Many times because the extent of sin in the world demands such an amount of negative teaching and preaching, Christians forget to remind themselves of the joys of New Testament Christianity. While negatives at times have to be dealt with, Christianity is very much a positive religion. There is joy associated with it because of our relationship with God, our blessings, our associations, our opportunities, and our service. If ever this joy be forgotten or neglected, no doubt the appeal of Christianity might wane in the minds of some. Philippians, though, is a constant reminder of the joy experienced because of Christianity. Notice Paul’s joyful recollection of these brethren with whom he had such a marvelous relationship:
“Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. For God is my record, how greatly long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:1-8).
Paul had a great depth of love toward these brethren that he knew was reciprocated back toward him, and he took joy in this great relationship made possible by the bonds of Christian unity. Such a relationship cannot be enjoyed anywhere but in Christ, for all relationships enjoyed in Christ shall be eternal.
It is in Philippians 4:4 that Paul identifies the hallmark of the epistle. His explicit declaration is, “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” True joy is found in the Lord, but to what specific areas of Christianity does Paul say joy is possible?
In Philippians 1, Paul rejoiced in his evangelism of Christ. “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.” (Philippians 1:20).
In Philippians 2, Paul rejoiced in his service to Christ. “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain” (Philippians 2:14-16).
In Philippians 3, Paul rejoiced in his sufferings for Christ. “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3:8).
And in Philippians 4, Paul rejoiced in his peace in Christ. “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
The book of Philippians is a fresh reminder of the joy all Christians have in Christ. We should take stock in that joy, for it will motivate us in our journey through life, looking forward to heaven as our eternal destination.