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. Philippians 3:1

Paul keeps beseeching the Philippians to rejoice. He uses the word nine times. It is one of the safest things they can do. Paul knows that if they are rejoicing in the Lord that they shouldn’t be deceived by those who come into the church to spread false doctrine. They will also have a positive Christian attitude that will heal some of sicknesses that are plaguing the church: pride, conflict, whisperings, etc.

If we are rejoicing in the Lord, then He is our peace and satisfaction. We rejoice in Jesus’ victory. He is Head over the church. He is our advocate and intercessor. He is on our side. We rejoice and have faith in all that Christ has done, is doing, and will do. Rejoicing in the Lord is essential to battling outside pressure and inward imaginations, anxieties, and lusts.

We battle temptations and lusts every day. We must look to the Lord and rejoice in Him before and during those temptations. Then we can rejoice in the Lord after the victory. We see an example of this in Psalm 20. David prays during a time of trouble. We need to learn David that we are tempted to fix things ourselves with chariots and horses: our own mind and flesh. Our own pride will defeat us. We must look to the Lord and rejoice in Him!

Psalm 20:5-8 We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

• Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice evermore.

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry