Twice in the Philippian letter Paul encouraged Christians to “Rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3;1 and 4:4. This second time he repeats the encouragement twice. “Rejoice…and again I say rejoice!” and adds the word “always”.
Clearly, the joy of the Christian is not transient or temporary. Christian rejoicing is not reserved for song service or prayer service or preaching service. Christian joy is not limited to special times of worship or praise. Christian joy is to be unbroken and uninterrupted. Thus, rejoicing in the Lord is one manifestation of our having the Fruit of the Spirit.. “But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy…”(Galatians 5:22).
The fact that Paul repeats twice in Philippians 4:4 the injunction to rejoice means that conditions in Philippi were such as to make the call to rejoice difficult. So to us it means inspite of disagreement, inspite of troubling times…rejoice!
Clearly, uninterrupted joy is deeper than being happy it is having an attitude or a state of mind that believes that since Jesus is Lord and Saviour we can live the lyrics of a popular song… “Whatever my lot it is well with my Soul.”
Many Bible students believe that when a Biblical concept is often repeated it has special significance. Such is the case with uninterrupted joy. Here is Paul’s repetition… “Finally my brethren rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 3:1) “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
Dr. Taylor A. McKenzie – May 5, 2019
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