Rejoice in the Lord Philippians 3:1

As Paul the apostle continued his writing to the Philippian church, he concluded his comments and exhortation concerning Epaphroditus who was the church's pastor. In Philippians chapter three and verse one, we see the beginning of Paul's exhortations and warnings to the church as he teaches them to rejoice in the Lord. We read:

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.

The verse begins, “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.” It is interesting that Paul begins this chapter with the word “Finally” which means “for the rest, besides, or moreover” because at first glance it appears that he is closing his letter with a few comments, however he goes on to share for another two chapters. His “final” words though, are given to “my brethren”, which shows the closeness Paul felt for those in the church, and his exhortation is to “rejoice in the Lord”. The word “rejoice” means “be glad, to rejoice exceedingly, to be well, or thrive”, and Paul's idea was to be “exceedingly glad” “in the Lord”.

The verse continues, “To write the same things to you to me indeed is not grievous,...” As Paul begins this section where he gives the church members warnings, he desires to assure them that redundancy is not a problem for him. He declared that writing the “same things” which is the Greek word “autos” and implies the idea of being “automatic, regular, routine and natural”. It was not “grievous” which means “sluggish, slothful, backward” for Paul to write to them, and he was never reluctant or hesitant to share with them over and over again.

Finally the verse says, “but for you it is safe.” Once again we see Paul's usage of the word “but” which implies that what follows is of greater significance than what was just written. Paul told the church members in Philippi “for you it is safe” which means “firm (that which can be relied on), certain, true, suited to confirm”. Paul did not feel grieved over sharing with the church over and over again because he knew that the more they heard and heeded his words, the safer and more certain they would be.

There are many challenges in life that may not invoke rejoicing as we go through them. Let's face it, some trials are very difficult, long and hard. However, as we think upon Paul's words to the Philippians, we can heed his exhortation to “rejoice in the Lord”. No matter how trying, no matter how challenging, and no matter how difficult things are, we can always “rejoice in the Lord”. The Lord Jesus is unchanging, unalterable, and continually steadfast, and we can always rely upon Him. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of where to keep our focus, where to keep our eyes, and where to place our rejoicing. When these “same things” are remembered by us it only makes us “safe”, certain and secure, and there is no greater place of focus and safety than when we simply “rejoice in the Lord”.

Next time we see Paul give the Philippians warnings, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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