Title Reasons to Rejoice/Philippians 4:4-13
Contents
- Introduction -
When will people be the happiest? It will probably be different for each person. Conversely, when is it the most painful and sad? It will also be different for each person. On the other hand, is there only a life that one must be happy with in life? There will be many times when this will not be the case. 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, he is 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? This joy here is not the pleasure of the worldly so-called youth. According to the words of the Bible [in the Lord], it refers to the joy of faith. 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. But the Christian Kyung-Wae rejoices in such an attitude. For that worry is the enemy of joy, which 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. If so, how can a person deal with that anxiety and guilt? issues will arise. 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, the joy that a person possessed with a sense of guilt can experience when he believes in Christ's death on the cross and is cleansed from his sins through the merits of his shed blood.
At this time, the person will have a heart of gratitude for God and Christ, and a heart 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 will find many such instances. 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, true worship cannot be achieved unless the worshipers are filled with such joy. It is for this reason that Teacher Paul taught us to rejoice in all circumstances.
3. Reasons to rejoice
I try to think more specifically about why Christians should rejoice. Find the Bible and read it. Who would ever read 1 Peter 1:5-9? (Have the student read it)
"For a little while, you are inevitably tormented in the midst of various trials, but let's rejoice. The trials of faith are more precious than gold, which will eventually perish even though it is tried by fire, so we 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.”
Why did Paul say rejoice? It is said that “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guards your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7), no matter what kind of circumstances a person may be in.
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 gives me strength” (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].