2. Throughout the book of Acts we find the disciples and apostles rejoicing that they were counted privileged to suffer persecution for the cause of Christ. It’s absolutely inconceivable to the human mind. And bring him also your gratitude. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely on account of Me.” – then this – “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great.” In the midst of the worst possible circumstance, severe persecution, even to death, rejoice. The truth of the matter is, they expressed to me with real zeal and passion, “We lived our whole lives under the sovereignty of Satan. And that’s why he was in prison, because God was chastening him. Here at Grace to You Europe we take our data protection responsibilities very seriously and, as you would expect, have undertaken a significant programme of work to ensure that we are ready for this important legislative change. “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice!” Introduction. We’re talking about a joy that is impossible to a non-believer. It’s that joy that’s unassailable, because it’s below the surface, unaffected by the winds and the waves of experience on a human level. What is that? I’m not talking about that. This is not a time for sorrow, even though I’m leaving, this is a time for consequent joy.”. We lack nothing in the spiritual realm, What generosity, what magnanimity, what lavish goodness is poured out on us. Probably the most familiar verse is Phil 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Paul writes to Philemon, verse 7, “I’ve come to have much joy in your love, much joy in your love.”. The response should be one of joy! If I believed that that was true of God, I wouldn’t have any joy. Isn’t He suppose to answer all my prayers, and shouldn’t my life be sort of filled with a healthy dose of miracles? No gain affects it, no deprivation affects it. As we enter this holiday season, particularly if these times effect feelings of loneliness, sadness, anxiety and depression in you, let’s carve out some time (1) to talk to God (about everything with thanksgiving) and (2) to talk to ourselves (occupying the mind with God-worthy thoughts). The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Now let me talk about that from a negative standpoint. - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Do you know what the shortest verse in the New Testament is? That to me is mind-boggling. Then God makes His will known through the scripture and empowered… You follow the impulses of your heart, and if you get what your heart wants, you’re happy. Christians have cause for rejoicing in the Lord, always. At a Church committee meeting yesterday the group shared about our feelings about this season. And it is precisely that moment in the upper room the night of His betrayal that He reminds them repeatedly of joy, that they are to be joyful. Register. First John 1:4, “These things we write unto you, that your joy may be full.” It is related to the Scripture. He came to our church, and I said, “Why did you leave and come?” He said, “Because they wouldn’t let me be poor or sick.”. Not because God needs it (and not just because he is worthy of it), but because a growing awareness of God’s care for us fosters an unanxious heart—it fosters trust. God is too wise to ever make a mistake. The idea somehow that, “Wait a minute. Whether you write out a list or not, the action of giving thanks in all circumstances is meant to hand-in-hand with bringing to him every anxiety and request. Therein lies our joy. It’s just a staggering reality. It’s the idea of occupying your mind with God-worthy thoughts and practicing in daily life the Christlike ways that have been modeled for us. Peace displaces anxiety in a mind occupied with God-worthy thoughts. From God, through Christ, this joy – God is the source, Christ is the mediator, and the Holy Spirit is the energizer of that joy. When asked how he did it, he said, “I’ve learned to talk to myself instead of listen to myself.” He memorized scripture and would recite it to himself when he needed a boost. Pretty good evidence that that person is not a Christian, because this is a gift from God through Christ planted in the heart. Remember, Paul did not just say, “Rejoice always.” No, he said, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” “In the Lord,” the Lord Jesus Christ. Secondly, it comes through Jesus Christ. That’s why trials are so helpful, because when you pass the test you know your faith is the real thing. (Sermon on Philippians 4:4-13) stmatthewbt.org ^ | October 11, 2020 | The Rev. Help Grace to You bring important resources like this to people in your community and beyond, free of charge. The Word of God enriches it, along with trials. Identify outwardly with normal human emotion.”, But that kind of weeping does not negate joy, as is clear from 2 Corinthians 6:10 where Paul says, “as sorrowful yet always rejoicing.” Paul gives testimony there that he obeyed this command as a way of life. Christ is the real thing keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because... Are a number of passages that undergird that statement to disobedience to this tell ourselves what is it that me... 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