Page 6 - October 2024 - Truth & Tidings

s a prisoner in Rome, Paul’s daily preached” (1:18), despite the contentious
conditions were unfavourable; he motives of some. To know of Christ being
Awas possibly chained much of the proclaimed as the only Saviour of sinners
time to a Roman soldier, and his future would always bring us joy. Their spiritual
prospects on earth were most uncertain. progress and “joy of faith” (v25) would be
But nothing of earthly circumstances enhanced by the prospect of the apostle’s
could ever take from him the joy of His visiting them again (v26). In 2:17, Paul
Lord, giving him needed strength to go expresses personal joy in giving himself in
on in service for Christ. Based on this self-sacrifice, even selflessly pouring out
personal experience, the apostle gives the his own life’s blood as the smaller drink
Philippians these words of encourage- offering compared with their own faithful
ment and counsel: “Finally, my brethren, sacrificial service towards him.
rejoice in the Lord” (Php 3:1). 1
Our Abiding Source of Joy
The Theme of Joy in In addition to these various causes for
Philippians Christian joy linked with service, in 3:1
The apostle is not concluding the epistle we are reminded particularly of the only
when he writes “Finally …” (“Further,” unfailing source of joy, i.e., our blessed
NIV); he is returning again to this re- Lord and Saviour. He repeats the exhor-
curring theme of the believer’s joy and tation in 4:4: “Rejoice in the Lord always:
rejoicing. Throughout Philippians, there and again I say, rejoice.” Our source of joy
are up to 16 references to rejoicing, and in Christ is unchanging and independent
Paul’s constant message is to rejoice as of the varying circumstances of our lives.
we look always to Christ. It was not irk- Whether appropriately happy or sad-
some for Paul to keep giving this practical dened by earthly circumstances, we can
message to rejoice in our Lord; it would always rejoice in our Lord, for He is “the
be for our spiritual safety and blessing. same yesterday, and today, and for ever”
“To write the same things to you, to me (Heb 13:8). The believer’s innumerable
indeed is not grievous, but for you it is spiritual blessings in Christ can never be
safe” (v1). Spiritual joy in Christ would taken from us, and He therefore gives us
be a safeguard against despondency and an unshakable joy that is never affected
even doctrinal error. by circumstances.
In chapter 1, Paul rejoiced that “Christ is Over the centuries of this day of grace,
countless believers in the Lord Jesus
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV have lived through circumstances which
unless otherwise noted. in themselves are anything but joyful,

294 TRUTH kTidings October 2024