Word@Work Phil42 - Philippians 4:4
Published: Fri, 11/20/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
REJOICE BY COMMAND
Phil. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (NIV)
This simple instruction is a direct command. Seeing God's goodness and celebrating with joy is not a Christian option, nor is it to be reserved for special occasions. It is to be the everyday normality of living in Christ. Yet that is not many believers' experience, either for themselves or of others, which is why we need to be instructed to rejoice. However, looking at their circumstances, many might reply, "But I don't feel full of joy, so I cannot rejoice". And that is precisely the problem. Our feelings are motivated by what consumes us, and if we take our eyes off Jesus there is little cause for joy. But when we are absorbed by the love of God, the grace of Christ and the fellowship of the Spirit, joy floods our emotional horizon.
We do not know why Paul wrote this. Perhaps it was an antidote to interpersonal friction (see Philippians 4:1-2), or to the inevitability of suffering (see Philippians 1:29). Naturally, any adverse circumstance induces fear and despondency: but in Christ we can see that God is always working everything together for our good (see Rom 8:28). Jesus certainly suffered, but He looked with joy beyond the suffering to the Divine purpose (see Heb 12:1-2). Therefore He is an example to us to endure and not give way to fear and give up. Paul's double instruction to rejoice is more than a helpful reminder that we can have peace because God is in control. We must celebrate that peace as a reminder to ourselves of God's covenant faithfulness, and as an expression of delight that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (see Eph 1:3). Rejoicing in the Lord, is an essential act of worship
Rejoicing is not dependant on temperament or culture, circumstances or feelings; but on obedience. True, happiness depends on what happens, but joy is the result of the Holy Spirit's work in obedient hearts. Rejoicing (the celebration of inner joy) is an act of obedience which marks the believer as belonging to Christ, especially when the outlook is bleak. Your colleagues at work cannot fail to notice, and at some point you will need to give gospel answers to their questions.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that in Christ I have every reason to be confident even though I cannot see the future. Help me to be obedient today by celebrating Your sovereignty in my life and over all things. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
This simple instruction is a direct command. Seeing God's goodness and celebrating with joy is not a Christian option, nor is it to be reserved for special occasions. It is to be the everyday normality of living in Christ. Yet that is not many believers' experience, either for themselves or of others, which is why we need to be instructed to rejoice. However, looking at their circumstances, many might reply, "But I don't feel full of joy, so I cannot rejoice". And that is precisely the problem. Our feelings are motivated by what consumes us, and if we take our eyes off Jesus there is little cause for joy. But when we are absorbed by the love of God, the grace of Christ and the fellowship of the Spirit, joy floods our emotional horizon.
We do not know why Paul wrote this. Perhaps it was an antidote to interpersonal friction (see Philippians 4:1-2), or to the inevitability of suffering (see Philippians 1:29). Naturally, any adverse circumstance induces fear and despondency: but in Christ we can see that God is always working everything together for our good (see Rom 8:28). Jesus certainly suffered, but He looked with joy beyond the suffering to the Divine purpose (see Heb 12:1-2). Therefore He is an example to us to endure and not give way to fear and give up. Paul's double instruction to rejoice is more than a helpful reminder that we can have peace because God is in control. We must celebrate that peace as a reminder to ourselves of God's covenant faithfulness, and as an expression of delight that we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ (see Eph 1:3). Rejoicing in the Lord, is an essential act of worship
Rejoicing is not dependant on temperament or culture, circumstances or feelings; but on obedience. True, happiness depends on what happens, but joy is the result of the Holy Spirit's work in obedient hearts. Rejoicing (the celebration of inner joy) is an act of obedience which marks the believer as belonging to Christ, especially when the outlook is bleak. Your colleagues at work cannot fail to notice, and at some point you will need to give gospel answers to their questions.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Thank You that in Christ I have every reason to be confident even though I cannot see the future. Help me to be obedient today by celebrating Your sovereignty in my life and over all things. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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