REASONS FOR REJOICING IN PHILIPPIANS CHAPTER 4
I. REJOICING IN GOD’S PURPOSE
v. 3 I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life. [NIV]
A. CHOSEN OF GOD
Ephesians 1:4 In His love, He chose us as His own in Christ before the creation of the world, that we might be holy and without blemish in His presence. [Wey]
B. BORN OF GOD
I John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. [NIV]
II. REJOICING IN GOD’S POWER
v. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! [NIV]
A. POWER TO SAVE
Hebrews 7:25 He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. [NIV]
b. POWER TO KEEP
Jude 24 & 25 To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy -- 25 to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and for evermore! Amen. [NIV]
III. REJOICING IN GOD’S PEACE
v. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
a. REST AND PEACE ARE FOUND IN SERVICE
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [NIV]
29 Take my yoke on you and become like me, for I am gentle and without pride, and you will have rest for your souls; [BBE]
b. REST AND PEACE ARE FOUND IN FOLLOWING HIS LERADING
Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, [NIV]
2 He makes a resting-place for me in the green fields: he is my guide by the quiet waters. [BBE] (the waters of rest. Hebrew)
IV. REJOICING IN GOD’S PRESENCE
v. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
a. GOD’S PRESENCE GIVES US STRENGTHENS
Isaiah 40:31 those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. [NIV]
b. GOD’S PRESENCE GIVES US REST
Exodus 33:14 "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." [NIV]
I myself will go with you and give you rest. [BBE]
