The Case For Rejoicing Always: Philippians 3:1
“1) Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.” Philippians 3:1
Paul again returns to the theme of rejoicing in the Lord. He returns to this theme again in Philippians 4:4; “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!” Why is “rejoicing in the Lord” so important?
First, rejoicing is a function of the spirit and not the soul. It ensures that you are walking in the spirit rather than in your flesh or soul.
Second, rejoicing in the Lord is the gateway to worship. It ensures that your focus is on God and not self or your circumstances.
Third, rejoicing in the Lord sets the direction for our emotions to follow. Our emotions are rooted in the soul, God is good whether our soul feels like it or not.
Forth, rejoicing in the Lord can be an expression of our faith. It points our focus in a God-ward direction.
Finally, Paul stated that rejoicing in the Lord is a safeguard for us. It protects us from complaining, self pity or chronic pessimism. If we are not careful, we can become our own worse enemy.
So, is “rejoicing in the Lord always” ingenuous or simplistic? That’s a good question.
It depends on your true view of God! If you doubt His presence, power and sovereignty, then it is pretentious. But if you know His sovereignty and immutability, it becomes logical to acknowledge Him in the face of every trial and opposition. In that case, rejoicing changes everything.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
“1) Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.” Philippians 3:1
Paul again returns to the theme of rejoicing in the Lord. He returns to this theme again in Philippians 4:4; “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!” Why is “rejoicing in the Lord” so important?
First, rejoicing is a function of the spirit and not the soul. It ensures that you are walking in the spirit rather than in your flesh or soul.
Second, rejoicing in the Lord is the gateway to worship. It ensures that your focus is on God and not self or your circumstances.
Third, rejoicing in the Lord sets the direction for our emotions to follow. Our emotions are rooted in the soul, God is good whether our soul feels like it or not.
Forth, rejoicing in the Lord can be an expression of our faith. It points our focus in a God-ward direction.
Finally, Paul stated that rejoicing in the Lord is a safeguard for us. It protects us from complaining, self pity or chronic pessimism. If we are not careful, we can become our own worse enemy.
So, is “rejoicing in the Lord always” ingenuous or simplistic? That’s a good question.
It depends on your true view of God! If you doubt His presence, power and sovereignty, then it is pretentious. But if you know His sovereignty and immutability, it becomes logical to acknowledge Him in the face of every trial and opposition. In that case, rejoicing changes everything.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
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