Today we are beginning a series of messages from the book of Philippians that we are calling JoyFULL. The words “joy,” “rejoicing,” or “gladness” are found nineteen times in this letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi. Just a casual reading of the four chapters of Philippians reveals the theme of joy pulsating from beginning to end. This is not just an ordinary joy, but a supernatural joy that comes, regardless of the circumstances in life, because it is the joy that flows from any life that is a fully devoted follower of Jesus.

Jesus said in John 15:11 – “These things I have spoken to you that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be made full.”

One of the greatest needs today is the need for unexplainable joy to abound when everything else seems to be falling apart. A quick look around reveals bad and depressing news, angry faces, hurting and heavy hearts, and bitter and discouraged people everywhere. Sounds much like the times in which the Apostle Paul penned the epistle of JOY. Even in the midst of persecution, difficult times, and even writing to the Philippians while in prison, his joy had been made full.

In Philippians 1:1–11 we are going to see a heart full of joy.