Rejoice in the Lord
Phil. 4:1-9

As you have reflected on these words from the 4^th chapter of Philippians, have you ever wondered how the Apostle Paul - writing from a prison to a church that was being persecuted - could ask these relatively new Christians to rejoice in the Lord always? I know I have. I have wondered how I am to rejoice while there are so many around me whose lives are filled with pain and brokenness.

1) First of all, let's note that Paul encourages these Christian to "rejoice in the Lord always. I believe that says something different than "Rejoice in whatever happens to you." What we have to rejoice about is not to be centered around what happens, or does not happen, to us; but rather our rejoicing is to center around our Lord Jesus Christ.

We do not rejoice when illness or death comes near, but we rejoice in the Lord that God is with us in such times.

We do not rejoice in the evil we do or the mistakes we make, but we do rejoice in the Lord who forgives our sins and gives us a new beginning.

2) Secondly, as we note in the note in verse 1, we are also encouraged by Paul to stand firm in the Lord. In earlier chapters of this letter, Paul has encouraged the church to make choices worthy of the gospel, to have the attitude of Christ, and to press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. And now as this letter to the church Paul loves comes to a close, he urges them to stand firm in the Lord.

Therefore, we do not rejoice when one has fallen away from the church, but we rejoice in the Lord for those who stand firm.

3) Thirdly, those within the church are urged to be of the same mind in the Lord. And here, in verse 2, Paul names names -- Euodia and Syntyche. These two women in the church had worked side by side with Paul but are apparently at odds with each other. How familiar this story is among Christians today who would work toward the same mission but cannot even get along with each other. The church in Paul's day and the church today has enough challenges to overcome without petty in-fighting among its own members. So Paul urges us to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Therefore, we not rejoice when there is brokenness or disunity among us, but we do rejoice in the Lord when we can agree on a common mission and work together for the Glory of God and Our Neighbor's Good.

4) And finally, says Paul,

whatever is true,
whatever is honorable,
Whatever is just,
Whatever is pure,
Whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence and
if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.

Too often we, like the church in Philippi, get caught up in what's wrong with the world, the country, the community, and the church; and we fail to rejoice and give thanks for that which is good.

Therefore, we do not rejoice when the truth is forgotten, or in our dishonorable human deeds, or when greed is placed before justice; but we do rejoice in the Lord for those things which are commendable and worthy of praise.

And so, brothers and sisters, we do rejoice in the Lord ...

• for the beautiful fall colors and the recognition that God is with us in all seasons of the year
• for each one gathered for worship here in this chapel and in their rooms,and elsewhere around the world.
• for the good health that allows us to be here while also lifting our prayers to God on behalf of those whose health is such that they are unable to be here with us.
• for this comfortable and beautiful Chapel while also recognizing brothers and sisters around the world who crowd into mud huts or risk their lives in gathering for worship.
• for the reconciliation Christ has brought to us while we continue the work of Jesus for peace around the world for all God's children.

"Rejoice in the Lord always," says Paul, "again I will say rejoice."

• Rejoice by letting your gentleness be known to everyone.
• Rejoice by recognizing that indeed the Lord is near.
• Rejoice and do not worry about anything
• Rejoice in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
• Rejoice even as you let your requests be known to God.
• Rejoice and experience the peace of God which surpasses all understanding
• Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice!

Herman Kauffman
Timbercrest Chapel
November 7, 2002