Young People's Group

“REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS”

by Pastor Mitch
December 22, 2013

CULTIVATING A SPIRIT OF JOY

As Christmas draws near, our hearts should be filled with a great sense of joy. Let’s learn to rejoice in the Lord and not allow anything to hinder us from doing so. It is not uncommon for us to allow conflicts and difficulties with fellow Christians to cause us to feel down and unhappy. The Apostle Paul challenged the Philippians to always have a continuing joy in Christ despite their situation in life.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” 
Philippians 4:4

The word “Rejoice” in the Greek is linked to the word “Grace”. They share the same root word. It is through grace that we can rejoice. Paul emphasized the need to cultivate a continuing spirit of joy.

1. Rejoicing In Praying For Others

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy” 
Philippians 1:3-4

It was in Paul’s time in prayer to the Lord and in communion with Him that he found joy. Paul was full of gratitude to God for the Philippian Church that he gave thanks for them. As he prayed for them, he found joy. Joy comes when we pray for people who have been a blessing to us.

2. Rejoicing In Christ Being Preached

“What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.” 
Philippians 1:18

Even though there were people who were out to hurt Paul by preaching the gospel with wrong intentions, he still found joy in that Christ was preached. He sought to focus on the Lord Jesus rather than himself. What a wonderful approach to life despite being in prison! He constantly chose to rejoice. We should too!

3. Rejoicing When There Is Oneness

“Fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” 
Philippians 2:2

Paul also sought to encourage the Philippians to have a deep sense of oneness because this would bring much joy to his heart. We are meant to have the same mindset and heart of love for people too. Joy comes when we have this sense of oneness and bond with each other.

4. Rejoicing In People Caring For Us

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again” 
Philippians 4:10

Paul also rejoiced greatly in knowing that the Philippians specially cared for him. There was “mega” joy in the heart of Paul. The Philippians prepared a special gift for him in his time of distress. Young people, let’s not take for granted the care that people have given to us. Let’s rejoice in them.

FINDING GREAT JOY AT CHRISTMAS

This Christmas, let’s learn to depend on His grace and find a great sense of joy in the Lord. We can do this by whatever means possible within the will of God. Paul found joy through many different means. Let’s also learn to do so as we sing during this Christmas time. Let’s rejoice in the Lord always.

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