Introduction

Good morning, family! Today, we’re going to look at a section of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. This is a message that teaches us about a peace that only God can provide. As Max Lucado once said, "The presence of anxiety is unavoidable, but the prison of anxiety is optional." So let’s explore how we can break free from this prison through the teachings of Apostle Paul.

Rejoice in the Lord

Rejoicing in the Lord is a recurring theme in Scripture, and it is the first point Apostle Paul makes in this passage. When Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!", he is emphasizing the importance of joy in our Christian journey. This is a joy rooted in our relationship with God. It is a joy that comes from knowing that we are loved, saved, and cherished by our Heavenly Father.

Recognizing God's goodness

Rejoicing in the Lord is not about ignoring our problems or pretending that everything is perfect. It is about recognizing God's sovereignty and goodness in all situations. It is about trusting that God is in control, even when life seems chaotic. It is about celebrating God's love, grace, and mercy, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. It is about finding joy in our relationship with God, regardless of our external circumstances.

Expressing our gratitude

Rejoicing in the Lord is also about expressing our gratitude to God. It is about acknowledging God's blessings and thanking Him for His goodness. It is about praising God for who He is and what He has done. It is about lifting our voices in songs of praise and worship, expressing our love and adoration for our Heavenly Father.

Experienced in community

Rejoicing in the Lord is a communal experience. As Christians, we are called to rejoice together, to encourage one another, and to share our joy with others. We are called to be a light in the world, reflecting God's love and joy to those around us. We are called to rejoice in the Lord always, not just when things are going well, but also when we are facing challenges and difficulties.

Not a destination, but a journey

Becoming a man or woman who rejoices in the Lord is a journey that requires faith, trust, and perseverance. It is a journey that involves ups and downs, joys and sorrows, victories and defeats. But through it all, we are called to rejoice in the Lord, to find joy in our relationship with God, and to celebrate His love, grace, and mercy.

It’s not easy, especially when we are going through pain or living with unknowns. But it is in these moments that we need to remember Paul's words: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" We need to remember that our joy is not dependent on our circumstances, but on our relationship with God. We need to remember that God is in control, that He is good, and that He loves us.

An act of faith, made by choice

Rejoicing in the Lord is a powerful act of faith. It is a declaration of trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. It is a demonstration of our love and gratitude for God. It is a testimony of our hope and confidence in God's promises. It is a celebration of God's love, grace, and mercy.

Rejoicing in the Lord is a choice. It is a choice to focus on God, rather than on our problems. It is a choice to trust in God, rather than in our own abilities. It is a choice to celebrate God's love, grace, and mercy, rather than to dwell on our troubles. It is a choice to rejoice in the Lord always, regardless of our circumstances.

Prayer and Supplication

Paul emphasizes prayer and supplication in dealing with anxiety ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO