Knowing Jesus…Knowing Joy! Bible Study

The apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians while he was in prison in Rome. The Philippian believers had collected a gift of money and sent it to him so Paul’s confinement would be more comfortable. This church was closer to Paul than was any other church. Paul rejoiced as he wrote this letter to thank the church and to express his love for them. They all lived out the joy of knowing Jesus.

Paul’s letter to the Philippians is a well-crafted expression of gratitude and joy. This joy comes through your relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the one who promises to complete His work in you. The one who gave Himself up for you on the cross. The one who gives you the motivation and the power to serve Him with joy. The one who strengthens you in every circumstance. The one who causes you to be content. The one who supplies your every need from His glorious riches. The one whom you can know well. The one who longs to produce joy in your life. The deeper your relationship with Jesus and with His people the greater the joy that awaits you and the less your joy is dependent on external circumstances. This study of Philippians will encourage you to know Jesus and know joy!

The world defines joy as happiness from good happenings, like success, good health, and good fortune. If circumstances aren’t so good, it’s very hard to have a joyful walk if that’s your definition of joy. But, for believers in Jesus Christ, we have access to a different kind of joy-biblical joy. Biblical joy is a deep, inner gladness, regardless of circumstances, regardless of people or things. It doesn’t find its source in anything earthly. Biblical joy is supernatural. It is inseparable from the character of God and comes only from a relationship with Him and is available to every believer. Read my blog “Release Your Expectations of Acceptable Outcomes” as a means for enhancing your joy.

The best way to study the Bible uses the inductive process. First, carefully observe the text. What does it actually say? Then, interpret the text. What was the author’s intended meaning for the audience that would read or hear it, including us today? And finally, apply what you learn. How do you live this out in your life? This is the best way to study the Bible. Look at what is there. Learn what it means and teaches you. Then, live it out in your life. All “Joyful Walk Bible Studies” use the inductive process.

We recommend working through the book of Colossians. It includes a lot of wonderful information about Jesus Christ that you should know. It also shows you what God does for you whenever you choose to put your faith in His Son. Colossians shows you how to approach many practical areas of life living God’s way rather than the world’s way. And, it helps you build godly relationships with those around you. Start with our “Healthy Living Bible Study”of Colossians. If you want an overview of all of Paul’s letters to get a good perspective of what they teach, work through the short and easy study “Grace Overflowing” before studying Colossians. Ask the Lord to show you where to start.