from your own steadfastness

"The Joy of Faithfulness for Christ" {Phil1:25-30}
* w/o faithfulness, enduring joy difficult to obtain
- Faithfulness most mentioned of all attributes
* Paul's confidence (v25-26)
- Convinced his work was continuing to minister to churches
- "No one is indispensable" -- Paul chooses to be obedient in God's chosen role for him.
- If not increasing in joy, not growing spiritually. "Joy is the surest sign of the presence of God."
- Chief end of man? To glorify God AND enjoy Him forever.
* Paul's challenge (v27-30)
- politeuesthe = good citizen/live worthily {v27a, Eph4:1, Col1:10}
- We are CHOSEN to be sons and daughters of God
- Stand firm in one spirit (v27b)
- Strive together in unity (v27c)
- Suffer gracefully for Christ (v28-30)
- Bible never hides the cost of faithfulness
- Impossible to do all this on own strength {Phil4:13}