As we have gone through the letter from Paul, we see some important things he was pointing at!

We see that ultimately,

Wk1 - God’s grace should fill our hearts with joy.

(So...)

Wk2 - Rather than complaining through our circumstances, we should rejoice that God can use them to share the light of Christ.

(This shows a sign of maturity…)

Wk3 - Maturity means being able to live with all kinds emotions and still focus on Jesus!

(And…)

Wk4 - Following the example of Jesus, we should pour ourselves out for others.

(that is exactly what he did for us, and if we live in that understanding…we can)

Wk5 - Live the kind of life that will make others want to follow Jesus.

(But Paul reminded us…)

Wk6 - We aren’t a one-man band; it takes all of us to get the job done. Sharing the story of Jesus requires selflessness, sacrifice, and teamwork. Everyone plays a crucial role!

(And sometimes that is difficult to remember because we want what we do to hold external value…but…)

Wk7 - We can’t earn salvation; it comes through faith in Jesus alone. Ultimate Joy is found in Jesus only!

(and that is important to keep a firm grasp on, because…)

Wk8 - Keeping a heavenly perspective will help us keep the goal of Glorifying God in all things as our main pursuit!

Wk9 - When we meditate on righteous things, it changes our outlook to one of Joy

… it changes our heart… it changes our responses…it changes our actions...

Big Idea: Give generously to God and His purposes!

Both of these verses here discuss a state of being. A thought process that has evolved into a lifestyle represented by the choice to live beyond conditions at face value.

We see concern...

We also see contentment

And here we see the epitome of contentment.

it’s not wealth, it’s not food, its not necessarily shelter or status, its not even being welcomed or not…

it’s simply Jesus...

One thing that would be good to see in the day and age of “participation awards.” THERE WAS NO MEDAL FOR HIGHEST GIVING! THERE WAS NO SPECIAL DINNER THROWN FOR THE TOP 10 CHURCHES GIVING!!

Application Point: When we give generously to God he will not only take care of your needs but will also take care of others through you.

Let His grace fill your hearts with Joy. Don’t complain, instead thank God that he can use you to share Jesus! Let’s be mature and not let our emotions lead, but rather pour ourselves out for other. Live a life others want to follow! That life involves unity for His purposes as we aren’t an island unto ourselves! Remember that Salvation is in Christ alone and that perspective will keep our focus on the pursuit of glorifying God! When we meditate on righteous things, it changes our outlook to joy, and when we give generously to God, he will not only take care of your needs but will also take care of others through you.