Spiritual Joy
T. Croskery Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.… Finally, brethren, rejoice in the Lord. The key-note of the Epistle still recurs. I. THE NATURE OF JOY IN THE LORD. It is to make him the object of our joy: 1. For what he is in himself, the God of love and light and blessing. 2. For what he is to us: (1) our Preserver (Psalm 46:1, 2); (2) our Redeemer (Hebrews 2:18; Psalm 27:1); (3) our God (Hebrews 8:10). The world rejoices in creation and sees no joy in God, but the believer finds the joy of the Lord to be his strength (Nehemiah 8:10). II. THE DUTY OF REJOICING IN THE LORD. 1. It is a commanded duty. 2. Christ prays for it. (John 17:13.) 3. The Holy Spirit works it in us. (John 16:7; Galatians 5:22.) 4. It is necessary to the fullness of our Christian experience. (1) As lessening our love of the world and of sinful pleasures (Psalm 4:7; Psalm 84:10). (2) As making us more active in the Lord's service (Deuteronomy 28:47; Nehemiah 8:10). (3) As supporting us under the weight of troubles (1 Peter 1:7, 8). III. HOW WE OUGHT TO REJOICE IN THE LORD. 1. We ought to live above the world. (2 Corinthians 4:18.) 2. We ought to avoid everything inconsistent with this joy. (1) Gross sins (2 Corinthians 1:12). (2) Unbelieving thoughts. 3. We ought to cherish a constant trust in the Lord. (Hebrews 13:6; Isaiah 55:7; Isaiah 49:13, 14. See hints on Philippians 4:1.) - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. WEB: Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.