Laugh Again - Insight for Living

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Laugh Again: Experience Outr ageous Joy
i
Your Smile Increases Your Face Value
A Survey of Philippians
The Heart of the Matter
“A joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22). How true Solomon’s words are,
and if the healing medicine of joy was ever needed, it is needed in our day. We live
in a world surrounded by heartache and sorrow, leaving our hearts diseased by
discouragement and depression. But centuries ago, God directed Paul to write a letter
of exuberant joy — a letter that transcends time and culture. It’s time to laugh again
and find healing for your soul.
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Summing Up the Letter to the Philippians
There is one word that is woven, like a single thread, throughout each chapter in the
book of Philippians.
Laugh Again
Experience Outrageous Joy
by Charles R. Swindoll
compact disc series and
Bible Companion
2. Understanding Some Background Information
Before we begin our journey of joy through Philippians, there are three basic questions
we need to ask and answer.
3. Seeing the Letter as a Whole
To get a bird’s-eye view of the book, review the accompanying chart.
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Starting Your Journey
Four significant principles — one from each chapter — will begin the healing process
in our lives.
1. For living joy, I need the best model (Philippians 1).
2. For serving with joy, I need the right attitude (Philippians 2).
3. For sharing a life of joy, I need an eternal goal (Philippians 3).
4. For resting in joy, I need God’s peace (Philippians 4).
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Prescription for Joy
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For related resources, please call:
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or visit www.insight.org
or www.insightworld.org
Original outline copyright ˝ 1990 and Message Mate copyright ˝ 2008 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
All rights are reserved worldwide. Duplication of copyrighted material for commercial use is strictly prohibited.
Committed to Excellence in Communicating Biblical Truth and Its Application
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Philippians: A Letter That Makes You Smile
Author: Paul Date: circa AD 62
There is
Joy in Living
Joy in Serving
• when we don’t get what • starts with right attitude
we want
• m
aintained through
• in spite of circumright theology
stances
• encouraged by right
• even with conflicts
models
Joy in Sharing
• a warning
• a testimony
• a goal
• a command
Joy in Resting
• unity
• peace
• contentment
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Christ
. . . My Life
. . . My Model
. . . My Goal
. . . My Contentment
Spirit
His Provision (1:19)
His Fellowship (2:1)
His Worship (3:3)
His Peace (4:7)
Positive
Reaction
To Difficulty
To Others
To the Past
To the “Unchangeables”
Now I want you to know,
brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for
the greater progress of the
gospel. (1:12)
Do all things without
grumbling or disputing.
(2:14)
Forgetting what lies behind
and reaching forward to
what lies ahead, I press on
toward the goal for the prize
of the upward call of God in
Christ Jesus. (3:13 – 14)
Not that I speak from
want, for I have learned to
be content in whatever
circumstances I am. (4:11)
Tone
Warm, encouraging, affirming
Key Words
“Rejoice,” ”Christ,” “Mind,” “Act”
Uniqueness
Key Verse
• No major problem passages
• “Joy” is found in each chapter
• Not one quotation from the Old Testament
• Christ mentioned over forty times
• Most positive of all Paul’s letters, yet written while
he was chained to a Roman guard
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)
Copyright © 1990, 2007, 2008 Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.
Copyright ˝ 2008 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc.
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Set Your Sails for Joy
Philippians 1:1 – 11
Who in your life brings a smile to your face every time you think of him or her? Do
you have such a person? If you do, then you’ll identify with Paul’s opening words to the
Philippian Christians. You’ll understand Paul’s confidence in God, who was working in
the Philippians’ lives, and Paul’s desire to see those in the Philippian church again. And
though years and distance separated them, nothing could dislodge his joyful memories
of them.
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Gracious Greeting (Philippians 1:1 – 2)
Though Paul and Timothy established the church at Philippi, Paul was confident
enough to write this letter as servants to saints, offering grace and peace.
2. Joyful Thanksgiving (Philippians 1:3 – 8)
Thoughts of the Philippians flooded Paul’s mind with happy memories and warm
affection, and gave him confidence that God was working in their lives.
3. Specific Praying (Philippians 1:9 – 11)
Paul had confidence in God’s work, but he prayed that the Philippians would abound
in love and live discerning lives.
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Bible Companion
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Confidence in God always produces joy, especially when we focus on these three areas
of life.
1. Confidence brings joy when we focus on the things for which we’re thankful.
2. Confidence brings joy when we let God be God.
3. Confidence brings joy when we keep love within its proper limits.
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What a Way to Live!
Fill in the blank: “For me to live is
.” Be honest, now. What,
exactly, is the essence of living for you? Is it success? Or money? How about your
family? Anything could be put into the blank, but if you didn’t write “Christ,” then
a life of joy is based on circumstances. Circumstances are ever changing, like the
comings and goings of the tide. But a Christ-centered life is rock solid — it’s the only
way to live.
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Needed: The Right Mind-Set for Living
The “pursuit of happiness” is often thought of as an outward journey, but in reality it
is an inward journey beginning with the contrast between a negative and a positive
mind-set.
Negative Mind-Set
Positive Mind-Set
2. Paul: A Classic Example of How to Live (Philippians 1:12 – 21)
Paul was a man who lived above his circumstances and found a life of joy. He was
confident, even though a victim (1:12 – 14); joyful, in spite of others (1:15 – 18); hopeful,
regardless of uncertainties (1:19 – 20); and contented, because Christ was central (1:21).
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Laugh Again
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A Christ-centered life always brings joy, because He broadens the dimensions of our
circumstances, He delivers us from preoccupation with others, and He calms our fears
about the future.
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Laughing through Life’s Dilemmas
The cliché “between a rock and a hard place” endures because we’ve all found ourselves
in that middle ground. Paul, with his mind set on Christ, described his dilemma in the
first chapter of Philippians — his desire to depart and be with Christ versus his desire
to remain. The Philippians also faced a dilemma, a dilemma that challenged them, as it
will us, to pick either the rock or the hard place.
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Familiar Dilemmas, Commonly Faced
As we journey through life, all of us will encounter at least three dilemmas.
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2. Paul’s Personal Dilemma (Philippians 1:21 – 26)
A prison jumpsuit never dressed Paul in the garb of grim resignation. On the contrary,
it placed a broad smile on his face. But prison did dress him with conflicting desires.
To Depart
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To Remain
Benefits
Liabilities
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3. The Philippians’ Spiritual Challenge (Philippians 1:27 – 30)
The Philippians faced a dilemma in the guise of a spiritual challenge, which carried
with it positive and negative aspects.
Positive
Negative
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Two important lessons emerge when facing dilemmas. First, making right decisions
amidst dilemmas forces us to rethink our priorities. Second, choosing right priorities
forces us to reconsider the importance of Christ in our lives.
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The Hidden Secret of a Happy Life
In one word, what’s the most Christlike attitude you can exhibit? You might guess
“love” or “faith.” How about “patience” or “forgiveness”? And don’t forget “grace.” All
of these are fine answers, but not one of them is correct. There’s only one place in the
Bible where Jesus Himself described what it means to be Christlike. Philippians 2
provides the challenging illustration of what He said — an illustration for us to follow.
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Christlikeness in One Word (Matthew 11:28 – 29)
This is the only place in Scripture where Jesus described what Christlikeness looks
like.
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2. Paul’s Words Then and Now (Philippians 2:1 – 4)
Humility is what is needed (2:1 – 2), and though such an attitude seems difficult to live
out, it can be accomplished (2:3 – 4).
3. Christ’s Life Before and After (Philippians 2:5 – 11)
Humility is best illustrated by Christ, prior to His incarnation (2:6), in His coming
(2:7 – 8), and since His departure (2:9 – 11).
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The one-word answer to the question above is humility. But here is the great question:
Will you humble yourself before Him who is Lord . . . or will you wait until you will
be forced to do so? The two-word warning is don’t wait. Bow the knee now, and know
what it’s really like to be like Christ.
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While Laughing, Keep Your Balance!
Philippians 2:12–18
Jesus Christ — what a model! He humbled Himself and became man, living a life of
obedience and submission. He endured the cross to save humankind from their sins.
What a model, indeed. But who could ever follow such a perfect example? Those who
try, without His strength, find their lives to be hypocritical and frustrating. What is
needed in following Christ is balance.
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Christ, Our Example
Many resort to “faking it,” “hurrying it,” or “striving for it” while trying to make it
through daily life, but Christ is the model of balance we all need to follow.
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2. Life, Our Challenge (Philippians 2:12 – 18)
Christ’s example of balance is applied to purpose and power (2:12 – 13), attitude and
action (2:14 – 16), and seriousness and joy (2:17 – 18).
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Nothing will knock us off balance quicker than our old nemesis — self. So to maintain
our balance, we must battle self every day. Here are two reminders while you struggle
to keep your balance. First, control self’s urges to take the credit. Second, conquer self’s
tendency to take charge.
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Friends Make Life More Fun
Some people’s lives are so noteworthy they become inspirational. Reading biographies
of heroic people prompts us to be more courageous. Reading biographies of servant
leaders challenges us to be more humble. And reading biographies of those who
endured hardship encourages us to persevere. We shouldn’t be surprised, therefore, to
discover that the Bible is filled with accounts of such people, including two biographies
found in the book of Philippians.
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Significant People in God’s Plan
There is nothing more important to God than people, because we are eternal and we
are the instruments He uses to reach others, as He has done throughout history.
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2. Special People in Paul’s Day (Philippians 2:19 – 30)
Paul couldn’t have continued his work of reaching lost people if it wasn’t for two
special men in his life: Timothy, his “son” (Philippians 2:19 – 24), and Epaphroditus, his
“brother” (2:25 – 30).
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As the Lord brings people into your life, keep these truths in mind. First, when God
brings a Timothy into your life, He expects you to relate to him or her. Second, when
God brings an Epaphroditus to minister to you, He expects you to respect him or her.
Third, when God sends His Son across your path, He expects you to receive Him.
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Happy Hopes for High Achievers
Every motivational speaker will tell you that you can “reach for the stars.” They’ll have
a five-step plan guaranteeing success in business, finance, and relationships. If we’re
not careful, we’ll believe that the propagators of self-promotion hold the answers to
eternal questions. Their message is persuasive: Tout your achievements, your pedigree,
your hard work. If anyone ever boasted of such things, it was Paul — at least until
he met the Lord on a dusty road to Damascus. After that, all of his achievements he
considered as “rubbish.”
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. The Great Temptation among High Achievers
For all of their accomplishments, high achievers are susceptible to a great temptation.
The questions are, what is it and why?
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2. The Honest Testimony of a First-Century Pharisee (Philippians 3:1 – 11)
In his day and culture, few reached the levels of accomplishment that Saul of Tarsus
did, and few understood as he did about the folly of such success in the face of Christ.
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There are only two things you can trust in as you think about facing the living God
in eternity. First, trusting in your own achievements brings you the glory now but leaves you
spiritually bankrupt forever. Second, trusting in Christ’s accomplishment gives Him the glory
now and results in eternal righteousness forever.
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Hanging Tough Together . . . and Loving It
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever heard on living well — on handling life’s
challenges? Chances are you’d get twelve different answers if you asked ten different
“experts.” It sounds simplistic, but no better advice has been penned than Paul’s words
to the Philippians. His counsel, as insightful as it is, is useless, however, if not put
into practice. So read Paul’s words as a call for action . . . deliberate, immediate, and
personal involvement.
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. A Quick Stop at Today’s Shelves
The secret of living well is having the right objective, which is not something the
business, self-help, and motivation titles at your local bookstore espouse.
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2. A Lingering Look at Paul’s Counsel (Philippians 3:12 – 16)
It may not sound very sophisticated, but the secret of life is to press on, keeping five
important truths in mind.
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3. A Random Sampling of Biblical Examples
Some in Scripture forgot what the secret of life was, while others remembered and
lived well.
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To make progress in life, we must forget yesterday and focus on tomorrow, while keeping the
right attitude and remembering we’re in this together.
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It’s a Mad, Bad, Sad World, But . . .
Philippians 3:17 – 4:1
This old world is in a bad way. War, not peace, is the norm. Lawsuits are
commonplace, not rarities. Friendships cool, marriages fracture, partnerships dissolve,
churches split. Why? Because depravity has taken a toll on humanity. Nevertheless,
God has chosen to leave us on earth — not out of touch with its arguments, aches, and
pains, but in touch, up close, and personal. How else will the lost find their way? What
better strategy could the Lord use to proclaim the good news in a bad world?
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Our Lord’s Strange Strategy (Selected Scriptures from John 16 and 17)
The evening before His death, Jesus gave His disciples three words of advice about
living in a bad world.
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2. The Christian’s Marching Orders (Philippians 3:17 – 4:1)
With an understanding of God’s strategy in mind, Paul provided four orders to follow:
the need (3:17), live among the lost (3:18 – 19), live like where we belong (3:20 – 21), and
do what we must (4:1).
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God leaves us on earth because those who are lost in the madness, badness, and
sadness of the world need to hear and see the good news of Jesus’s death and
resurrection.
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Defusing Disharmony
Conflicts among God’s people are not new. Personality clashes, doctrinal differences,
church squabbles, denominational splits, competition among preachers, public
arguments, and private grudges are — unfortunately — commonplace. Instead of being
a beautiful model of harmony, as one body, we frequently opt for sustaining offenses
rather than forgiving and overlooking a wrong. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Admitting the Cause and Extent of Conflicts ( James 4:1 – 2)
Conflict among Christians is unfortunate, but before we can resolve these conflicts we
need to understand why we have them and ways we express them.
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2. Looking Through the Keyhole of a First Century Church (Philippians 4:1 – 3)
Church fights have been waged since the beginning of the church, so Paul provided a
primary principle (4:1), a relational need (4:2), and an affirming request (4:3) to help us
be at peace.
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When it comes to resolving conflict among Christians, there are four lasting lessons to
learn. First, clashes will continue to occur. Second, not all conflicts are wrong. Third,
if the disagreement should be resolved and isn’t, a lack of humility is at the core. And
finally, should you be the “comrade” needed to assist in the reconciliation, remember
the ultimate goal is restoration not punishment, the right attitude is grace not force,
and the common ground is Christ not logic or church policy.
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Freeing Yourself Up to Laugh Again
Philippians 4:4 – 9; M atthew 6:25 – 34
In many ways, we could sum up our time as the “age of addictions.” It would be nice
to think that members of the family of Jesus Christ are free from addictions, but that
is only a pleasant dream. Many Christians struggle with nagging, relentless habits
that defy quick ’n’ easy solutions. Curiously enough, the most common addiction is
not seen as an addiction at all. In fact, we call it normal . . . part of life in a modern
and technologically advanced society. The most popular addiction? Anxiety. Just plain,
old worry. The good news is that God has provided an escape — a way of liberation to
laugh again.
Discovering the Way
1. Getting Serious about Being Set Free
Christ’s Great Commission was to free the captive — this is what God has promised — but too often we have responded with halfhearted belief.
2. Looking Deeply into a Plaguing Addiction (Matthew 6:25 – 34;
Philippians 4:4 – 9)
Christians have always been plagued with worry, but before we can become free, we
must define the problem and identify its impact (Matthew 6:25 – 34). Then, we can
analyze God’s therapy and correct our perspective (Philippians 4:4 – 9).
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Laugh Again
Bible Companion
Laugh Again
Bible Companion
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Laughter: Chuck’s
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To find hope beyond the old habit of worry, we should remember Christ’s commission — He came to set captives free. He still breaks the bondage of anxiety.
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Don’t Forget to Have Fun as You Grow Up
You haven’t forgotten what the theme of Philippians is, have you? Do you remember
what it is? It’s rejoicing — that contagious quality of joy that comes from being confident
that Christ is in full control. Such joy leads to a worry-free life. Fixing our minds
on positive, uplifting, and excellent things transforms and surrounds us in God’s
wonderful peace. Now that’s the way to live — growing in joy and peace . . . growing in
maturity. Paul and the Philippians are magnificent examples to follow as we grow up.
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. That Elusive Quality of Maturity
God wants us to grow up, not just grow old. But what, exactly, is maturity, and how do
we express it?
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2. Two Sides of the Same Quality (Philippians 4:10 – 19)
Two excellent models of maturity are Paul (4:10 – 13) and the Philippians
themselves (4:14 – 19).
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To make maturity your personal goal, adjust your eyesight and focus on these three
goals. First, look within . . . and release. Second, look around . . . and respond. Third,
look up . . . and rejoice.
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A Joyful, Gr ace-Filled Good-Bye
Philippians 4:19–23
Philippians — what a masterpiece of correspondence! With joy as its major theme, Paul
challenged his friends to live above the drag of difficult circumstances . . . to model the
life of Christ with a servant’s heart . . . to press on toward the prize beyond them . . .
to replace worry with prayer, panic with peace. Finally, he reminded them that their
every need would be supplied according to their Lord’s riches in Christ Jesus. How do
you wrap up a letter packed with such truths? By focusing on four strategic areas of
Paul’s good-bye.
Tools for
Digging Deeper
Discovering the Way
1. Where Have We Been? (Survey of the Book)
Let’s make a quick review by flying over the landscape of Philippians one more time.
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2. What Seems Most Memorable? (Survey of the Book)
Let’s look a little closer at some of the landscape and point out the recurring themes,
the major statements, and some practical advice.
3. How Do We Proceed? (Philippians 4:19 – 23)
In saying good-bye, Paul focuses our attention on the glory of God’s plan, the greeting
of the saints, the grace of the Savior, and the God of our lives.
Laugh Again
Bible Companion
softcover book
Laughter: Chuck’s
As we close the book of Philippians you might be thinking, The last chapter of my life
hasn’t been one of joy. Remember, God hasn’t finished writing the book of your life.
Someday you’ll be able to read it and understand that your story was wrapped up in
His story, and you’ll live happily ever after in Christ.
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Laugh Again - Insight for Living

Transcription

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