The Greek term for “rejoice” is the root for the word “joy.” Paul used the terms rejoice and joy in twelve verses in his letter to the Philippians. These two words communicate great happiness, gladness, or pleasure. Most people would say they want to find true joy in life. The question is, where does ultimate joy come from? Let’s take a look at the theme of joy in Philippians to help answer this question.
Paul joyfully thanked God and prayed for the Philippians for their partnership in the gospel (Philippians 1:4). He thought of his partners in the gospel often and it was a delight for him to intercede on their behalf and to praise God for them.
Jail and joy do not typically go together, but they did for the apostle Paul. Why did Paul rejoice as he was imprisoned? He was exceedingly glad because the gospel was being proclaimed and advancing (Philippians 1:12-18).
Paul desired to go home and be with the Lord, but he knew the Lord had called him to minister to believers, such as the Philippians (Philippians 1:21-24). Although he selfishly longed to be with the Lord, it brought him great joy to disciple the Philippians (Philippians 1:25-26).
Humility is the key to unity. Paul desired the Philippians to “complete his joy” by being unified in the gospel (Philippians 2:2). In verses 3-4, he calls them to be unified by not being selfish or conceited, but by counting others more significant than our own selves and looking to the interests of others. Philippians 2:5-11 reveal that Jesus is the greatest example of humility.
Paul rejoiced in sacrificially serving and ministering to the Philippians (Philippians 2:17-18).
It brought Paul immense joy as he witnessed the faithful service of co-laborers in the gospel such as Timothy and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:19-30).
There are two bookends in Philippians 3:1-4:1 in which Paul exhorts the Philippians to rejoice and stand firm in the Lord. Sandwiched between those bookends is a call to put hope for salvation in Christ alone and for our eternal hope to transform how we live in the present.
No matter the circumstances, we are to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4-7). Even in anxious and uncertain seasons, we can find joy in God because His always working, He hears the cries of prayer from His children, and He provides peace that “surpasses all understanding.”
Lastly, Paul rejoiced in the Lord because of the care and concern the Philippians had for him (Philippians 4:10).
Based on what brought Paul joy, we ought to find joy in:
Interceding for brothers and sisters in Christ.
The gospel advancing even amid difficult life circumstances.
Discipling other believers.
Exhibiting humility and preserving unity.
Sacrificially pouring out our lives as offerings for the Lord and His people.
Building one another up by commending one another as we faithfully live for and serve the Lord.
The great hope we have in Christ alone and living in light of that eternal hope.
Rejoicing in the Lord even amid anxious and uncertain times.
Expressing genuine care and concern for fellow believers.
What brings you joy?
Written by Jonathan Mitchell