You should rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1-14) Philippians three shows us several ways to "Rejoice in the Lord!&quo...
You should rejoice in the Lord
(Philippians 3:1-14)
Philippians three shows us several ways to "Rejoice in the Lord!"
1. By accepting Bible warnings
(Philippians 3:1b). After telling them to rejoice in the Lord, Paul tells them it's no burden to write the same things to them again, but that it's a safeguard against misery. The Bible shows us how to avoid the dangers and consequences of sin
that will rob us of joy. To rejoice in the Lord, we should receive the instruction of God's word, even if it is
repetitive.
2. By watching out for dogs (Philippians 3:2-6). Legalists put
confidence in the flesh, and their fleshly achievements, rather than Christ alone. They teach
salvation not just by faith in Christ, but by getting circumcised. Some teach
that you have to trust Christ _and_ be baptized, or trust Christ _and_ say a
prayer, etc. Legalism makes life burdensome, tedious, and robs you of joy.
Since the outcome of legalism is eternal damnation and a life filled with
discouraging burdens and failure, you should rejoice by watching out for
legalism. Put your confidence in the finished work of Christ, not the flesh.
3. By counting all things loss (Philippians 3:7-11). You should
consider everything else to be rubbish compared to knowing Christ, His righteousness, and the power of His sufferings, death, and resurrection. Earthly hopes end in disappointment. We can take nothing with us. When you give up your attachment to the world, you are ready to receive the joy of knowing Christ.
4. By pressing forward in hope (Philippians 3:12-21). You
should forget what's behind, and strain forward to the prize ahead of you. The
heavenly blessings and rewards. Don't follow the example of people whose
destiny is destruction, whose God is their belly, whose glory is in their
shame, and whose mind is set on earthly things. Follow godly examples, by
setting your affections on heavenly blessings and rewards, heavenly
citizenship, and your glorified body.
Image by Terri Sharp from Pixabay
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