Philippians 3:1 - Homilies By T. Croskery

Spiritual joy.

"Finally, brethren, rejoice in the Lord." The key-note of the Epistle still recurs.

I. THE NATURE OF JOY IN THE LORD . It is to make him the object of our joy:

1 . For what he is in himself, the God of love and light and blessing.

2 . For what he is to us:

The world rejoices in creation and sees no joy in God, but the believer finds the joy of the Lord to be his strength ( Nehemiah 8:10 ).

II. THE DUTY OF REJOICING IN THE LORD .

1 . It is a commanded duty.

2 . Christ prays for it. ( John 17:13 .)

3 . The Holy Spirit works it in us. ( John 16:7 ; Galatians 5:22 .)

4 . It is necessary to the fullness of our Christian experience.

III. HOW WE OUGHT TO REJOICE IN THE LORD .

1 . We ought to live above the world. ( 2 Corinthians 4:18 .)

2 . We ought to avoid everything inconsistent with this joy.

3 . We ought to cherish a constant trust in the Lord. ( Hebrews 13:6 ; Isaiah 55:7 ; Isaiah 49:13 , Isaiah 49:14 . See hints on Philippians 4:1 .)—T.C.