Last Thursday night we looked at the closing verses of the letter written to the church in Philippi by the Apostle Paul (most likely while in prison in Rome). Philippians is a letter filled with 'Joy' and it is a fitting letter to discuss on the third Sunday of Advent the Sunday upon which we light the 'Joy' candle.
Last week we discussed 'Peace' and how one can have peace even in the face of chaos and discord, having 'Joy' in the midst of troubles is perhaps a tougher concept to grasp than the idea that we can have 'Peace' amidst troubles... but in fact, we can have joy in our hearts no matter what we face as long as we hold God in our heart. Paul and his letter to those early Christians in Philippi is a testimony to this phenomenon.
As long as we believe that Christ is our Lord and Savior, we can be joy-filled even when life's troubles rain down upon us without cease. We can do this because we know that whatever we face here it is temporary, we live to prepare ourselves for our eternal home, our home with God. Live a life of 'Joy' just as Paul lived in order to be a witness to others, just as Paul was a witness to so many generations of Christ-followers.
Be a blessing to someone today!
In His Joy!
Roy
Philippians 4 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
1 1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion,[b] help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice[c] in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.[d] 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, beloved,[e] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about[f] these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoice[g] in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it.[h] 11 Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress.
15 You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone. 16 For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account. 18 I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The friends[i] who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of the emperor’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.[j]
Footnotes:
a) Philippians 4:1 Gk my brothers
b) Philippians 4:3 Or loyal Syzygus
c) Philippians 4:4 Or Farewell
d) Philippians 4:4 Or Farewell
e) Philippians 4:8 Gk brothers
f) Philippians 4:8 Gk take account of
g) Philippians 4:10 Gk I rejoiced
h) Philippians 4:10 Gk lacks to show it
i) Philippians 4:21 Gk brothers
j) Philippians 4:23 Other ancient authorities add Amen
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