Mari Ikeda

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Rejoice Always! Philippians 4:1-9

1. Stand firm in the Lord (1-3)

1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

2. Rejoice always (4-9)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

a) Rejoice even in the situation where you can’t rejoice

b) By thanksgiving

c) (When you find it impossible to give thanks…)

d) Then, peace will be given to both each of us’ heart and church as a whole

3. Put these into practice in society (8-9)

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable―if anything is excellent or praiseworthy―think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me―put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Summary

By putting our trust in Jesus, we can rejoice even in the situation where we can’t rejoice otherwise, and keep hope even in our distress. Let’s not forget to give thanks to the Lord at any time. However, we do have time when we find it impossible to give thanks to God and to believe in Him. That’s why church exists. We, as individuals and as a church, are placed where we are now, in order to become the light for hope in despair. 

For Discussion

1) Why can we rejoice always by believing in Jesus?
2) How have you coped with the time you couldn’t give thanks to God (or with the things you couldn’t give thanks for)?