Joy And Peace.

JOY AND PEACE.

Philippians 4:4-9.

In Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice” is in the plural, meaning: ‘Rejoice, you all!’ There is fellowship in rejoicing together (cf. Romans 12:15).

‘Joy’ is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): it is ours from the very first day that we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. What the world calls ‘happiness’ depends upon happenstances.

So, Paul insists, “Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS” - whatever the circumstances - “and again I say, Rejoice!”

It is because “the Lord is at hand” that Paul goes on to exhort the Philippians - and ourselves - to let our “patient self-control” be manifested to all men (Philippians 4:5). The outward look towards all men is part of letting the mind of Christ Jesus be in us (Philippians 2:5).

The Lord is at hand in two senses. First, Jesus has promised that where two or three are gathered together in His name, He is right there with them (Matthew 18:20). Secondly, He is on the sidelines, waiting for the Day that the Father has set for His return to the earth (Mark 13:32).

In saying, “Be careful about nothing” (Philippians 4:6), the Apostle echoes Jesus’ teaching about anxiety (Matthew 6:25-33). Prayerfulness is the cure to carefulness. Our supplications should be seasoned with “thanksgiving” - knowing that our heavenly Father hears and answers prayer.

Elsewhere, Paul encourages us to ‘renew our minds’ (Romans 12:2). The exhortation in Philippians 4:8 offers guidance as to how this might be accomplished: “Whatever (things) are true, whatever honest, whatever pure, whatever lovely, whatever of good report; if any virtue and if any praise, these things consider.”

The last instruction of this section is that the Philippians should remember, and emulate, Paul’s own example (Philippians 4:9). Which is, incidentally, the example of Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:1).

Finally, there is one particularly important promise: “the peace of God, which is beyond mortal comprehension, will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). “The God of peace shall be with you” (Philippians 4:9).