Title Reasons to Rejoice (Phil 04:4-13)
When will people be the most happy? It may be different for each person. Conversely, when is the most painful and sad time, it will be different for each person. On the other hand, there will be many times when a person may not always have a life to be happy with in life. Then can't people live happily ever after?
Today we are going to think about the joys and problems of life. But what we are studying is not worldly pleasures. It is the joy that springs from the heart.
1. A source of joy
In the case of Teacher Paul, who emphasizes joy, we are not necessarily in a position to rejoice. He is a prisoner in a Roman prison, but rather, he tells people who are free to rejoice. What kind of joy is that?
As in today's key verse [rejoice in the Lord always], what kind of joy is that joy? The joy referred to here is not the pleasure of the worldly so-called young people. It refers to the joy of faith to have [in the Lord] according to the words of the Bible. And it is a continuous joy to feel [always]. It is never momentary or enjoyed only on certain occasions.
There are many times when people are anxious rather than happy when they see that they live their entire lives. However, the Christian Kyung-We rejoices in such an attitude. For it is the enemy of joy that robs it of joy.
Most of the time, people are concerned with anxiety and guilt. Therefore, when you want to enjoy joy, you cannot have joy without resolving the anxiety and guilt. This raises the question of how a person can deal with that anxiety and guilt. Of course, in the Christian world, it is the religion that provides the solution to that very problem. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross is the key to that solution.
Those who believe in Jesus are freed from sin. The joy that comes from this, when this overwhelms him, he can't help but rejoice all the time. Jesus said, “You will never thirst.” (John 4:14) He said.
2. Expression of joy
In this way, when a person who was possessed by a sense of guilt believes in Christ's death on the cross and is washed from sin through the merits of His shed blood, the joy that he has cannot experience in any joy in the world.
At this time, the person will have a heart of gratitude for God and Christ, and will have a heart that is willing to repay the grace. That expression of gratitude is an act of worship. In other words, worship is an act of human response to God's grace. Therefore, it must be voluntary and start with a sincere heart.
And in some cases, the responsive act is filled with emotion and becomes a festival. Sometimes they sing and dance and rejoice. If you look at the Old Testament, you can see many such cases. The Israelites, who crossed the Red Sea like land, danced and celebrated Moses' sister Miriam. This was an expression of deep gratitude for God's help.
It is in this sense that we worship at church. Therefore, unless worshipers are filled with such joy, true worship cannot be achieved. It is for this reason that Teacher Paul taught us to rejoice in any case.
3. Reasons to rejoice
I try to think more specifically about why Christians should rejoice. Find the Bible and read it. Who will read 1 Peter 1:5-9 once (have a student read it)
"For a little while, you are inevitably tormented in the midst of various trials, but let's rejoice. The trials for your faith are more precious than gold that will eventually perish even though you are tried with fire, so you will receive praise and honor when Jesus Christ appears." Rather, it is because “the salvation of the soul, which is the result of faith, is obtained.”
Paul said why he rejoices, because no matter what circumstances a person is in, "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).
So, in the case of Paul, he said that he was not concerned about any circumstances. The reason is, “I can do anything through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
If we are convinced of these facts (the faith of Peter and Paul), we Christians should always rejoice in the Lord. Leave all your worries to God.
There are many things to worry about in the life of the students. But we don't have to worry about it clinging to it. Because [God, who transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds].