JAMES JANZEN MINISTRIES

Joy from shared sorrow

11/18/2025

Paul’s relationship with the leadership and believers in Philippi brought him great joy. This extraordinary friendship, much closer than with any other church, was rooted in their shared persecution.
It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:7-8

The persecution began when Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison after baptizing Lydia and her household and casting out the evil spirit of a young slave girl. While praying and singing hymns to God, an earthquake loosed the chains of Paul, Silas and other prisoners. When the jailer realized that he did not have to kill himself because the prisoners had not escaped, Paul and Silas had his attention. The jailor and his household believed in God and were baptized. However, despite being given their freedom and an apology, it was clear that the persecution would not end. Therefore, they left, but the Philippian church inherited their persecution.

The result was a shared joy. The lesson for us is to not distance ourselves from those who share in our sorrows.

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Joy of Christian Fellowship

11/13/2025

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Being alone robs us of joy. One of the sources of Paul's joy, even though in prison, was remembering and communicating with others. We see this in the first seven verses.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. Philippians 1:1-7

We also see this throughout the letter. Please take time to read the whole letter. As you do so, think about the "others" in Paul's life.
What joy did they bring?
Why did they bring him joy?
How did he bring joy to others?
How can you apply what you observe to your life and relationships?

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A hard but important choice

11/10/2025

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Is choosing to be joyful sometimes hard?

Definitely!

Paul knew how difficult it is but he also knew how beneficial it is. He is sharing a truth that he tested. In his letter, we see the positive impact of that choice. When we stop focusing on things beyond our control and focus instead on who Christ is and what he is doing for us, joy brings contentment.

However, when happiness is the goal, we become prisoners of our circumstances. Paul says we can choose to rejoice in the Lord regardless of our circumstances. Through persistent prayer and genuine gratitude, we learn to rely on Him in every situation. Rejoicing is the opposite of worrying and complaining.

What would happen if we started praising God for who He is despite our circumstances? When we realize that Jesus is capable of meeting every need, we will find both peace and joy.

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