.
2. Philippians 2:1-11 - This passage describes Christ's humility and sacrifice, inviting believers into a partnership with God.
3. Philippians 4:4-7 - This passage encourages believers to rejoice in the Lord and find peace through prayer and thanksgiving.

#### Observation Questions
1. How does Paul describe the partnership between himself and the Philippian church in Philippians 1:3-6? What is the source of his confidence? [19:23]
2. In Philippians 2:1-11, what example does Christ set for us in terms of humility and partnership? How does this relate to the sermon’s analogy of a three-legged race? [20:09]
3. According to Philippians 4:4-7, what are the steps Paul suggests for experiencing peace and joy in our partnership with God? [35:33]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the complexity and beauty of our partnership with God using the analogy of an iPhone? [19:23]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to actively engage in our partnership with God, as described in the sermon? How does this relate to living a life worthy of the gospel? [34:14]
2. How does the concept of joy in Philippians differ from a mere emotion, according to the sermon? What role does understanding our relationship with God play in this joy? [19:23]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our partnership with God extends to our relationships with others in the church community? [32:23]
4. How does the sermon explain the transformative power of the gospel in inviting us into a partnership with God despite our unworthiness? [21:37]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. In what ways can you actively engage in this partnership to align your life more closely with His will? [34:14]
2. The sermon describes joy as a choice rooted in our understanding of God’s grace. How can you choose joy in a specific area of your life this week? [19:23]
3. Consider a time when you felt unworthy of God’s partnership. How can the message of Christ’s humility and sacrifice in Philippians 2 encourage you to embrace this partnership more fully? [20:09]
4. Identify a member of your church community who might need support or encouragement. How can you pray for and support them this week, reflecting the interconnectedness of the body of Christ? [32:23]
5. Think about a recent decision or action. How did it align with living a life worthy of the gospel? What changes can you make to ensure your daily choices reflect this partnership with God? [39:32]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of prayer in our partnership with God. What specific prayer can you commit to this week to deepen your relationship with Him? [26:50]
7. How can you incorporate the joy of partnership with God into your everyday moments, especially during challenging times? [39:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Joyful Partnership with God
In the book of Philippians, the concept of partnership with God is presented as a source of profound joy. This partnership is not a passive relationship but an active engagement, much like participating in a three-legged race where success depends on moving in the same direction and supporting one another. The joy in this partnership is rooted in the understanding of God's grace and mercy, which invites us into a family that transcends even the grave. The Philippian church exemplified this joy through their partnership with Paul and, ultimately, with God. This joy is not merely an emotion but a choice, a decision to align our lives with God's will and experience the fullness of joy that comes from being part of something greater than ourselves. [19:23]

Philippians 1:3-5 (ESV): "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How can you choose joy in your partnership with God, even in difficult circumstances?


Day 2: The Gospel's Transformative Invitation
Through Christ's sacrifice, we are invited into a partnership with God, despite our unworthiness. This is the essence of the gospel, offering us transformation beyond our imagination. The good news is that through faith, we can accept this divine offer and experience a life that is transformed by God's grace. This partnership is not just about receiving but also about living lives worthy of this divine relationship. It calls us to embrace the humility and sacrifice of Christ, allowing His love to transform us from the inside out. As we accept this invitation, we are empowered to live in a way that reflects the glory of God and brings joy to our souls. [21:37]

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to embrace the transformative power of the gospel? How can you take a step towards living out this transformation today?


Day 3: Engaging Actively in Faith
Our partnership with God calls us to actively engage in our faith, pressing on towards the prize of God's glory. This involves living out the gospel in our daily lives, making choices that align with God's will and bring joy to our souls. It is not enough to simply believe; we are called to act, to live in a way that reflects our faith and honors God. This active engagement requires intentionality, a commitment to pursue God's glory in all that we do. As we engage in our faith, we find strength and joy in knowing that we are part of something greater than ourselves, a divine partnership that transforms our lives and the world around us. [34:14]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: Identify one specific way you can actively engage in your faith today. What step can you take to align your actions with God's will?


Day 4: Community and Support in Partnership
The partnership with God extends beyond our relationship with Him to include our relationships with each other. We are encouraged to pray for one another, supporting each other in times of weakness and celebrating moments of joy. This communal aspect of partnership is vital, as it reflects the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. In this community, we find strength and encouragement, knowing that we are not alone in our journey of faith. As we support one another, we embody the love and grace of God, creating a community that reflects His glory and brings joy to our souls. [32:23]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Who in your community needs your support today? How can you reach out to them and offer encouragement or prayer?


Day 5: Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel
The joy of our partnership with God is found in living out our faith, in the everyday moments where we choose to align our lives with His will. It is in these moments that we experience the fullness of joy, knowing that we are part of something greater than ourselves. Living a life worthy of the gospel means making choices that reflect our faith and honor God. It involves a commitment to pursue His glory in all that we do, allowing His love and grace to guide our actions. As we live out our faith, we find joy in knowing that we are part of a divine partnership that transforms our lives and the world around us. [39:32]

Colossians 1:10-12 (ESV): "So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can make a choice that aligns with God's will today? How can this choice bring joy to your soul and honor God?

Quotes



We thank you for all that you've done and poured into our lives. Your grace and your mercy, your kindness, your adoption into your family, that forever family that not even the grave can shake. We thank you that you've prepared a place for us so that where you are we might be and that you seal us with your spirit so that we can work alongside you, proclaiming the good news in word and deed.

The Lord promises us the Holy Spirit and that will lead us into all truth. To all the places where you need truth, what to do, how to do it, where to do it, when to do it, he promises to guide us so that we would have clear direction. So for those places where we've wandered away, there's grace. He's got to turn that GPS on again, recalculate, and move forward. May he do that in you and me.

And when we get into understanding that partnership, we're left with joy. That someone would, that God himself, in Philippians 2, would become a humble servant in Christ Jesus and take a cross in order that we could be part of this partnership agreement. That Christ himself would raise out his hand to you and to me and to say, I want to be a partner with you.

And so Paul is trying to unpack all of this to the Philippian church, a church that he met in Riverside in Acts, and he began to share the gospel of this Jesus Christ, his death, his life, death, and resurrection, and the implications of it, the offer that's on the table. And some in that group were, were, were, early adopters. And they, they said yes.

And so when people began to hear the gospel and recognize that the goodness of the Lord Jesus Christ, as they shared about his life and his testimony, the people that he healed, the people that he ministered to, the people he took from very corrupted lives like the greedy tax collectors and the broken prostitutes and the fishermen who, who, who would not get into Yale or Harvard or UT, and he would take all of this team, and as he began to mentor them, he transformed them into a holy community full of life and joy and love, and they become living testimonies of the transforming work of this gospel partnership, and they were to go around and just share the good news, testimony of what God had done.

And he says there's this incredible guarantee once you receive the partnership, once you shake the hand, once you prayed the prayer with a humble and sincere prayer, he says that at that point, God is going to complete the work he started in you. The very fact that we can accept God's work, the partnership agreement, is the fact that the Holy Spirit has been waking us up to this possibility, has been pointing out the basically the the fruitlessness of every other option and then getting us to this one shining option his partnership agreement and so once we say yes to him and we accept the partnership paul is saying in the letter to philippians have great joy it can't be taken away from you.

And the second thing he says is that we have this incredible power to begin to go to God and to pray for God to do things in other people. And I love when he begins to say about this opportunity. He's thankful for the partnership of the church with him, but I'm praying for you. And there's this incredible prayer that he prays that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight.

And so that was one of the first things that he says. And the second thing he says is that we have this incredible power to begin to go to God and to pray for God to do things in other people. And I love when he begins to say about this opportunity. He's thankful for the partnership of the church with him, but I'm praying for you.

And part of this partnership agreement is that we're just not, like, lame. But we're engaged. We're engaged. And then he says, you have to engage and part of this engagement and disengagement will happen in our faith. That there are times when the world, like, seeps in and the coronavirus of negative thinking gets into our hearts and the challenges that face us overwhelm us. And he says that when this is all going on, you need to rejoice in the Lord.

And so he wants to reground us and reframe us in that truth. And so when we're anxious, we go back into his presence and we get re -transformed with his truth as we're going to pour out our anxiety. And then we get the peace of God. The same very peace that God has. He's never worried about anything. He knows the outcome. He knows it all works. He knows the beginning, middle, and end of the book. And the peace that God has can be ours.

And the moment that we live it out, the moment that we actually become a partner with the Lord, when we begin to do what he's asking us to do and to become who he's calling us to be, that's the moment of great joy. And you know it. You know it. You know that when you pack up that little care package for the person, the neighbor, that may be extra grace, and you bring it to their door and you actually give it to them and you're gracious to them, what happens? You've got joy.

And I hope that as you grow, that you would, this is Paul's last letter to the Philippians, and he's trying to give them enough so that they can live a lifetime of joy. And I pray that you would have enough so that you too might have a lifetime of joy. That you would know what the gospel is and that you would live a life worthy of that gospel. That you would work out this partnership agreement in the presence of the Lord.

[00:10:35] ( | | )

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