Download Guide - Our Adult Bible Fellowship

My Symptom of Joylessness:
"I am overwhelmed and/or frustrated by circumstances in my life."
The Philippians 1 Diagnosis:
I am not consistently demonstrating the SPIRITUAL MIND.
The "Single Mind" believes "It makes no difference what happens to me, just as long as
Christ is glorified and the gospel shared with others." This is the purpose for which I was
created: glorifying God. I will experience joy as I focus on fulfilling this purpose.
The Philippians 1 Prescription:
I will rejoice in my circumstances because they strengthen the FELLOWSHIP,
FURTHERANCE, and FAITH of the Gospel (Wiersbe pp. 29-57).
Ask Myself:
a. Am I permitting my circumstances to strengthen my fellowship with other believers?
b. Am I seeking opportunities to share the gospel with others through my circumstances?
c. How are these circumstances preparing me to be a better equipped soldier for Christ?
My Symptom of Joylessness:
"I am frustrated by relationships with a person or people in my life."
The Philippians 2 Diagnosis:
I am not consistently demonstrating the SUBMISSIVE MIND.
There can be no joy in the life of a Christian who puts himself above others. The
submissive-minded Christian yields himself to Christ to be a servant, to use what he is and
has for the glory of God and the good of others. If I have the single mind of Philippians 1, I
will have no problem with the submissive mind of Philippians 2.
The Philippians 2 Prescription:
I will learn and practice humility, glorifying God in service to others (Wiersbe pp. 61-92).
Ask Myself:
a. Am I following the example of Jesus Christ (thinking of others, not myself; serving;
sacrificing; and glorifying God)? Do I see myself as God's servant in this relationship?
b. Am I willing trust in God's promise and power to be empty of myself (and ask God for
opportunities to serve this person) showing the love of Christ?
c. How can my response to this person point them and others to a closer relationship
with Christ?
My Symptom of Joylessness:
"I am frustrated by something I have" or "I long for something I don't have."
The Philippians 3 Diagnosis:
I am not consistently demonstrating the SPIRITUAL MIND.
The difference between a person who pursues joy in this world and one who pursues joy in
eternity is that one puts his faith in God, and one puts his faith in himself. I will pursue a
"spiritual mind," which evaluates all things from God's eternal perspective.
The Philippians 3 Prescription:
I will leverage the things of this world for eternal rewards (Wiersbe pp. 95-130)
Ask Myself:
a. Am I pursuing joy in the things of this world or in the things of eternity? Is my focus
primarily on heavenly or earthly values?
b. Am I performing good works as a demonstration of devotion to Christ? Or am I using
works in an effort to earn favor with God and/or man?
My Symptom of Joylessness:
"I'm worried."
The Philippians 4 Diagnosis:
I am not consistently demonstrating the SECURE MIND.
Worry is sin: the sin of failure to trust God. By contrast, a secure mind is confident that
God is purposeful, that our resources come from Him and are sufficient.
The Philippians 4 Prescription:
I will trust in the providence of God (that He arranges everything to bring about the best
possible outcome for His glory). I will trust in the Power of God. I will trust His promises
and character. I will find contentment in Him (Wiersbe pp. 131-152).
Ask Myself:
a. In my praying, thinking, and living, am I focused on the greatness and majesty of God?
Do demonstrate that I believe He is big enough to solve my problem?
b. Am I holding every thought captive in obedience to Christ? Am I dwelling on what is
true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable?
c. Do I believe that nothing will happen to me which hasn't first passed through God's
loving hand? Do I trust Him with all my provision?
d. Do I trust that God, in His infinite wisdom, will always do what is best for His glory? Am
I okay with that (regardless of what it means for me, in this world)?
Exercises for Ongoing Fitness & Wellness:
One cannot simply choose to become stronger or faster. He must commit to the exercises that produce strength and speed.
Likewise, I cannot simply choose to be joyful. Rather, I must invest in what God promises will produce joy in me. It is not
enough simply to ask God for joy. I will obediently commit to consistently practicing the disciplines upon which joy is built:
Confession
Bible Reading / Study
Intercessory Prayer
Service
MacArthur writes that sin is the only certain cause for loss of joy in a believer's life (sin
corrupts the believer's fellowship with the Lord, who is the source of joy). Circumstances,
people or things do not have the power to rob me of my joy. I compromise my joy by
responding to these circumstances sinfully, rather than in the way God would have me
respond to them.
A single-minded focus on the things of God - and the perspective of a spiritual mind requires regular absorption of His Word. In the absence of a clear vision of God's purposes,
a vacuum is created. My sinful flesh will rush to fill that vacuum with purposes that are not
God's, and my mind will be divided and compromised. I commit to daily time in His Word.
Wiersbe writes: "Perhaps the deepest Christian fellowship and joy we can experience in this
life is at the throne of grace, praying with and for one another." I will pray fervently for fellow
believers' spiritual growth and steadfastness in maturity, love, discernment, preparedness,
and service. I will ask God for opportunities to share the Gospel everywhere He chooses to
place me, and with those He chooses to place in my life.
Committing to the work of God regularly trains my mind to focus on His purposes from His
perspective. As I go about His priorities, my mind will become more singularly focused on
Him. I will seek out mission and ministry projects (within and outside the church) that truly
further the Gospel of Christ. I will invest in another believer's spiritual growth and
development through acts of intentional discipleship.
Suggested Scripture Memory:
Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then,
Philippians 1:27 whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you
stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.
Philippians 4:4-7 The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret
Philippians 4:12-13 of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in
plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.