2019 0721 Rejoice Always

The New International Version Chapter 4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near

The New International Version Chapter 4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near

The New International Version Chapter 4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near

The New International Version Chapter 4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near

The New International Version Chapter 4

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near

Rejoice in the Lord Always

Rejoice

be glad, be delighted

we are often faced with difficulties and moments of pain

sometimes it is hostile that the whole world is against us

or at least our family or our workplace or our friends

Paul is adamant - strongly he says be glad be delighted rejoice

Rejoice is such a strong emotive word - it stirs something within us

there is a sense of triumph, of overcoming and of being in a better place

2. In the Lord

In the Lord

it is obvious that true rejoicing can only come with a faith in Jesus Christ

Jesus gives us a purpose and a destiny, and the means by which we have achieved it

by his blood we have been set free in our whole being

by his blood we are more than conquerors!

Romans 8:37 NIV

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

conquerors triumph and rejoice - we need to rejoice abundantly

so Jesus is our Lord, we are free indeed therefore we can and only can rejoice

how can we be a non rejoicing Christian

if God is for us who can be against us

Romans 8:31 NIV

31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

this is life change decision, a choice to live in the power and comfort of God

it surges out of our spirit, it transforms our mind, it controls our passion and it cares for our body

and if it does not, we still have the glorious eternal life in Christ

3. Always

always means always

this is our challenge - to overcome everything that the world throws at us with the faith and grace of Jesus

it is something we must cultivate

when turmoil or trouble arises what is our response in Christ

do we carry on like a pork chop?

do we whinge and moan about how bad our life is?

we shout out the blessings of God

we know that GOd comes through every time

we experience the faithfulness of Christ

I will say it again: rejoice

4. Say it Again

the emphasis is there - the imperative of this attitude is pressing

Paul knows this is the key to godly living and godly fellowship

set your mind and your mouth to offer praise and encouragement

refuse to say anything negative - we will slip up

but build a habit of rejoicing - it creates the conditions for God to work within you and your circumstances

rejoicing actually places you above the world and your temporary stuff

Let your Gentleness be evident to all

5. Gentleness

interesting term for the felowship: gentleness

gentleness comes out of a position of rejoicing

love, joy and peace are the hallmarks of a person redeemed by Christ

gentleness is completely opposite to the world

6. Be evident

no such thing as a hidden Christian

you do not have to be loud and proud in displaying your faith

preaching the gospel does not have to be fire and brimstone

(NIV2011) 15  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect ,  keeping a clear conscience