PHILIPPIANS 3:1-23

From his prison, Paul sends a comforting brother to the Christians in Philippi and counsels them to “rejoice in the Lord”. This command is repeated again in the more familiar passage in the next chapter, presenting us with interpretive “bookends” to understand the message.

Rejoicing in the Lord in not merely a good idea

There is a constant battle raging within the Christian between the spirit and the flesh. Joy abounds when the flesh takes second place. Paul recounts all of the achievements from his days pursuing the fleshly gains in Judaism. Don’t get me wrong, these were not sinful pursuits, they were merely pursuits of the here and now.

Rejoicing in the Lord flows from a new perspective

For Paul, these things that once were preeminent now have become waste product of his life. The relentless chase after the things of this world – whether overtly sinful or not – eventually rob us of joy and come between us and the Lord.

Rejoicing in the Lord begins with an upward glance

Our resurrection from the watery grave of baptism is a foreshadowing of the resurrection unto eternal life that is to come. Between these two events, the past must be jettisoned and the future embraced with passion. Only then can our spiritual rebirth produce joy beyond compare. The flesh subsides and the spirit emerges in a triumphant march heavenward!

Rejoicing in the Lord is patient waiting

Philippi was one of many Roman colonies in the Empire. These colonies enjoyed privileges above other cities and provinces. As soldiers retired from service, some would receive estates from Caesar in these set-apart colonies. To enjoy this blessing, they never returned to their “home”, but left it behind for a new and better life. These honored veterans now owed a loyalty to Caesar, and exalted him in their minds and lives.

Rejoicing in the Lord is anticipation of a new home

Setting aside the past and divorcing our minds of the things of earth open us up for a spiritual life here that mirrors Paul. You know what you give up for Jesus. You also know what remains to be purged. We may even say we love God, but our earthly focus reveals our true love – our god – is within us. The new mind sees no home for us here any longer. We don’t belong. Our citizenship is elsewhere in a home prepared for us and graciously provided by our King. So, we rejoice!

Discover … His Joy

Access … His Joy

Share … His Joy