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REJOICE IN THE LORD
Philippians 4:4 INTRO: God's people are to be a rejoicing people; a happy people. They have more to rejoice about than anyone else. To think that Christianity demands a constant sad and sober countenance is a fallacy. Jesus did not hesitate to take his part in a happy occasion at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. He noted with disappointment those who imagined that to be religious was to be "of a sad countenance" (Matt. 6:16). Such an attitude as rejoicing is imperative in the lives of Christians. I. THE COMMAND A. "Rejoice ..." 1. Means to "feel great joy or delight" (Webster). 2. A command; therefore to be obeyed.
B. Why we should rejoice. 1. For our own sakes; no virtue in the constant melancholy. 2. For the sake of others; our gloom will make others miserable; joy is a contagious thing. 3. For the sake of our work; joy is invigorating. 4. For the sake of Christ; it pleases and honors him. II. A LIMITED COMMAND A. "Rejoice in the Lord ..." (text). 1. The source of all the Christian's rejoicing. 2. Not much to rejoice about out of Christ. B. Rejoice in the things that pertain to him. 1. In his body, presence and service. 2. In his love, receiving it and returning it. 3. In his service, delighting to do his will. 4. In his blessings; heavenly citizenship and its inheritance are ours in Christ. 5. In the salvation that he gives (Acts -39). 6. In the triumph of his faith (1 Cor. 13:6). 7. In the fellowship he provides (1 John 1:3, 7).
8. In the hope he instills (Rom. ; Heb. 3:6). 9. Because our names are written in heaven (Lk. -20). III. A PERPETUAL COMMAND A. "Rejoice in the Lord always ..." (text). 1. As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing" (2 Cor. ). B. Conditions under which we are to rejoice. 1. Prosperity and adversity (Hab. -19). 2. Among friends or behind prison bars. i. Philippian letter was written while Paul was a prisoner – yet its nt tone is one of joy. ii. Paul and Silas had more joy in a dungeon than the ones who put them there there (Acts )! 3. In sickness or health (Matt. 9:2; 2 Cor. 12:7-10). 4. When favored or persecuted by man (Matt. ; Acts ). 5. In life or ( 6. Even when sin abounds, for where it abounds, "grace doth much more abound" (Rom. ). IV. AN EMPHASIZED COMMAND A. "And again I say, rejoice ..." (text). B It's repetition carries two implications: 1. It is important - worth repeating. 2. We may sometimes be slow to heed it. 3. Too often disposed to whine, fuss, complain and murmur (1 Cor. ; Jude 16). V. THE MARVELOUS RESULTS A. Dissension will disappear. 1. The command given as a remedy for personal strife (Phil. 4:2-4). B. Murmurings will cease. 1. They will be lost in sweeter tones of joy. 2. A murmurer is never a happy person - he is too busy hunting something to complain about. C. Personal attraction will be greatly enhanced. 1. Results - more and better friends. 2. Hence, our personal influence will be greater. 3. No one likes to be around a grouch! D. The church will radiate a more cheerful influence and atmosphere if its members do. 1. "More flies are caught by a spoonful of honey than by a barrel full of vinegar." CONCLUSION: As God's people, let us remember this command. We have a multitude of things to be joyful about; let us appreciate them, and rejoice over them. |
