Introduction to Philippians

Philippians is one of my favorite books in the Bible. It is probably more quoted by me to this
congregation than any other book in the Bible. You have heard me say many times, “He who
began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6), “To live is
Christ and to die is gain” (1:21), and “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”
(4:13). These are just a few. But there is also a beautiful portrait of the mind of Jesus Christ as a
humble servant who humbled Himself and became obedient to the cross. (2:5–11).
It has been the book of the Bible that has taken me through the most difficult days of my life. It
has sustained my joy in the most unhappy times of my life. On Sunday we listened intently to
Pastor Broyhill as he gave a wonderful message on joy and joyful living. The pastor reminded us
that happy living and joyful living are two completely different things. We learned that joy is
not the absence of trouble but the presence of Jesus.