2. Rejoice In The Lord Always To “rejoice in the Lord” is a command that is often overlooked; it is not optional, it is imperative We cannot disregard this text and be true to the Lord What is expected of us in this command? Consider three things…

3. “Rejoice…” – A Positive Command Paul’s command is a positive command … “rejoice” Many people today are living in a negative state of discouragement, depression, and division due to sin God wants us to be transformed from the negativity caused by sin to positivity caused by the Spirit

4. “Rejoice…” – A Positive Command “And the disciples were filled with joy with the Holy Spirit” – Acts 13:52 “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” – Romans 14:17 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy … in the power of the Holy Spirit” – Romans 15:13 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy … “ – Gal. 5:22 “… with joy of the Holy Spirit” – 1 Thessalonians 1:6

5. “In the Lord…” – A Particular Command Paul’s command is a particular, discriminating command … “in the Lord” (3:1; 4:4,10; Philemon 20) Only those who have been scripturally baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27), who live faithfully (1 Cor. 4:17), and who die faithfully (Rev. 14:13) are “in the Lord” It is vain to rejoice in worldliness, in riches, in the flesh, in the wisdom of the world, in one’s own righteousness (Prov. 23:5)

6. “In the Lord…” – A Particular Command We rejoice in those things which pertain unto the Lord … Jesus Christ a Savior (Mt. 2:10; Lk. 1:47; 2:10; 24:52) Great reward in heaven (Mt. 5:12) Names written in heaven (Lk. 10:20) Lost souls are saved (Jn. 4:36)

7. “In the Lord…” – A Particular Command Forgiveness of sins (Lk. 15:5-10; Acts 8:8,39; 16:34) Hope of heaven (Rom. 5:2; 12:12; 1 Pet. 4:13; Jude 24; Rev. 19:7) Brotherly unity (Phil. 2:2; Col. 2:5) The truth (1 Cor. 13:6; 2 Jn. 4; 3 Jn. 3)

8. “Always…” – A Perpetual Command Paul’s command is a perpetual command … “always” (2 Cor. 6:10; 1 Thess. 5:16) The joy of a Christian is not a moody, temperamental, or fickle emotion that comes and goes like the changing winds Paul speaks of joy often in Philippians (about 16 times) and his epistle was written while he was in a Roman prison!

9. “Always…” – A Perpetual Command Our joy in Christ does not change… In freedom or in bondage (1:13) In the midst of friends or enemies (1:15-18) In life or in death (1:21-24) In health or in sickness (2:26-27) In prosperity or in adversity (4:12)