April 28, 2025 -- Philippians 4:4 -- Back to the theme: rejoice!

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Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, rejoice.
Philippians 4:4 ESV
 
The word rejoice is used eight times in this brief letter to the Philippians. There are cognates which increase that count as well. Paul is writing from prison, suffering, and yet he is calling on those he writes to “rejoice!”. It is a command.
 
Euodia and Syntyche (4:2) are not in agreement in the Lord—they are to rejoice—such rejoicing will bring them back to unity in whole-hearted service to God.
 
Your citizenship is in heaven (3:20) therefore, rejoice! Whatever ills and troubles await youhere on earth, know your short lifespan here will be so gloriously outweighed by the eternity of splendour in the presence of your Lord and King.
 
You have died to sin, died to the things of this world, died to whatever the world considers excellent or good and we count these all as loss so that you may know the resurrection power of Jesus (3:11). The resurrection power of Jesus reveals to you the vanity of the things of this world. The resurrection power of Jesus confirms this world is dying, but there is fullness of life in Christ that continually grows, expands and increases. It is wonder upon amazement to follow Jesus. By His Spirit believers have the power needed to defeat sin and live for Jesus. Rejoice!
 
Rich or poor, employed or unemployed, healthy or sick, young or old, hard-pressed in circumstances or enjoying mountain-top delights rejoice because God Who began a good work in you will bring it to completion (1:6).
 
Your ability to rejoice is not based on anything except this rock-solid foundation: you belong to Jesus.
 
Grant, Almighty God, that as we were from our beginning lost, when you were pleased to extend to us your hand, and to restore us to salvation for the sake of your Son; and that as we continue even daily to run headlong to our own ruin, - O grant that we may not, by sinning so often, so provoke at length your displeasure as to cause you to take away from us the mercy which you had previously exercised towards us, and through which you have adopted us: but by your Spirit destroy the wickedness of our heart, and restore us to a sound mind, that we may ever cling to you with a true and sincere heart, that being fortified by your defence, we may continue safe even amidst all kinds of danger, until at length you gather us into that blessed rest, which has been prepared for us in heaven by our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
From John Calvin’s prayers in his commentary on Hosea.
 
https://youtu.be/KcFKZlxX2Gw?si=vKlp5JRRGMn1gyk0 Loving My Jesus
 

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