The passage we examine this week is the beginning of Paul’s farewell to the Philippians. These were to be among his last words to this church he loved so much. Paul’s final charge can be summarized in the word he already has used so often in this letter—rejoice. He is so insistent in this instruction that in verse 4 he repeats himself: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
We often read and/or quote that passage. We even sing a chorus or round comprised only of that verse. Some Christians seem to think the verse means we are to always be happy and blissfully smiling despite life’s circumstances. Others may see it as hopelessly naïve. Life is way too tough and demanding for us to be expected to always “rejoice in the Lord.”
At first, those two views seem opposites. However, they are somewhat similar in that they mistake what is meant by “rejoice.” To rejoice simply means to find joy in something. What we often misunderstand is that the roots of joy are not found in happiness. Happiness is dependent on circumstances. Joy as Paul depicts is built on as well as in the Lord.
Therefore, our rejoicing is beyond conditions in life. Our joy is found in God and not in ourselves or what may happen to us. This is why Peter could dare tell his readers, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6).
Paul was not suggesting to the Philippians (or us) that the Christian life knows no sadness. Instead, he tells us the hope and faith we find is in our relationship with Jesus and that it runs through the entire fabric of our lives.
We can dare to find joy in all of life because we know ultimate victory is assured. We can and should be glad because God gives each of us infinitely more than anyone or anything else can. This is the essence of the “good news of great joy which will be for all people” the angel announced to the shepherds in Luke 2:10.
Being a teacher of the law, Paul would have been familiar with Jeremiah 9:23-24 in which we read that reasons for rejoicing can be found in the very essence of God’s character.
Since, in Ephesians 5:1, Paul has called us to be imitators of God, it is not surprising that in Philippians 4:5 Paul begins a list of characteristics we should exhibit with gentleness. Notice that this forbearance, or consideration, should be “evident to all” and not a closely held secret obvious only to fellow Christians. Paul underscores the urgency of this witness with the statement “The Lord is near.” The witness of every Christian since Paul has had similar importance. Jesus’ return always is imminent.
Paul then contrasts a life characterized by rejoicing with one marked by anxiety. In verses 6-7, Paul goes on to explain that, because of what we find in Jesus, we can not only rejoice no matter the circumstances, but we can dare to live without being anxious.
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This reflects what Jesus taught as recorded in Matthew 7:25-34. The result of a life built on God is a life of peace. This kind of peace and freedom from anxiety, Paul points out, is built on prayer. Paul does mention presenting “requests to God.” However, the fullest meaning of prayer is that which is focused on God’s will (Matthew 6:10). Our requests help remind us of our dependence on God. Putting ourselves into God’s hands is the best way to find true peace. Psalm 27 is one wonderful testimony to assurance that comes from trusting God as one’s light, fortress, strength, garrison and salvation.
With lives built on God, we can rejoice and live free from anxiety. This also means we have the leisure to focus on and put into practice other and most noble things of life.
In verses 8-9, Paul lists several virtues that were common in the culture of the day and not unique to Christians. His point is that discovering the joy found in living “in the Lord” will shape the way one thinks and acts.
In verses 10-15, Paul himself rejoices that the Philippians had been partners in his work. They also had been witnesses to his own contentment despite the ups and downs in his life. The lesson does not stop with rejoicing in God and being satisfied in the face of anything we encounter. It also means that one can do anything—through God’s power—to which God calls them (v. 13).
Political and financial uncertainties are parts of our daily diet. Our churches and families concern us likewise. How then can we rejoice in the Lord? We can learn from Paul that to rejoice in the Lord is not a pretentious, superficial bliss. It goes beyond what we sing or say in church or in a worship service. It is the certainty of God’s eternal care and Jesus ultimate victory. It changes the way we think and the way we treat others. It becomes our testimony.
Questions to explore
• What are some reasons you have to rejoice in the Lord?
• What are some authentic ways your life should express joy in the Lord?
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