A Joyful Christian Life Philippians 1:1-11 Philippians 1:1–11 (NIV) — 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. 8 God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Our is Rooted in Christ (vv. 1-2) 2 Corinthians 5:17 Galatians 2:20 Joyful for Our Relationships (vv. 3-5) God Finishes What He Starts (v. 6) Our Love Should Knowledge and Understanding (vv. 7-9) 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 A Life That Christ Fruit (vv. 10-11) John 15:4-5 Galatians 5:22-26 Application Questions: Do you tend to define yourself more by your past, your performance, or your position in Christ? When you think about the people in your life, is your first response gratitude or frustration? In what area of your life do you feel like a “work in progress”? What practices could help you grow in mature, Christlike love? How closely are you staying connected to Christ in your daily routine? Application in Action: **Which of these areas is God highlighting for you right now? **What is one specific step you will take this week in response? **Who can help keep you accountable in that area?