Choose to Rejoice

[Phil 3:1, 4:4]

Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord….

The word “finally” usually indicates the beginning of the end of a sermon, doesn’t it, and everyone waits patiently for that finally to come. Paul is a true preacher because there are two times where he says “finally” in this letter. In chapter 4:8 he comes to a second “finally”, and it still takes him a while to come to a conclusion.

“Finally” tells us that Paul is digressing from his main theme, as well as a clue that he about to finish his message.

“Rejoice in the Lord,” in Greek, is in the present imperative tense. This means that Paul was giving a command that is to have a long-term application–to keep on “rejoicing” making it a habit and lifestyle.

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

Rejoice: Gk. chairo (khah’ee-ro) a primary verb; to be cheerful, i.e. calmly happy or well-off; impersonal especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well – farewell, be glad, God speed, greeting, hail, joyfully, rejoice.

Our joy is in the Lord. That means that our joy is in our born-again spirits. Joy doesn’t come from the outside in response to circumstances; it comes from the inside and is a fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). We always have joy, but we must choose to rejoice in order to manifest the fruit.

My Confession:

I will rejoice in the Lord all the time! When I rejoice, the manifestation of joy cheers me up! It makes me blessed and happy and it bugs the enemy.

God bless you my friend,

— Dwight Hammond