Philippians--Joy in Knowing Christ

Paul rejoiced whenever he thought of the Philippians believers. This group of Christians shared his missionary zeal and supported his ministry. Paul viewed them as fellow-laborers in the Gospel. Unlike other churches he had founded, Paul did not need to correct them for doctrinal errors or for blatant sin in the church. Paul loved the Philippian believers and longed to see them.

Paul noted that joy was a part of the normal Christian life, experienced, for example, in the following cases:
1. Whenever Paul thought about his beloved Philippians (1:4);
2. Whenever the Gospel of Christ was preached (1:18);
3. Whenever Paul was able to reunite with the Philippians (1:25-25);
4. Whenever the Philippians were like-minded with Paul (2:2);
5. In the event the Philippians were steadfast until the day of Christ (2:16);
6. As Paul's life was being poured out in his service to the Philippians as an offering to God (2:17);
7. When Epaphroditus, a brother in Christ, would be reunited with the Philippians (2:25-28);
8. When believers worship God in the Spirit, they rejoice in Christ Jesus (3:3);
9. When Jesus returns and Paul receives a crown for his work with the Philippians (3:20-4:1);
10. When the Philippians support his ministry (4:10); and
11. Always rejoicing because of being in the Lord (4:4).

Paul had learned how to be content, whether he had abundance or was in need (4:11-13). He rejoiced when the Philippians sent him support, not so much for the support itself, but for the expression of their love for him. Like Paul, the Christian today, being saved from sin and damnation and being indwelt by the Holy Spirit, can live in peace and contentment, with the joy of the Lord ever-present. Paul is the example to follow (3:17).

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice (4:4)!

We Are Your Rejoicing (11 Co 1--2:4)

The theme of this section is found in verse 1:14: "...we are your rejoicing even as you also are ours...." Paul rejoiced that God had empowered his ministry team to witness to the Corinthians that Jesus was the Son of God, with the result that they had believed and had become brothers and sisters in Christ with Paul.

Paul explained that the persecution his ministry endured caused them to trust not in themselves, but in God, and enabled them to share God's comfort with the Corinthians when they went through times of similar suffering.

Paul assured them of his love and explained his delay in returning to them: he was waiting to see if they had accepted his previous chastisement and if they had followed his instruction, so that when he came again, he would not have to chastise them further. He wanted their next meeting together to be a joyous one.

Chastisement by Paul is a form of accountability for the Corinthians and a means of instruction. In 1 Corinthians 5 he had chastised the church for tolerating incest by a member. He had instructed the church to chastise the member who was in sin. Paul's love for the Corinthians was evidenced by his willingness to rebuke them and help them to grow in their understanding of the Christian life.

It is clear that the Lord Jesus enables His followers to rejoice and to be joyful as each believer contemplates the love of Jesus (seen through salvation) and the love of the brethren. This joy is not diminished by persecution or suffering. Being a part of the family of the Lord Jesus, whether or not in times of trouble, is reason to rejoice.