Always Rejoice! – (Philippians 1:3-4)

Philippians 1:3–4:20

There is one letter in the New Testament that could be called “the letter of joy.” Do you know which one it is? Which letter of the apostle Paul is known as “the letter of joy” in the New Testament? It is the Letter to the Philippians.

Philippi was a city in northern Greece — in what was then the Roman province of Macedonia. It was there that the apostle Paul first settled when he came from the continent of Asia into the continent of Europe during his second missionary journey. In Philippi — where he was sent by the Holy Spirit — the apostle Paul preached the gospel to Lydia, set free from demonic bondage the slave girl with the spirit of divination, and, after his miraculous release from prison, was a guest in the home of the jailer (Acts 16:6–40). So God founded a church through the apostle Paul in Philippi — a church whose pastor most likely became Luke the evangelist.

Later, when the apostle Paul was already under house arrest in Rome, that same church sent him financial help so that he could meet his needs. The apostle Paul thanks them by sending this God-breathed letter through Epaphroditus.

The apostle Paul’s Letter to the Philippians is a letter of joy, and I believe that God desires us today to rejoice in Him. Perhaps someone would say that they would rather hear about joy not from me exactly, but from someone more cheerful and lively — someone who is always smiling, always rejoicing, always glorifying God and always full of boldness. But that is a matter of temperament. There are people who always seem joyful, others who are more pessimistic, and still others who are more reserved. Yet, whatever our temperament may be, God desires us to have His joy in our hearts.

I may not be such a “joyful sort of person,” and it may seem strange to you that I of all people should speak to you about joy in the Lord, but I want to tell you that I do rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the Lord is my strength. If we want to live a victorious life, then joy in the Lord must always be in our hearts. If Satan manages to steal our joy, he steals our victory as well. But our joy in the Lord must always abide in us. And we must examine our hearts, lest we have lost the joy of the Lord. Because that is when we grow weary — when we have no strength from the Lord and when we begin to do things in our own strength — that is when we become exhausted and burned out. I once had such a moment in my life when I felt as if I were burned out — I had no strength, I was tired, I did not feel like doing anything; I was despairing, I was discouraged. But the Lord visited me! And He restored the joy of the Holy Spirit to my heart. And I understood that we must not be depressed, we must not be discouraged, we must not give up, but whatever happens — even if we die — the joy of the Lord must never leave our hearts. And the apostle Paul says exactly this in the Letter to the Philippians (Philippians 1:21–26).

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)

The apostle Paul was not afraid of death. For him it was “gain.”

22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. (Philippians 1:22–26)

Glory to God! Even death and the fear of death must not take away our joy. Because for us, the redeemed in the blood of Christ, death is simply a door through which we enter into the glory of God. Of course, we desire life, because God desires us to desire life, but nothing must take away our joy. And if today Satan has stolen your joy, I pray, open your heart and let the Holy Spirit fill it with heavenly joy. Because one of the fruits of the Spirit is joy — “love, joy…” (Galatians 5:22). After love, the second in the list of the “fruit of the Spirit” is joy. And in Luke we see that Jesus rejoiced “through the Holy Spirit” (Luke 10:21), and in the Acts of the Apostles we see that after Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, he “went on his way rejoicing” (Acts 8:39). Why was this eunuch “rejoicing”? Most likely because after his baptism in water, the Holy Spirit came upon him and he was filled with Him. And when we have the Holy Spirit in our heart — we have joy.

In Philippians 4:4 the apostle Paul tells us:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

Rejoice! But over what? In this letter we can find at least eight reasons to cast off the heaviness and sorrow from our lives.

THE JOY OF SHARING IN THE WORK OF THE GOSPEL (Philippians 1:3–5; 15–18)

The first reason we can rejoice as Christians is that the gospel is being preached. According to the apostle Paul, the gospel itself ought to bring us joy. And we ought to rejoice because in one way or another we take part in this gospel. Today the gospel is being preached in many cities in Bulgaria, in the countries neighboring Bulgaria, and also across the whole world. On television, on the radio, and on the internet today the gospel is being preached over all the earth. Glory to God! The fact that the gospel is being preached ought to sustain the joy in our hearts. This is what the apostle Paul says. In verses 3–5:

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy (Philippians 1:3–4)

And see for what he prays with joy for these Philippians…

5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, (Philippians 1:5)

The Philippians took part in the gospel through their giving. They supported the ministry of the apostle Paul from its very beginning — from Philippi onward. But here I think what matters is not so much that they were generous and that they gave of their resources, because today there are many people who engage in charity and give of their resources. There are good causes for which to give. Take, for example, those initiatives advertised on television in Bulgaria — the “Bulgarian Christmas” — where a certain sum is given by sending an SMS for children who are in need, who are sick with severe illnesses, or who are orphans. Giving for people who are in orphanages; for people who are socially disadvantaged, and all kinds of other initiatives… Every such gift is good. And there are people who are generous and who give much. And glory to God for that, and may God bless them! But here we see that the apostle Paul rejoices that the Philippians take part not in some other work, but in the work of the gospel. Today there are people who give much for many things — for education, for social projects, but for the gospel only those give who are spiritual (who have the Holy Spirit and belong to Him), those who understand that the gospel is something especially important and therefore value it in a special way.

Because the gospel is “the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). So if a person believes in the gospel, he will be “saved.” From what? He will be saved from all his sins — he will be saved from his sins and will have “eternal life” (John 3:16; 6:54; 1 John 2:25). And salvation and the new birth are always an occasion for joy. Remember, when the prodigal son returned to his father, what did the father do? He ran to him and embraced him… (Luke 15:20) And he said to his servants: “Let us celebrate!” And they slaughtered the fattened calf and held a feast (Luke 15:22–23). Why? Because the father said: “This son of mine was… dead… and is alive again; he was lost… and is found!” (Luke 15:24). Glory to God! That is why they began to rejoice, began to celebrate! And they held a feast, because this was a time of salvation. And if, when the prodigal son returned to his father, that was — so to speak — an “earthly salvation,” then when we return to our Heavenly Father through faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, this is an eternal salvation. And what is said in that very same chapter (Luke 15:7)?

7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (Luke 15:7)

The angels celebrate when one person turns to God. This is an occasion for joy. And if the angels rejoice, then we too ought to rejoice, because in its very nature the gospel is a message of joy. As we sing in one of our songs:

“O happy day! O happy day! When I was forgiven. Jesus washed my heart and gave me new life. O happy day! O happy day! When I was forgiven!”

Remember what the angels said to the shepherds on the night of the Nativity (Luke 2:10–11):

10 Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:10–11)

This is the good news. And it is for everyone! Rejoice! We have a Savior. He saved us from our sins. Through Him we have eternal life. And if this is not an occasion for joy?!? The Lord Jesus Christ Himself said to His disciples in Luke 10:20:

20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20)

Remember, Jesus had sent out His seventy disciples to preach the kingdom of God, to heal, and to cast out demons. And when they returned, they were overjoyed and said: “Lord, do you know, even the demons submit to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17) — they were happy about their authority, they were happy about their victory. But Jesus said to them: “Good! But do not rejoice only that the demons submit to you — that is a small thing. Rejoice that your names are written in heaven!”

So then, the gospel is being preached! People are repenting! The angels are celebrating! And I know that today too there are people being saved — on this very day! And today there is joy in heaven, because the gospel is being preached! So then, rejoice, people! And let no one take this joy from us, because it is a great joy — we have a Savior! Great joy — our names are written in heaven! This is why the apostle Paul rejoices that, whatever the motives — whether noble or unworthy, right or wrong — the gospel is being preached, and this in itself is something worth rejoicing over.

The apostle Paul is honest, and he does not hide the fact — and surely today too there are people who do not preach Christ from good intention.

15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. (Philippians 1:15–17)

See, some preach the gospel “out of goodwill” and do it sincerely. Others preach the gospel out of rivalry — to show that they are something more than others, to exalt themselves… In another place the apostle Paul says that some preach the gospel even for money (1 Timothy 6:10)… But…???

18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, (Philippians 1:18)

That is what you should rejoice over! Is Christ being preached today? Christ is being preached! And if Christ is being preached, then it is worth rejoicing and continuing to rejoice.

THE JOY OF FAITH (Philippians 1:21–26)

In the second place, we ought to rejoice in the faith. Faith itself, the very fact that you have believed, ought to bring you joy. Because, as we read earlier, for the apostle Paul it makes no difference whether he lives or dies. He even says that he does not know what to choose — life or death. He is faced with a dilemma — he is “torn” between the two choices, because they are of equal weight.

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Philippians 1:21–24)

Notice, if he looked only to his own interest, the apostle Paul reckons that for him it would be “better by far” to depart from this world and be with Christ, but he does not seek only what is good for him, but what is “more necessary” for the Philippians. He does not think only of himself, but of them as well. Besides being a “letter of joy,” this letter is also a “letter of altruism.” Altruism is the opposite (the antonym) of selfishness. The apostle Paul teaches them how to think of others rather than of themselves, and as a spiritual father he gives them an example of how he himself does not think of himself, but of others. “I would wish to be out of the body and with the Lord, because that is something far better, but to remain in my body is more necessary for you!” Altruism is a source of joy. It is not by chance that the Lord Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive!” (Acts 20:35). It is more joyful to think of others than of yourself.

25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. (Philippians 1:25–26)

How will the apostle Paul’s remaining with the Philippians cause joy in their faith? Paul’s return among the Philippians will be an answer to their prayers, and in this way they will rejoice that God hears their prayers and honors their faith. But faith itself also contains joy. And I want to ask you today: “Do you believe in Christ?” If you believe in Jesus Christ — rejoice! Because, if you believe in Jesus Christ, it is because God has granted you “repentance that leads to life” (Acts 11:18). If you believe in Jesus Christ, then rejoice, because God has opened the eyes of your heart, so that the light of the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ might shine on you (2 Corinthians 4:4, 6). Do you pray? Does God answer your prayers? If God hears your prayers and answers them, then rejoice, because this is an occasion for joy!

If you believe, then rejoice in your faith. For the apostle Paul, joy was an inseparable element of faith. In 2 Corinthians 1:24 the apostle Paul uses the words faith and joy almost interchangeably.

24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm. (2 Corinthians 1:24)

So then, if you believe — rejoice, because if you believe, you have not only faith, but also the joy that God has given you.

• You have the joy of salvation (Luke 10:20)!
• You have the joy of fellowship in the Lord!
• You have the joy of the Word of God!
• You have the joy of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22)!
• You have the joy of the spiritual gifts!
• You have the joy of every spiritual blessing that God has poured out upon you (Ephesians 1:3)!
• You have the joy of being chosen by God for salvation (Romans 8:29–30)!

Rejoice! And let no one and nothing take your joy away (John 16:20–22)! You have a risen Savior! Jesus Christ is not in the tomb. He rose from the dead as the pledge of your own resurrection! So rejoice!

See, there are two outlooks — that of the unbeliever and that of the believer.

• The unbelieving person says: “I am living, but I do not know why. I will die, but I do not know when. I am traveling, but I do not know where to. It is a wonder to me that sometimes I can be joyful.”
• The believing Christian says: “I am living, and I know why — for the glory of God. I will die, and I know when — when God calls me according to His will. I am traveling, and I know where to — toward my heavenly, eternal home. It is a wonder to me that sometimes I can be sad.”

So then, our normal, our natural state ought to be not a state of dullness, of depression, or of indifference, but a state of joy! The fact that we are sometimes sad… ought to be a wonder to us! How can we be sad amid so many reasons for joy!? There ought to be no “sad Christians,” brothers and sisters! In Proverbs 14:13 it says that “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief,” but I would say that for us the opposite ought to hold true as well — that even in pain, even in sorrow, our heart always has its joy — if we are saved and if Jesus Christ is in our heart. So let us rejoice today in the Lord, let us be cheerful, let us be bold! Because God is pleased for us to experience the heavenly joy that He pours into our hearts.

THE JOY OF UNITY (Philippians 2:1–2)

Another thing over which the apostle Paul rejoices in the letter to the Philippians is unity. We ought to rejoice that in our church there is no division. We are one in the Lord!

1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. (Philippians 2:1–2)

See, if we are united, if we have unity, if we are of one mind, if we are of one accord, then our joy will be complete, and the Lord will rejoice, because He desires us to be one. In Psalm 133 we are told not only that God is pleased with unity, but also that unity brings us anointing and blessing:

A song of ascents. Of David. (Psalm 133:1)

See, this was a psalm that the Israelites sang when they went up to worship at the temple. That is why it is called a “song of ascents,” because they were ascending as they journeyed toward Jerusalem.

1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. (Psalm 133:1–2)

This oil is the oil of anointing, the oil of blessing. And notice that unity and being of one accord is “pleasant.” Pleasant not only to the Lord, but also to those who experience it.

3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. (Psalm 133:3)

This dew came down from Mount Hermon, and in summer, when it was terribly hot and terribly dry, this dew would fall and provide freshness, and give moisture to the plants — it made them grow.

For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. (Psalm 133:3)

This is why in another place the apostle Paul tells us to “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

Do we have unity today? We think alike, don’t we? We are of one mind about this, that the Word of God must be preached in our town, must be preached in Bulgaria, aren’t we? Bulgaria must be saved. Jesus Christ deserves glory. Whatever we are, we must be one in Jesus Christ, mustn’t we? Whether you are rich or poor, whether you are white or black, whether you are man or woman, whether you are educated or not — it is said that in Jesus Christ “there is no difference” (Galatians 3:27–28; Romans 10:12; 3:22). In Jesus Christ what matters is that we be “new creations,” isn’t that so (Galatians 6:15)? God does not look at the face, but looks at the heart of a person (Romans 2:11; Acts 10:34). Therefore, let us rejoice and be one. And in this joy, in this fellowship, in this unity — let us not lose our joy, but rejoice in the Lord!

THE JOY OF SERVICE (Philippians 2:17–18)

Another occasion for joy for the apostle Paul is the joy of service. Because in Philippians 2:17–18 he says:

17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. (Philippians 2:17–18)

See, the apostle Paul writes these words while he is under house arrest in Rome. And when a person is arrested or in prison, he can hardly be very joyful. Yet the apostle Paul is joyful. And he says to the Philippians: “I rejoice — I rejoice because I am in prison for your sake — because I preach the gospel, that is why I am in prison!” And earlier, while he was in Philippi, he was again in prison for the faith (Acts 16:23–24). And again he rejoiced, because the very fact that he was in prison became the reason for the jailer to be saved. And now, when he is in prison for the sake of the gospel, he rejoices because his imprisonment stirs up public interest and leads even to the conversion of some nobles who are of the imperial household. Because at the end of the letter he tells them (Philippians 4:22):

22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. (Philippians 4:22)

And the apostle Paul rejoices and says: “I thank God, because the fact that I am imprisoned became the reason for many people to ask themselves the question about God. Why is the apostle Paul in prison? And so, hearing the gospel — they believe.” And this is exactly what the apostle Paul says in chapter 1 of the letter (Philippians 1:12–14):

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear. (Philippians 1:12–14)

Do you see, the apostle Paul rejoices, but he does not deny that service requires self-sacrifice. To serve God is not easy. Even if you come and unlock the church for every service, even if you only carry the wood and light the stove — even that is not easy, even that is a “commitment.” Even to sing up front at every service or to clean the church — even that is not easy. Every service requires sacrifice. And to preach, I want to tell you, that too is not easy. Because there are moments when you run into very serious problems. There are moments when Satan attacks you very fiercely. But even so, here it says that the apostle Paul rejoices. And in another place in the letter to the Colossians 1:24 he says:

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. (Colossians 1:24)

See how the apostle Paul looks at the things connected with service and with suffering for the sake of the gospel. We must know that every single service is a service before God. And Christ is pleased with every single service in the church. And we must value these services and not have problems with the fact that we have no volunteers for the work in the church. Everyone should simply want to help and to serve God, if he is saved. And to do it with joy. Because you do not do it for the pastor or for any person — you do it for Christ.

And here the apostle Paul looks at things this way: “Today Christ continues to suffer for the sake of His body, which is the church. But this suffering that Christ endures does not take place in His glorified body, which is in heaven; rather, this suffering that Christ endures today takes place in the bodies of His servants, who suffer for the sake of the church and for the sake of the work of the gospel — especially those who die for their faith.” Because today too there are people who shed their blood because they believe in Jesus Christ. In Muslim and totalitarian countries where faith in Christ is forbidden, such people are imprisoned and killed. Even in Christian countries, even in America, from time to time there are killings of people in various churches because of their faith.

So then, whatever we do, we must do it with willingness and with joy. And I want to ask you: “What is so precious in service that the apostle Paul is ready even to give his life for it?” And I will tell you that in service there are hidden at least five kinds of joy:

• In the first place, you can rejoice that through your service you gain the privilege of being a “minister of the living God.” In Romans 15:16 the apostle Paul says that through the gospel he “ministers as a priest” to God, and in Romans 1:9 he says that he does this “with his spirit.” In a sense, through the gospel, as a priest, he offers up those who have believed and who are saved as an offering to God. And the truth is that through faith we become priests of God, we become a holy people, and we become ministers who serve before God — ministers who labor in God’s field and who offer up spiritual sacrifices to God through our service. And this is a privilege — you are a “servant of the Living God.”

• Furthermore, through service we meet the needs of others (Titus 3:13–14). And when you meet someone’s need, and they rejoice and a smile lights up their face — then you are blessed…

• Furthermore, in service there is a joy that we experience, a joy that flows from the grace of God and the working of the Holy Spirit in us. It is expected of us that when we serve, we serve not in our own strength, but with the grace that God gives us. Because if we serve in our own strength, we will grow weary. But if we serve with God’s grace — God will give us joy, will give us a supernatural ability to do more than we could do on our own, in our own strength. If you do something for God, God will give you such grace that you will do it in the best possible way. And when you look back and consider what you have done, you will say: “But I could never have done this thing so well.” Because God works through the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the one who serves Him — and it is a joy to see how God works through you.

• In service there is joy because you have obeyed the Lord. And in obedience itself there is joy and satisfaction — you are happy and content that you have pleased the One whom you honor and love. Like that servant who received the five talents and, when he took them, immediately began to carry out the will of his master and to invest them — to serve through them. And when his master returned and settled accounts with his stewards, what did he say to him (Matthew 25:21):

21 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ (Matthew 25:21)

Do you see, in service there is joy. And if you have been faithful with the few things, you will enter “into the happiness” of the Lord!

• And finally, in service there is joy from the fact that when we serve, we are changed and grow to resemble our Lord more and more (Luke 22:24–27)!

24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:24–27)

Jesus Christ left us an example, and if we serve, if we place ourselves “beneath others,” if we help others, if we give more than we receive, then we are like our Lord Jesus Christ. Because, when He was at the table, He laid His robe aside, poured water into a basin, and began to wash the feet of His disciples. Because they were so… afraid of losing face, of being placed in a lower position than the others: “Why on earth should I wash the feet of the person next to me?!” “I might do good to someone who is outside the church, but to this one who is inside the church — to have mercy on him, to serve him, to do good to him, to lower myself… — never! He should kneel before me, he should pay me his respects. He should ask forgiveness of me, not I of him!” But if we want to be like Jesus, we must be humble, and we must serve… Pride… Pride is what hinders us. But in service there is no pride. In service there is humility. And James says that “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6). And in grace there is joy. So then, let us rejoice!

THE JOY OF FELLOWSHIP (Philippians 2:25–30)

Rejoice that the gospel is being preached! Rejoice that you are in the faith and that you have faith! Rejoice that we have unity in the church! Rejoice that you have a service and that you can serve God! Rejoice in the fellowship we have as parts of one body. Because, when we come together, we have fellowship. And in that fellowship there is joy. Therefore we ought to come together more and more, and “not give up meeting together,” as the author of the Letter to the Hebrews says (Hebrews 10:25).

25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. (Philippians 2:25–26)

See, this is supreme altruism. Epaphroditus does not grieve over the fact that he himself is ill, but grieves because “they heard that he was ill.” And because he is afraid that, having heard he was ill, they will be saddened, he grieves for their sake.

27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me. (Philippians 2:27–30)

There is joy in recognizing one another as parts of the body of Christ, in recognizing one another as ministers whom God has placed in the church. Because it says that the Philippians were to welcome Epaphroditus “with great joy.” And we too must welcome one another with great joy, brothers and sisters. Because we are children of God. And that is why the Lord Jesus said that if you do good to one of “the least of these brothers and sisters of mine” — “you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). If you do good to one person from the church — you will rejoice. And even if he is not from the church — do good! Welcome people with joy, and then you will see how you yourself will rejoice!

THE JOY OF THE LORD (Philippians 3:1; 4:4)

So then, I encourage you:

• Let us not be weary!
• Let us not be tired!
• Let us not be faint in spirit!
• Let us not be depressed!

But let us be:

• Bold!
• Let us be encouraged!
• Let us be joyful, but not with our own joy, but with the joy of the Lord.

Because here in Philippians 3:1; 4:4, a different kind of joy is spoken of, which is “joy in the Lord”:

1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! (Philippians 3:1)

If there is nothing else to rejoice in, if everything else is upside down for you, if there is nothing else in which you can rejoice, the Lord has not changed! He is the same “yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)! So then, rejoice in the Lord — He is your God! And the apostle Paul says:

It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. (Philippians 3:1)

There is no danger that too much joy in the Lord will do something to you! There is no danger that you will get worse! So then, rejoice in the Lord!

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

What greater emphasis than this? The apostle Paul simply underlines it with the boldest strokes he can use and colors it with the brightest red he can use — so that every single one might remember it. And he says: “REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS! REJOICE!” And today I too say to you through the Word of God: “Rejoice! Rejoice in the Lord!”

Earlier the apostle Paul had spoken of joy in the faith. But now he speaks of an even higher joy — not joy in the faith itself, but joy in the object of our faith — in the Lord Himself! The very fact that we have such a Lord as ours ought to fill us with joy. Is our Lord evil, dear brothers and sisters, is He unfaithful? Does He hate us? Does He oppress us? On the contrary, He is good, He is faithful, He is caring, He is just, He is loving. This ought to make us rejoice, shouldn’t it?!

Joy in the Lord is a promise given to us by the prophet Isaiah. It is in the continuation of the text that Jesus Christ read in the synagogue at Nazareth as the program and mission of His ministry.

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor (Isaiah 61:1–2)

In the synagogue at Nazareth Jesus stopped here (Luke 4:18–19), but the verse continues, and this is what He will fulfill when He comes again to this earth.

and the day of vengeance of our God, (Isaiah 61:2)

But now we are in the “year of the Lord’s favor.” And it continues, saying:

to comfort all who mourn, (Isaiah 61:2)

Is this not the name of our Lord Jesus Christ? He is our Comforter. When He speaks of the Holy Spirit, He also calls Him the Comforter. And He tells us: “I will not leave you as orphans!” (John 14:18). An orphan is someone who is grieving. But the Lord tells us: “I am with you and I will not leave you!” (Hebrews 13:5).

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:3)

Usually in the morning when you get up, you tidy yourself. You wash, you put on perfume. But here it says to put on the “garment of praise.” Let us not put on the garment of a “sullen face.” But let us spray ourselves with the “cologne of joy,” and not with the “spray of weeping.”

Rejoice in the Lord! In Nehemiah 8:10 it says that “the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Someone has said, and I have told you as well, that if Satan cannot steal our joy, then he cannot take our victory either, because our victory is in our joy!

THE JOY OF BROTHERLY LOVE (Philippians 4:1)

Another reason for joy that we see in the Word of God is brotherly love. We must love one another, beloved! It seems as though this brotherly love is lacking among us… We must be more brotherly toward one another, we must be more open toward one another! We must invite one another and gather together. A few days ago we were gathered in one place, and one brother said: “On the days when we have services we must gather at the church, but when we have no services — we must gather in our homes.” We must visit one another, pray together, share with one another…

1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1)

Would we say this about our brothers and sisters? Or would we say: “Ugh! When will church be over, I can’t stand these people…” If that is how it is, it should not be so! This takes away our joy! Because it is said that Satan is the one who “stirs up conflict among brothers” (Proverbs 6:19). Satan is the one who turns us against one another. But see what the apostle Paul tells them:

1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1)

He loves them and he rejoices in them. And this is one reason for us to rejoice! We have so many brothers and sisters whom God has given us in Christ. If we as a church can enter into the fullness of the love that God has for us, I will tell you that our church will very quickly begin to grow. Because people will say: “Ah, these people love one another so much, they gather together so much, they care so much for one another. They help each other — such mutual help, such love they have, such respect! And not just hypocritically — only when they are gathered in the church, but outside the church as well!” There must be brotherly love among us. The apostle Peter says: “Add to your faith firmness…” and so on and so forth, and says: “to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love” (2 Peter 1:7). This means that brotherly love is one step lower than love. And we say that we must have love — love that is unconditional. But if we are to have love, then before it we must have brotherly love. And see what it means to have “brotherly love” — to have brotherly love means to have brotherly relationships and brotherly deeds.

What are the brotherly relationships?

• Respect, tenderness, and attentiveness (Romans 12:10)

10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)

May God help us to respect one another and to show it, because it seems we do respect one another… but we do not show it?

• Forgiveness and patience (Colossians 3:12–14)

Of course there will also be problems. I myself have very often unintentionally grieved someone — even from the pulpit — and perhaps I have acted in a way that has hurt one person or another. But then what are we to do? Forgive one another.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12–14)

May God help us to enter into this fullness of the love of God!

• Sincerity (“sincere brotherly love”) (1 Peter 1:22)

We said that this is a great problem in our churches. And we hear Jesus speaking about the “yeast of the Pharisees.” What was this “yeast of the Pharisees” (Luke 12:1)? Hypocrisy. And here it tells us explicitly in 1 Peter 1:22:

22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. (1 Peter 1:22)

May God help us! It seems we are far below God’s standards? Do we love one another “deeply, from the heart”? Do we love one another “sincerely”? If “we have obeyed the truth,” then we ought to have this fruit in our lives! Because the truth “produces” it — it is simply cause and effect — if you have obeyed the truth, then you will have sincere brotherly love in your life.

So then, if we have brotherly love, then we will have those relationships we spoke of: respect, tenderness, attentiveness, forgiveness, patience, sincerity… And then we will have not only brotherly words and relationships, but also brotherly deeds, and we will care for one another.

What are the brotherly deeds?

• Mutual help (1 John 3:16–18)

16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:16–18)

• Hospitality (Hebrews 13:1–2; 1 Peter 4:8–9)

And if nothing else — if not mutual help and assistance — then we must have hospitality. This is something that must be restored in our churches. Years ago it seems the churches were more hospitable. I remember how, as a child, my mother and I would go to churches where we knew no one, but we were always certain that there would always be at least one person in the church — and in some cases people would even argue over who it would be — who would invite us as guests. And here we are speaking not merely of a cup of coffee, but of lunch and dinner and lodging and breakfast. Unfortunately, I have not noticed such a thing in our church — that when a guest comes there is a contest over who will host them. But it is not only those who come from elsewhere; we ourselves must invite one another as guests.

We see an example of hospitality already in Abraham. When the Lord came to him in the form of three men, what did he do? He immediately commanded that the calf be slaughtered and everything necessary be prepared for receiving the guests (Genesis 18:1–8).

1 The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 2 Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.” “Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.” 6 So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.” 7 Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree. (Genesis 18:1–8)

In Hebrews 13:1–2 we read:

1 Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:1–2)

Do you enjoy having guests? It is pleasant, isn’t it? Well, perhaps it depends on exactly who your guests are… But if you have guests, you are bound to learn something useful from them. Besides, the guests we are speaking of here are no ordinary ones. They are — see who — “God’s chosen” (Colossians 3:12), they are “holy and dearly loved” by God (Colossians 3:12).

Concerning the Lord’s Supper the apostle Paul says something very important: “If we were to give ourselves careful examination, we would not come under judgment” (1 Corinthians 11:31). What does it mean to “examine ourselves”? It means that when I see a certain brother or sister, I see “God’s chosen” — holy and set apart from this world for God. He is “dearly loved by God.” And if God loves this person, who am I to hate him? I must tell you that God loves me, so if you hate me, then you must know that you are hating someone whom God loves. I know that you do not hate me, but I tell you that we must have this attitude — to know that every single one in the church, every single one among us, is chosen by God — and to have a good attitude toward him!

I know that sometimes there are people who begin to take advantage of our hospitality, and then we say to ourselves: “Enough now with this hospitality!” But in 1 Peter 4:8–9 the apostle Peter says:

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:8–9)

In the past many of us were hospitable. But at some point we closed ourselves off. And we said to ourselves: “Enough with these guests! To have guests — that means nothing but headaches — you have to set the table for them, then clear it, wash the dishes and so on, spend resources, spend money… It is simply dreadful to have guests.” But here it says to be hospitable “to one another,” that is, if someone comes to your home as a guest, then you go to theirs! Return the favor! Do not let it be only that they come to you as guests, but you go to them as well. Because when someone has been your guest and is leaving, what do they say? Come and be my guest too! Well, do it — go! So that there may be joy!

THE JOY OF GIVING (Philippians 4:10–20)

And finally, that which is a reason for joy in our lives is our giving.

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. (Philippians 4:10)

See, the apostle Paul does not say: “Oh, when it comes to money, to offerings, to collections and tithes — let us rather not speak about this subject.” On the contrary, he openly encourages them in their giving and says: “I rejoice that you have ‘at last’ renewed your concern for me.” He had expected this to happen earlier, but as someone has said — “better late than never.”

Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:10–12)

The apostle Paul had grown accustomed to living in all kinds of situations. He was a man of high education and a man who evidently was not poor. He had a trade, he had a “business.” He could make tents and earn well from producing and selling them. At the same time, however, there were periods when he did nothing but preach, and then he was in poverty. There were periods when he was in prison — periods during which he could not work and during which he was in deprivation. But he had learned to be content not only when he was in plenty, but to be content even when he was in want. It is easy to be content when we are well fed, but the apostle Paul had learned to be content even when he was hungry, when he had nothing to eat. What was his secret? That at the center of his life he placed not himself, but his Lord. And perhaps God wants to teach us exactly this. In moments of having nothing, when we wonder: “Now, Lord, why do I have nothing… Why must I borrow in order to survive?” In such moments God wants to teach us not to place ourselves at the center of our life, but to place our Lord at the center of our life. Because the apostle Paul says:

13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; (Philippians 4:13–15)

The relationship between Paul and the Philippians was a relationship of “giving and receiving.” It is clear what he received from them, but what did he give them? He gave them the gospel, he gave them his apostolic ministry. Because in 1 Corinthians 9:7–11; 13–14 he says:

7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk? 8 Do I say this merely on human authority? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? 10 Surely he says this for us, doesn’t he? Yes, this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. 11 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? (1 Corinthians 9:7–11)

13 Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:13–14)

Which is greater — the spiritual or the material? But are you sure? What we consider greater, what we value more, is shown by what we do.

16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. (Philippians 4:16)

The Philippians supported the apostle Paul not only while he was in Philippi, but also when he served in other places — in Thessalonica, in Corinth, and even in Rome where he was in prison.

17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. (Philippians 4:17)

This is why in our church we do not cease to speak about giving. Some say: “Stop talking about giving… Stop talking about giving!” But I cannot stop speaking about giving, because I do not desire the “gift,” but I desire the fruit that multiplies. And when it speaks here of “fruit,” it means not only that the Philippians would receive a blessing from the Lord as the fruit of their spiritual sowing. Here it is a matter of the fact that with their money Paul preached the gospel and people were saved, who were not only his fruit, but also the fruit of the Philippians, who took part in his ministry through their giving. Paul did not want the people in the churches that he founded to give in order that things might go well for him. No, he taught them to give, and he received their offerings for the sake of the fruit of saved souls who were saved because there was someone to finance the preaching of the gospel. Do you understand? When someone gives for the gospel, when we give for the preaching of the gospel, the gospel is preached, and when the gospel is preached, someone will repent and be saved! And when that person is saved, he will be our “fruit.” Because, even though we ourselves were not the ones who preached to him, if we gave for the gospel, we share in this “fruit.” And the apostle Paul says: “Not that I desire the gift, I desire the fruit, I desire the saved souls who will be saved because you give! Because, if you give, I will be able to travel, I will be able to preach, I will be able to go to more places, I will be able to preach to more people, and more people will be saved. I do not desire the gift, but I desire the fruit that multiplies to your account.”

So then, when we give, we must know that there is a blessing for every single one. There will be a blessing for the one who will be saved through our giving, because when he hears the gospel, he will be saved. The one who preaches will also be blessed, because his needs will be met. And the one who gives will also be blessed by his participation in the gospel and by the fact that God will reward him for his giving — whether on this earth or in heaven. So then, the blessing is for everyone — for the one who will be saved, for the one who preaches, and for the one who gives!

And this is why the apostle Paul speaks about giving and says that not only are people saved as a result of supporting the ministers of the gospel, but the giving itself is not something ordinary; rather, when you give for God, this is a spiritual sacrifice — pleasing and acceptable to God (like praise).

18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18)

And I want to encourage you, because I know that many of you give for God. There are people who give tithes, there are people who give under various other categories — for various things, for the work of God… I want to encourage you that every single such gift that you have given, every single collection that you have given, every single thing that you have given is not something ordinary, but it is a “fragrant offering” — something that is pleasing to God.

And of course, those who give for God and for His work will not be passed over by His blessings. We have tasted His generosity.

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:19–20)

When we give for God, not only are God’s ministers blessed, not only are those to whom they minister blessed, but we who give are most blessed of all. Because in Acts 20:35 the Lord Jesus says — and these are words not mentioned in the Gospels, but found only in Acts:

35 It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)

I will tell you why it is better to give — it is better for a person to give, because if he gives, it means he has. Because in 2 Corinthians 8:12 it says that “giving is according to what a person has, and not according to what he does not have.” If you give — it means you have, and the one who does not have — he is not in a good position. One of the things that has weighed on me most heavily in ministry has been when I have had to beg — both for myself and for my family, and for my ministry, and even for the church. Writing letters to friends — sharing with them what God has done through us and what the needs of our ministry are, and waiting to receive. But when you wait to receive, you are not blessed. The one who gives is more blessed than the one who receives. Because to the one who gives, it will be given (Luke 6:38), and the one who gives — it means he has. So then, I encourage you in this thing — to have joy in our giving!

And God says: “Test me in this!” Because He is one who blesses us. In Psalm 34:8–10 the psalmist invites us:

8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. 9 Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. 10 The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:8–10)

And in Malachi 3:10 God invites His people:

10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:10)

And so, the Letter to the Philippians is a letter of joy. In it we see that there is joy in the Lord, there is joy in the faith, and this joy is:

• joy in the gospel;
• joy in the faith;
• joy in unity;
• joy in service;
• joy in fellowship;
• joy in the Lord;
• joy in brotherly love;
• and joy in giving.

And this joy is a joy for spiritual people. People in the world cannot have this joy, because they cannot understand these things. But if you are saved and you are born again, you will have this joy in your heart, because the apostle Paul had it. And he shared it with us in the Word of God, so that we too might have it. Therefore, I will close again with the words of the apostle Paul (Philippians 4:4):

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)