Star Hill Church - 1400 N. Foster Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70806

March 2017 Bible Study
Midweek Lesson 4
The Joyful Church
Living Up to What You Know

I. Introduction

The Joyful Church...this is who we are to be! God's design and intent for His people is that we would be joined together in a fellowship of joy. We use the term joy to describe a state of internal delight that is deeply rooted in who we are in Jesus Christ. When God's people join together and are keenly aware of the truth of their existence, it is a joy-filled experience. But, in order for the promise of the joyful church to be made manifest, we must practice the truth we know.

We are warned against attempting to live the Kingdom life based on earthly standards. Experiencing the fullness of real relationship with Christ is to be the priority of our existence and the focus of our best effort. But wherever we are in terms of our relationship with Him, we are expected to put into practice the truth we know. It is in striving together to be the best version of who we are now in Him, that we experience the joy He has promised. God has begun a good work in us and together we must give ourselves to living out fully that work.

* In the joyful church, we are to be reminded to maintain our joyful spirit. (Philippians 3.1)

* In the joyful church, we must guard against being confident in human standards. (Philippians 3.2-6)

* In the joyful church, our priority is an ever growing intimate communion with Christ. (Philippians 3.7-11)

* In the joyful church, we give our focus and best effort to embracing the good work He has begun in us. (Philippians 3.12-14)

* In the joyful church, we consistently put into practice what we already know. (Philippians 3.15-16)

* In the joyful church, we continually give ourselves to standing firm, together as citizens of the Kingdom, (Philippians 3.17-4.1)