Have you ever noticed how helpful it is to see something modeled for you? When it comes to living a life that leads to fulness of joy, there is no greater example than Jesus. This is what we see in Philippians 2. Paul says in essence, “If you want to live a life of fulness of joy, walk like Jesus.”
What is our source of true biblical lasting joy? The key is not to keep your eye focused on joy, but focused on Christ. Christ is our source of true biblical joy. Love for Christ, affection for Christ, focus on Christ… These are all things that will result in the joy of Christ filling our hearts.
One of the most distinct differences between a worldly shallow idea of happiness and true biblical joy is that true biblical joy is not dependent upon circumstances. Paul is writing this letter from a prison, yet he is full of joy and can see clearly how his trials only seek to advance the Gospel even more.
Believers all share one thing in common, fellowship with one another by being united to Christ. This is what makes Christian relationships so unique. This produces great joy. In Philippians 1:3-11, Paul begins his letter to the Philippian Christians by expressing his great love for them and his great joy in them. This joy is different than the kind of temporary shallow superficial version of happiness that our world promotes.
Biblical joy is fuel for the believer’s life. The book of Philippians is a book about joy. As we study this important letter, we will see what our true source of joy is and the vital role joy plays in the life of the believer.