May the mumbling commence!
At the beginning of chapter three of Philippians, Paul confesses his continual emphasis on joy and rejoicing. To rejoice… to have joy is essential for a healthy Christian. But it is important where that joy comes from. Read from the first verses of chapter three of Philippians (NRSV):
Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not troublesome to me, and for you it is a safeguard.
Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of those who mutilate the flesh! For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh – even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. (Verses 1-4a)
Rejoice in the Lord. Paul is writing things that he has written before. To repeat the command to rejoice in the Lord is not wearisome to Paul. The repetition is meant to safeguard the Philippian church.
What is there to safeguard against? There are some teachers that preach circumcision and works of righteousness through the Law. There are some people who wish to rejoice in their connections to the Jewish heritage.
To rejoice in our heritage and what we have done is the wrong focus for rejoicing. It is the wrong avenue for joy. No confidence can be put on our own efforts or our own ancestry. Our efforts are doomed to failure.
What should we rejoice in..? Who shall we rejoice in? Rejoice in the Lord. Worship in the Spirit, and boast in Christ Jesus. Boast in Jesus. Rejoice in Jesus. Worship in the Spirit. Do these things, and you will find that you are on the only road that will lead to healthy Christian joy – joy that is strong, complete, unwavering, and life-giving.
Rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice through worship and prayer. Then, reap the benefits of true Christian joy.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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