What kind of circumstances were the Philippian believers living in?
The Philippian believers were not living in a happy environment; they were under constant pressure. Their circumstances were difficult, so happiness was hard to come by, but joy was still possible for them. They could rejoice even when things were going wrong.
Les teaches that when things are all going wrong, it is hard to be happy, but you can still have joy. Paul's letter to the Philippians is packed with the concept of joy and rejoice. Paul himself had adversaries giving him a bad time constantly; it was not a place of happiness for him, but he had joy and could rejoice even with opposition. Regarding the Philippian believers, Les asks if they were living in a happy environment, and answers no—they were under constant pressure. Even so, the letter emphasizes rejoicing, showing joy is not dependent on pleasant circumstances.
And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
More Questions
Were the Philippian believers living in a happy environment?
The Philippian believers were not living in a happy environment; they were under constant pressure.