This lesson from Philippians 3:1–3, titled “Aiming Higher . . . Pressing Onward – Part 1,” teaches that true joy and spiritual protection come from rejoicing in the Lord. Paul commands believers to rejoice—not as a fleeting emotion, but as a deliberate act of focusing on Christ. Joy becomes a defense against spiritual harm, sin, and discouragement. Paul then warns against false teachers—those who spiritually harm (dogs), mislead (evil workers), and burden others with legalism (mutilators). In contrast, true believers worship by the Spirit, boast in Christ alone, and place no confidence in personal merit. The lesson urges us to safeguard our joy, avoid spiritual deception, and center our lives on Jesus alone.
Protected by Joy
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