May 15, 2025 -- Philippians 4:10 -- Your reasons for rejoicing

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I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
Philippians 4:10 ESV
 
Paul, who has been urging and inviting the Philippians to rejoice now gives one of his own reasons for rejoicing. Some background. He loves these people (1:7,8) and they love him and have supported him. He has with him Epaphroditus, whom they sent to Paul and he brought to him their financial gift. Epaphroditus was described by Paul as a fellow worker and fellow soldier and your messenger and minister to my need (2:25). What Paul is doing is modeling his rejoicing as he writes to the Philippian people.
 
Here it is, the current reason he has for rejoicing: they have revived their concern for him. Revive has the sense of persistent growth. It shows up again and again. Their concern, a word used twice, means to think of with respect and compassion. More than mere sympathy, the Philippians have empathy for Paul. They are prepared to consider his hardship and ask themselves, what would be helpful in his circumstances? No wonder Paul wrote “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly”—the care and love and practical gifts of the Philippian congregation were tremendous blessings to him.
 
What reasons do you have for rejoicing? No doubt your circumstances can highlight many reasons for grumbling. There are plenty of reasons for discontent. But where do you see the powerful love of God expressed through people or circumstances or recent events in your life? For me, two men who I care about deeply, have just been reconciled. What a sweet moment to be there with them when God brought them together! It is my reason this morning to rejoice in the Lord greatly. Come on dear reader, list five evidences of God’s goodness, the reasons you rejoice greatly in the Lord.
 
Now, offer those reasons up to God as you rejoice greatly before Him.
 
Our loving Father in heaven, we bless You and praise Your Name. How sweepingly vast is the love You have shown Your people in the gift of Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Savior-King. Hear now the sentences of praise and rejoicing we offer up to You. Let these be a sacrifice of praise to Your glorious Name.
(Speak them out here, your own reasons for rejoicing greatly…)
To You, Triune God, belong all glory and praise and adoration and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/XtwIT8JjddM?si=gVa3eKO7QCx2Imv- 10,000 Reasons
 

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