Joy Defined:

“It is a gift from God to those who believe the gospel, being produced in them by the Holy Spirit as they receive and obey the Scripture, being mixed with trials, and set their hope and their heart on future glory.” John MacArthur

I) A right feeling
Verse 7a: It is right for me to feel this way about you all

II) A right heart
Verse 7b: because I hold you in my heart

“The heart is the depth of your person. And what Paul is saying is you’re deep in me, you’re a part of my life. It’s a beautiful thing. And every time they came to mind, he was filled with joy. It was the joy of affection. He loved them. And it was that love that produced that joy. It’s that love that covers a multitude of sins and overlooks weaknesses.” John MacArthur

Matthew 6:19-21
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[e] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

III) A right grace
Verse 7c: for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

“In either case, he is saying, “You were there, and you were partaking of that same enabling grace along with me. You stood by me – you weren’t ashamed of me, you weren’t afraid of the identification, you weren’t afraid of the price or the cost. You assisted me, you were sugkoinnos, you were partners together, of that divine enabling grace. You alleviated my suffering. You cooperated with me in the defense of the gospel, willing to suffer. That’s why I have you in my heart, and that’s why my heart leaps with joy.” John MacArthur

IV) A right affection
Verse 8: For God is my witness how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Next Sunday’s Sermon Text: Philippians 1:9-11