Rejoicing is a Choice

Rejoicing is a Choice!

Series on Final Instructions – Part 2

Philippians 3:1

“Finally my brethren, rejoice in the Lord…”

An important fact with noting for the Christian, is that rejoice is mentioned some 268 times in the Bible. Of that number, 80 times it is presented verbally in the present, active, imperative mood.

This is not insignificant because the imperative mood is associated with a command, and the active present tense, relates to what the reader (Christian) should be doing now!

I.                   We choose to rejoice because of what is ours.

A.    Salvation

B.     Heaven

C.     Life

D.    Fellowship

II.                We choose to rejoice because we are victors.

A.    Satan is defeated.

B.     Satan is banished.

C.     Sin is judged.

1.      Crucified

2.      Powerless

III.             Our choice is determined by a mindset not circumstances.

Rom. 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

IV.             Our choice is directed by God’s will not self-will.

Eph. 5:17-20 "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

V.                Our choice is experienced through transformation not law.

John 3:3"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

2 Cor. 3:18 "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

Conclusion:    Christian, chosen of God, is there not a reason to follow Paul’s advise? Should we of all people not rejoice in the wonderful workings and blessings of our eternal God and Savior?