The Epistle To The Philippians Rejoice Always

Ever Feel Like You Can’t Lose! Like everything’s turning up roses? Like you sailed under a lucky star? Like you found the end of the rainbow? We know there’s no such thing as luck. Instead there is God plotting and planning our lives. So, first thing we need to realize as Christians is that we are citizens of heaven!

What Good Is That Now? Nothing that happens on this earth can take away our citizenship – so long as we remain faithful to God. If you ever feel like the world is getting you down, you should still remain joyful because that doesn’t change who you are or whose you are. Never forget where you’re going – your ultimate destination – and rejoice always!

At Peace Within The Family Philippians 4:2-3 Segue verses from “stand firm” to “rejoice always” Example of two women who are not at peace with one another and who are therefore not rejoicing and not allowing everyone else to rejoice.

A Tale Of Two Women Euodia and Syntyche – Who are these women? Only time mentioned in Scripture. We know only what Paul tells us here. They were important co-workers with Paul in the gospel. They were sharers in Paul’s struggle in the gospel. Their names were written in the book of life. They were in disagreement.

What Was Their Argument About? We don’t know. We may assume it had to do with some doctrinal matter, based on Paul’s mentioning them here just after his admonition to “stand firm”. It is noteworthy to see that Paul did not SOLVE their argument. He did not take sides. He urges his “true yokefellow” (not clear who) to help them

Possible Allusions In… Philippians 1:27 – “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel….” Philippians 2:2 – “…make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose….”

Why must we remain united? Great danger in church discord 1 Corinthians 1:10 -- Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. 1 Corinthians 12:25 – “…so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. Jude 18-19 – “…that they were saying to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts.” These are the ones who cause divisions, worldly-minded, devoid of the Spirit….”

What Is The Attitude Of The Redeemed? Philippians 4:4-6 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Rejoicing X2 As Christians we are to rejoice exceedingly Paul repeats the injunction to rejoice twice. How is it possible to rejoice in the Lord always? Example from CTLTC -- devotional

Gentleness Of Spirit and Moderation We should be letting everyone see our gentle spirit. How much harm does one without a gentle spirit cause in a family of lovely Christians? Is your spirit gentle? If not – CHANGE NOW! You are a great danger to the church. And Jesus is near!

Do Away With Anxiety Be anxious about NOTHING! How? By praying instead of worrying By being thankful always By entreating God rather than wringing hands Never ever be anxious. 1 Peter 5:7 – “…casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”

A Promise Of Incomprehensible Peace Paul promises that God will give us incomprehensible peace. Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The Truth of This Peace Our hearts and minds are guarded by this peace from God This type of peace is only available to those who have been clothed in Christ and who are living for Him. This peace exists BECAUSE we are casting our anxiety on Him!

Do You Want Perfect Peace? Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful….” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 – “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”