REJOICE IN THE LORD
PHILIPPIANS 4
LOVE, THE FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Apostle Paul wrote the Philippians Church starting each chapter with encouragement
the workers of the Lord with expressions of love, unity, and joy.
Philippians 1:3
I thank my God every time I remember you.
Philippians 2:1-2
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded
Philippians 3:1
3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
Philippians 4:1
4 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!
God is LOVE. There is no greater expression of compassion and tenderness than
the word LOVE. I believe everything that God has done is out of His LOVE for
humanity. He created a world and stocked it with every convenience we need out of
His LOVE. He made man in His own image and Likeness out of His LOVE,
When we failed, HE sent His only begotten Son to die for our sins out of
His LOVE.
When I was growing up, I don’t remember the word love said. But my parents
showed their love by what did for us. I felt the hand of their love in discipline.
I remember their love when they taught me to honor God with reverence, obedience
, and church attendance.
I now know to appreciate the word LOVE when it comes from my wife many times
each day. I find myself following her lead.
All of Paul’s writings were for the LOVE of God, the LOVE of Jesus Christ,
LOVE of the Holy Spirit, and the LOVE of the church members. He made a
point before dealing with the issues plaguing the Church to express his love and to
promote love and unity among the members.
I believe that the reason there is so much violence, hatred, and criminal activity
all over the world is LOVE has become a secondhand emotion. Tina Turner in her
song asked the question, What's Love Got To Do With It? Well Tina, wherever you rest,
LOVE has everything to do with everything.
The Apostle Paul in all of his letters to the churches he established promotes
the Gospel of Jesus Christ in LOVE, unity, and obedience to God’s commands.
REJOICE IN THE LORD ALL DAY EVERY DAY
Philippians 4:4-7
V:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
The Greek word for rejoice is chairo which means calmly happy.
You have to make yourself happy with what you think about. Be calm
and be happy.
The focus of your happiness has to be something that is unchangeable. There
is only ONE that is UNCHANGEABLE and that is the LORD.
It is a great idea for us to put our focus on the Lord. The Greek word for Lord
used here is Kurios which means the supreme authority. You cannot find
lasting happiness in things other than the supreme authority.
You have to seek happiness every day. If you don't seek happiness, sadness
regarding something or someone will creep into your mind.
Paul emphasizes happiness in the Lord by repeating it a second time in the
same sentence. Rejoicing cannot be for us only but must be for all those
around us and all we come in contact with. Our rejoicing must be in the
attitude of gentleness that is in moderation. You cannot force anyone to be
happy, but you can show what happiness in the Lord looks like by your
living.
We must never forget that the Lord is listening, watching, and standing by you.
Paul instructs us to rejoice in the Lord in a way that others will want the
same joy. If someone asks why you are smiling, it's the Lord. If some ask
why you are not worried, it is the Lord. If some ask why you are confident,
it is the Lord. People may see and not understand, but you proclaim your
joy in the Lord.
TRUST THE LORD, LET GO, AND LET GOD
V:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The result of rejoicing in the Lord is confidence in Him. The word anxious is the
The Greek word for anxious is merimnao which means take thought. Since I have confidence
in the Lord, don't take thought of any problem. Don't worry about any situation.
Take everything to the supreme authority in prayer with thanksgiving.
This is not easy, We are people that believe we have to be in charge. We feel neglectful
if we don’t internalize every problem. We must figure out a way to make the problem
go away. But Paul says to get out of that habit. Relieve yourself for taking responsibility for things that are beyond your control or abilities.
Paul gives us the solution.
Rejoice in the Lord
Share your joy with others
Take your problems to the Lord in prayer
Trust the Lord with that which you cannot control
Be Thankful
The result will be peace. LET IT GO AND LET GOD
The peace you will have will be beyond your understanding.
You must remember that your desire for peace invites Satan to show up
to destroy, to kill
Therefore you must stay focused on the Word of God. It is confidence in the
promises that God has made that will drive negative thoughts away. When
Satan shows up your only defense is the Word of God.
THINK GOOD THOUGHTS
Philippians 4:8-10
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Knowledge without application is useless. You have to get your mind right before
you can move into a peaceful situation. Paul is not talking to the world, he is
talking to the church. He is talking to you. Paul encourages us to focus on the
good things in life, not the bad or negative He gives us 7 qualities to focus on
so you won't be overwhelmed by what you cannot control.
WHATEVER IS;
TRUE The word of God is the only truth
NOBLE Honest is always the best policy
Right The Lord’s way is the only right way
Pure Thoughts that are undefiled by lust
Lovely Love and compassion for others
Admirable The goodness of God around you
Praiseworthy The good that others do
When you focus on the good and not the bad you will be at peace
Put the word of God into practice in your life. That will take a change
in you and the way you act and see things.
LEARN TO BE CONTENT
Philippians 4:10-13
V:10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last, you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
The concern for the preacher should be shown in an offering to the preacher.
We benefit from their labor of love of the Gospel and their love for us is shown in
many ways. They should benefit monetarily from the income of our labor.
1 Timothy 5:17-19
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages."
Paul encouraged the Church in their giving. But did not ask because of any need
he had. He was content with his situation of being bound in prison.
Paul learned the secret of contentment was to do everything through Christ
who gave him strength. You can be content with little and frustrated with a lot.
Philippians 4:14-18
CREDIT YOUR ACCOUNT WITH A LOVE OFFERING
V:14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
Out of the 14 to 20 churches Paul established and labored for, only the church
at Philippi supported him financially. They took up a collection to support
Paul many times.
When you support your pastor with a love offering, God creates a special
account for you. Act 20:35 says it is more blessed to give than to receive.
God holds special favors for those who support their pastor. It pleases God
when we support the man of God.
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