Confession Of A Happy Pastor

Transcripts for Dr. Wiersbe's sermons are forthcoming. Below is an outline of his message.

The theme of Philippians is joy.

Paul was writing as a pastor to the church of Philippi.

Paul wanted the church to be a joyful church.

It breaks Paul’s heart when the people of the church are not getting along.

Four kinds of joy we can experience in the church.

• Joy of submission (Philippians 2:1-4)
  • There was trouble in the Philippian church because of strife and vainglory.
  • When we are submitted to God and others, we become like-minded.
  • The motivation for unity in the church is a common love of Christ.
  • Christ is our example of submission.
• Joy of service (Philippians 2:12-16)
  • We are called to work out our problems in the way God wants us to.
  • The ministry of the church is not imitation but God working in us.
  • Each local church ministry could look different than others.
  • When we pray, the Holy Spirit gives us wisdom to know what God wants each church to do.
  • God works through prayer, worship, and suffering.
  • We are to serve without grumbling so we might be a testimony to others.
  • Jesus came in the form of a service.
  • We are not on Earth to get; we are here to give.
• Joy of sacrifice (Philippians 2:17-18)
  • We may be called to sacrifice money and time.
  • We must give of ourselves for God’s work.
• Joy of satisfaction (Philippians 2:16)
  • Our ultimate satisfaction and joy will be found in heaven.
  • We will one day give an account of our ministry on Earth.
  • We will rejoice in the glory of the Lord.
  • We will be rewarded for our submission, service, and sacrifice.

The joy of the Lord is what keeps us going through submission, service, and sacrifice in the church.

We are a joyful church and people because we are serving Christ.