Title: Philippians 04:4-7 Rejoice
Content Philippians 4:4-7 / Rejoice
Cancer is the most feared disease of modern people. The cause of cancer has been investigated, and most say it is stress. This is also true for animals. Of the 118 animals that died at the Namseoul Zoo last year, 64 (54%) died due to stress.
When you read the Bible, the phrase “rejoice” often appears. On the other hand, the phrase “do not be afraid” occurs 365 times, which is proof that people live in a world of fear every day.
1. Don't be afraid.
① When we sin, we become fearful.
The word “fear” first appears in Genesis 3. After disobeying God’s command, Adam hid among the trees to avoid the sickle of God. Then God came. "Adam, where are you?" Adam replied, "I hid myself for fear of God." In this way, when a person sins, fear arises.
② When the future is uncertain, I am afraid.
The people of Israel came out of Egypt following Moses, the man of God. However, the older Moses did not reach Canaan and died. The people feared that their leader Moses had died. But God is alive and is with him, so do not be afraid (Joshua 12:9). Isaiah (Isaiah 41:10) also said, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you."
2. Rejoice.
In the New Testament, the word to rejoice appears 72 times. Joy is an expression of the Christian life. Christianity is a religion of joy. If you look at the church cross, Catholicism and Christianity are different. The Catholic cross emphasizes the suffering Jesus. On the other hand, Christianity emphasizes Jesus who rose again after three days. The disciples who met the risen Jesus (John 20:19-20) were overjoyed.
Because of Confucianism's Confucian ideas, Koreans do not express their joy or sorrow. However, both East and West acknowledge the efficacy of laughter. Asian means 一怒一老一笑一小. Western medicine describes the health effects of laughter as follows. Dr. Hoeng Su-gwan says that when people laugh out loud because they are happy, 4cc of endorphins are released. The endorphin value of 1cc is 16 million won. Then the value of 4cc is 64 million won. On the other hand, when you get angry, you get adrenaline, and you run away with 64 million won. Therefore, living with joy every day is making money.
Jesus said (John 16:20-24), "Your hearts will rejoice, and no one can take your joy away... Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."
3. Always rejoice in Jesus. (Philippians 4:4)
Paul said, "Rejoice in the Lord always." Therefore, a joyful life is not just a special moment. You must continue. This is God's will for us in Jesus.
The atheistic philosopher "Voltaire" denounced religious people as victims of fanaticism. However, he regretted that he was born, saying, “I almost wish I had not been born into this world.” In this way, a life apart from God has no joy even if you enjoy wealth and glory in the world. It was Solomon who realized this early. (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3) "Now that you have heard the end of things, fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
The shortest verses in the New Testament are “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) KJ “jesus wept” and “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16)-KJ “rejoice evermore”. What we realize is that we can rejoice because Jesus shed tears, and through Jesus' blood on the cross, we find peace.
4. The life of the saints who rejoice in Jesus (Philippians 4:5-7)
1) Tolerance. (Verse 5)
Tolerance is a human relationship. Even if there are things that are a little annoying, we live with understanding each other. When the family is harmonious, laughter blooms. If there is joy in the church, even the first believers want to come again. Therefore, we must be tolerant of one another (Colossians 3:13).
2) Prayer. (Verse 6)
This is your relationship with God. A believer must have a good relationship with God to have true joy. We gain true joy through prayer with God. If you earnestly pray to God, your worries and anxieties will run away. Live a life of gratitude for everything.
3) Blessed are the saints who rejoice.
①Peace comes to your heart. ②God supports you. God is a strong support that holds my heart swaying like a reed. It catches my thoughts that change several times a day.
Saints! Rejoice in Christ Jesus. This is a command, not a choice. Reconcile with your neighbors through generosity. If you pray always, the joy and peace of God will come to you. I pray in the name of the Lord that true joy abounds in Jesus to all the saints.