Landing a great job, coming into a lot of money, finding that special “someone”, meeting that new child or grandchild for the first time — these are all wonderful reasons to rejoice.
But of course, like all jobs, one day you will leave the company, the new-found money will be spent and gone forever, the love of even the most committed person can, at its best, last only as long as you or they last and you may one day leave that child behind as you enter eternity.
And yet, as believers, we will always have reasons for rejoicing.
- In Christ Himself (1:3-11)
- In the Advance of the Gospel (1:12-18)
- Whether Dead or Alive (1:19-26)
- In Unity Inside/Outside Church (1:27-2:4)
- In the Example of Christ (2:5-11)
- In the Process of Life (2:12-18)
- As Co-Workers in Christ (2:19-30)
- In the Lord of Great Worth (3:1-11)
- In Your Ultimate Salvation (3:12-21)
- In Thought and Action (4:1-9)
- In All Circumstances Whether Needs Are Met or Not Met (4:10-23)
We are concluding our study of the letter to the Philippians this Sunday. The apostle Paul taught the young church to rejoice in many different ways. If there is anything I have learned by studying God’s Word to this Philippian church it is that rejoicing in Christ has many facets.
In this, our last look at the final paragraph of the letter, the apostle Paul shares the secret of true contentment:
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Paul left us an example to follow. He knew that, “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” just as God had supplied everything Paul needed.
Sometimes God supplied the physical need, sometimes God supplied something greater: “Him who strengthens me.”
We at Faith Baptist Church in Knoxville have heard in these 11 messages the great truth that Christ is the only reason we have for truly rejoicing!
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we conclude our series through the book of Philippians.