The Book of Philippians Pt. 21 Christians Should be Known for Rejoicing in the LORD!

We have made it half way through the book of Philippians. This was Paul's most personal letter written to a church of believers that he truly loved. 

Rejoicing in the LORD

Philippians 3:1  Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 

The word "finally" means from this point forward, Paul wanted them to put into practice the truth he shared with the church at Philippi.

Paul used the term "brethren" which refers to all born again believers, apostles, elders, teachers, evangelists, deacons and leaders. Lay people, Pastors and parishioners. The word "brethren" indicates saints who have been granted all of the same spiritual blessings in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 1:3) 

Paul gave a simple, straightforward command that all "brethren" should "rejoice in the Lord." This phrase is used nine times in the Bible. Seven are in the Old Testament where the word "LORD" is used. 

That glorious name refers to Jehovah, the God who is unchanging, who keeps His promises and covenants. He is the God who inhabits eternity and dwells with those who have humble hearts and contrite spirits. He is the holy and righteous God of lovingkindness, who is full of grace and mercy.

Rejoice in the LORD for His Word. 

Psalm 33:1-4  Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. 2) Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. 3)  Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise. 4) For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.  

The word "rejoice" means to shout out with joy. It is a ringing cry of exaltation, singing and joyous praise. The object of the verb "rejoice" is Jehovah, the great I Am. 

The Psalmist told us that rejoicing includes "praise."  The word "praise" is a song or hymn of public praise and thanksgiving given to God. Rejoicing and praise are things that are "comely" or beautiful. 

Rejoicing is reserved for the people of God, those who have repented of their sins and have called upon the LORD to save them. Unsaved, wicked people have no part in rejoicing and praising God because they do not know Him nor do they obey Him.  

Rejoicing also incorporates musical instruments played with skill and precision so that God is glorified and honored. Thus, we have the idea of a choir and an orchestra combined in the act of rejoicing and offering praise to Jehovah. 

In this text, the cause for rejoicing and praise is the word of Jehovah. All His works are done in truth, because He will always do what He says He will do. 

Rejoice in the LORD for His holiness. 

Psalm 97:9-12  For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods. 10) Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked. 11) Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. 12) Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. 

Jehovah is high above all gods. He is exalted above the earth. Those who are born again and love Jehovah, must hate evil. Rejoicing breaks out because Jehovah preserves the soul of each one of His saints. Eternal life and salvation are assured because of who God is!

Rejoicing breaks out because Jehovah sows light from His righteousness to show us the way to walk. It is a way filled with gladness as He works in His righteousness into our hearts, and creates a new, upright heart in each believer. The righteous ones who have trusted Jehovah are the ones who are rejoicing. They are rejoicing because they remember His holiness and how He will save all those who call upon Him with repentant faith. 

Rejoice in the LORD for His salvation. 

Habakkuk 3:18-19  Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. 19) The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. 

The prophet Habakkuk ended his beautiful book of prophecy, by expressing his complete confidence that Jehovah would do all that He promised to do for Israel. Habakkuk said that he would rejoice in the LORD with great joy because He is the God of his salvation. 

Habakkuk had many concerns that he raised in his prayers to God and God answered him each time that he prayed. The cause for his rejoicing in the LORD was the sure promise that Jehovah would save and restore Israel. Believers also have a similar hope because we are anticipating the coming of Jesus Christ to set all things right. 

Rejoice in the LORD for His glorious names. 

Psalm 9:1-2 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. 2) I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. 

King David praised Jehovah with his whole heart. This expression means praising God with all of our soul, heart, strength and being. It is unrestrained praise motivated by the glory of God. It is exultant praise that tells other people about the awesome works of God. It is rejoicing based upon gladness of heart because of having a dynamic relationship with the One, True, Living God of heaven. 

David declared that he would rejoice in the LORD because he has trusted in His holy name. We have studied many of the names of God over the last few years, because they teach us much about Him. Learning about His names helps us see more of the character and heart of God toward mankind.

Rejoice in the LORD for His reviving work. 

Psalm 85:6-7  Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? 7) Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation. 

The Psalmist knows that true revival can only come when the people of God repent of their sins and earnestly seek Jehovah. When the Spirit of God falls upon a sincerely repentant group of people, He will revive them and revival brings fresh passion and new zeal in the heart of the believer. Revival unleashed joy in our hearts. 

Thoughts to Ponder...

Rejoicing is a major theme for Paul in writing to the Philippians. He told these believers that he is going to repeat himself, by writing the same things to them once again. Rejoicing is good for the soul and joy should always be a part of any believer's experience. 

Rejoicing in the LORD is a sure guard against falling into spiritual error. Spiritual joy is the best antidote for spiritual apathy. Rejoicing in the LORD is the safe place for all believers and Paul felt so strongly about it, that he was led to emphasize this theme.  

Are we rejoicing in the LORD for the various reasons noted above? We need to find joy in our hearts from God because of all that He does for us, all that He has promised to us and for who He has revealed Himself to be. 

I have said before that the born again child of God should be the happiest people on the earth, because our sins have been washed away, God has fully forgiven us and pardoned us, and our eternal future with Christ is safe and secure.

Bob