Philippians--Rejoicing in Christ

Philippians--Rejoicing in Christ This is the Epistle of joy in Christ Jesus. The word joy or rejoice occurs sixteen times. Throughout it is rejoicing in the midst of tribulation. Thus had Paul rejoiced in the jail at 237Philippi, when at midnight, with bleeding backs, he and Silas sang praises. Thus he rejoiced now, chained to a Roman soldier, for his very bonds furthered the spread of the Gospel. Thus he exhorted his beloved Philippian converts to rejoice because they were allowed to suffer for Christ (Php_1:29). He rejoiced in his converts, his joy and crown (Php_4:1). In their growth (Php_1:3-6). In their again ministering to his necessities, even in Rome (Php_4:10-19). Above all he rejoiced in Christ (Php_4:4).

Php_2:5-11 describes the grace of Christ, the eternal Son of God, descending, step by step, to the death of the Cross for our salvation, and His glorious exaltation to eternal glory and universal homage.

Php_3:1-21 contains the heart of the Epistle. Paul first counted all things but loss for Christ, and then actually suffered the loss of all things for Him, to be found in Him, and to know the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.