But I Rejoice in the Lord Greatly

by Mitchell Tan
April 03, 2019

PAUL’S EXAMPLE OF PRACTISING JOY IN HIS LIFE AND MINISTRY

The apostle Paul is an outstanding example of one who sought to practise joy in life and ministry. This is made that much more inspiring by the fact he was incarcerated in prison at the time of writing this letter to the Philippians. It is obvious that his faith in the Lord Jesus was so vibrant and real. He drew so much joy from the Lord.

1. PRACTISING PRAYER WITH THANKSGIVING AND JOY (PHILIPPIANS 1:3)

Paul was able to practise prayer with much gratitude to the Lord God for the Philippians and their fellowship in the gospel. He was able to pray for them with joy in his heart.

2. CHOOSING TO REJOICE THAT CHRIST IS PREACHED IN WHATEVER WAY (PHILIPPIANS 1:18)

Paul chose to focus on the Lord Jesus and the gospel instead of those who were trying to hurt him through their attempts at preaching the gospel for selfish reasons. He chose to focus on the thought that Christ was being preached and he rejoiced in this.

3. HAVING FAITH TO PRACTISE REJOICING IN THE LORD DESPITE EVIL WORKERS (PHILIPPIANS 3:3)

There were false teachers who taught falsehood by placing confidence in physical rites like circumcision. Paul challenged the Philippians to exercise faith by worshipping the Lord and serving Him in the right manner. They were to worship Him in the Spirit. They were to rejoice and glory in the Lord Jesus. They were to locate their joy in the person of the Lord Jesus.

4. REJOICING IN HIS BELOVED BRETHREN (PHILIPPIANS 4:1)

Paul also rejoiced in his relationship with the Philippians. There was such a depth of love for each other. He called them his beloved brethren and his joy.

GREATLY REJOICING IN THE LORD FOR THE CARE GIVEN BY BELOVED BRETHREN

“But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again, thought you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.”
Philippians 4:10

1. FINDING A GREAT SENSE OF JOY

Even though Paul was in prison, he could still find a great sense of joy. The word “greatly” in Greek is the word “megalos”. Paul was able to rejoice in a “mega” way.

2. FOCUS OF GREAT JOY – THE LORD JESUS

His location of joy was still in the Lord Jesus. He rejoiced in the Lord concerning the work that the Lord Jesus had done in the life of the Philippians.

3. REASON FOR GREAT JOY

Paul rejoiced greatly in the Lord for the care that was given to him. This was not the first time that the Philippians had shown care to him by sending him a gift. They had given to his needs on two other occasions. Paul was able to rejoice greatly because of their consistent care for him. They wanted to show care but they did not have the opportunity to do so. And now when they did send the gift, he saw the fruit of love in their life. This was something he greatly rejoiced in. What is it that brings great joy to the hearts of Pastors and teachers? It is when we see the fruit of love and care in those we minister to. Young people, let’s seek to show consistent care and concern for others that we bear the fruit of love. This is something we rejoice in greatly.

Back to Article Listing

More Articles

View more