Rejoice in the Lord Always Philippians 4:4

After Paul the apostle gave instructions to the church members of Philippi concerning two women who were disputing in the church, “Clement”, his “true yoke-fellow” and his “fellow-laborers whose names are written in the book of life”, in chapter four and verse four Paul tells them the status in which their countenances in life should be. We read:

Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

The verse begins, “Rejoice in the Lord alway:” The word “Rejoice” means “be glad, to rejoice exceedingly, to be well, and thrive”, and notice within what they were to “rejoice” - “in the Lord”. Though their circumstances may have dictated a different response, the church members were to exhibit joy toward the Lord “always” no matter what they endured.

The verse continues, “and again I say, Rejoice.” As though one time of instruction was not enough, Paul tells the Philippians “and again I say, Rejoice”. We have previously seen Paul emphasize a point with the church members in Philippi by repeating it, and in the case of rejoicing, there is no exception.

It is interesting that Paul inserts this directive immediately after giving instructions concerning helping women in the church and following his directive to Euodias and Synthche to “be of the same mind”. Like a mother who gathers her disputing children together to have them live peaceably with one another, Paul brings the church members together and tells them to “rejoice in the Lord”. With their focus upon the Lord in every circumstance they face, there will be less time for disagreement, disputing, and focusing upon difficulties. Perhaps as we ponder Paul's directive to “rejoice” we too will be inspired to keep our focus upon the Lord rather than our situations, and when we do, the world will be given a witness of the power and glory of the gospel of Jesus Christ within our lives.

Next time Paul writes about moderation and the reason for it, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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