Philippians 4; Acts 9:4
“I will rejoice” is a testament of personal faith. In the Epistle to the Philippians, Paul encouraged the church to rejoice. Rejoice is a continuous praise of triumph and great joy in the faith of God the Almighty. Thoughts of him dwell in the heart and mind of his people.
Paul had no particular doctrinal issue with the Philippians. He expressed his hope, gratitude and love for the church. He wrote this epistle in A.D.61, while he was in prison. Living in a time of church persecutions, one may think he had no reasons to rejoice. But his direct encountered with Christ on the road to Damascus, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”, changed his life to the saving of his soul.
He encouraged the believers in Philippi to remain of the same mind. Same mind does not mean that they were duplicate in their thoughts. It means that they shared in the belief that God is our father, Jesus is our Savior and to trust in them. The church was going through persecutions for teaching the gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. He wrote to encourage them in their faith. In times of church persecutions, Christ is the center of thoughts. He suffered, bleed and died. He bore the pain of the crucifixion. It is through him, that we receive whatever we need from day to day. Power to overcome adversities comes from him.
Rejoice is not based on prayers being answered or having a lot of money. True, both are good. But our faith is grounded on an intangible source, who changes not. Circumstances do not dictate how or if we should rejoice. When we rejoice, our attention is kept on the many blessings provided by God. “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”
The joy and peace of God blend so much together. Both provide a level of contentment. Words can’t explain to the fullest, the feelings that overcome us as we live for God in the love of Christ. Thank him for all the blessings in your life. This is how we rejoice.
In conclusion, we don’t have to think hard to rejoice. Just thinking about Jesus will keep us in the spirit to rejoice. “Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things.”
The entire sermon by Pastor Koromah is on our Facebook page. Please visit our website at http://www.PathofRighteousness.org.
May God bless us all.
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