Rejoice in the Lord

Rejoice in the Lord

 

[Philippians 3:1-11]

 

Paul again emphasizes to the Philippian believers to rejoice in the Lord and warns them to beware of evil workers who claim that they must be circumcised to become God's people. And Paul used to boast about circumcision and the law, but now he considers them as loss and filth.

 

For it was not the righteousness based on the law that gave him the life of resurrection, but the ‘righteousness that comes from faith’ in Jesus Christ. Now, Paul’s hope is to follow Jesus Christ and share in His suffering and cross. In this way, he hopes to share in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

 

Paul's life was hard, but he rejoiced in the Lord and encouraged the Philippian believers to rejoice in the Lord (1). Even in prison, he rejoiced because Jesus Christ was being preached (1:18 Then what? Christ is being preached in every way, whether in pretense or in truth. In this I rejoice, yes, I will rejoice), and he confesses that he rejoices in the sacrifices made for the faith of the believers.(2:17 And even if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and rejoice with you all). And he repeatedly exhorts, “Rejoice in the Lord,” as if he himself rejoices (2:18 In the same way you also rejoice and be glad with me; 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is not burdensome to me, but safe for you. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice.) Why do I rejoice these days, or why have I lost my joy?

 

The Jews used to call Gentiles “dogs” and despise them (2). However, Paul turned this expression around and used it against the Judaizers who claimed that salvation could be obtained through the law. They blocked the gospel by saying that circumcision was a condition for salvation. However, the ones who truly turned away from God were not Gentiles, but those who mistakenly believed that they could be made righteous through human effort.

 

The knowledge of Christ changed Paul’s worldview (3-11). Previously, Paul’s identity was defined by his Pharisee and his passion for the law, but now he cannot be described without the gospel, Christ, and the church. A persecutor for the law is now become a persecuted person for the gospel. How have we been changed because of Jesus Christ?

 

Lord Jesus, let us cast away the vain and useless boasts that hinder us from following You! Help us to understand You more deeply and follow You faithfully.

 

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