Christian Joy

GOLDEN TEXT: “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:19

PHILIPPIANS 4:1-13

TRUE Christian joy is, as expressed by Paul in verse 4 of the lesson, a rejoicing “in the Lord.” One may be suffering physical agony or be weighed down with sorrow over mundane situations, yet be rejoicing in the Lord. In order to rejoice in the Lord despite earthly afflictions our faith must be sufficiently strong to be able to “see” the things which are unseen by the natural eye, and to realize that through trial the Lord is working out in us a “far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”—II Cor. 4:17,18

“Let your moderation be known unto all men,” Paul wrote. The Revised Version uses the word “forbearance,” the Emphatic Diaglott, “gentleness.” The Greek word used by Paul is translated “patient” (R.V., “gentle”) in I Timothy 3:3, and is stated here to be one of the qualifications for teachers in the church. Prof. Strong gives the literal meaning of this Greek word as “appropriateness.” It is never appropriate for a Christian to be rude and impatient. We should all strive to say the right thing at the right time, and in the proper, Christlike way. Thus we will be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”—Matt. 10:16

“The Lord is at hand,” Paul added. The imminent return of Christ and the consummation of the Christian’s hope was kept before the Early Church as an incentive to faithfulness. Now that we are living in the presence of the Lord, the shortness of the time in which we have to prove our worthiness of living and reigning with him should more than ever cause us to be “sober” and “vigilant,” ever on the alert to resist all the assaults of the Adversary.—I Pet. 5:8

“Be careful for nothing.” The thought of the Greek text here is not to be overanxious about anything. As Paul admonishes, we should, through prayer and thanksgiving, make known our needs to the Lord; and having done this, leave all matters in his hands. If, through faith, we can do this, then the “peace of God, which passeth all understanding,” will keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. We have peace “with” God through justification. (Rom. 5:1) The peace “of” God springs from his assurance that all things are fully under his control, that nothing can happen which is contrary to his will. Since he is caring for us, we can share his peace.

Paul gives us a list of virtues upon which our minds may properly dwell—the things which are “true,” “honest,”—or “venerable,” as shown in the margin—“just,” “pure,” “lovely,” of “good report,” virtuous and praiseworthy. “Think on these things,” he admonishes. How holy indeed would be the mind which entertained only those thoughts which would be in harmony with these limitations! Where such thoughts prevail, there is no room for envy, malice, hatred, and strife. We cannot prevent evil thoughts from entering our minds, but we do not need to harbor them. Our habits of thought must be in harmony with this standard if we are finally to hear the Lord’s, “Well done.”

In verse 9 Paul exhorts the brethren to continue to do the things which he had taught, and to practice them in keeping with the example which he had set before them. Books could be written on Paul’s teachings and faithful ministry, but he sums them up himself by the statement, “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”—I Cor. 2:2

To know and follow Jesus Christ is to know and practice the whole truth of the divine plan, and to be fully devoted to its accomplishments, meanwhile being completely submissive to the Lord’s will. Paul was all this. For the Gospel of Christ, he had suffered the loss of all things which the world considers of value. And while, in the Lord’s providence, his faithfulness had led him to prison in Rome, even this he accepted with resignation and acquiescence.

While as a prisoner he had been given the privilege of living in his own hired house, yet apparently he did not always fare sumptuously. He was much appreciative of the “gift” sent to him by the Philippian brethren. “Not that I speak in respect of want,” he wrote, “for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need.”—vss. 11,12

This was the example of devotion and resignation which the brethren at Philippi had to follow. And we have the same example. Paul explained that he could do all things through Christ who gave him the needed strength.

QUESTIONS

What is the difference between Christian joy and earthly joy?

What is a better translation of the expression, “Let your moderation be known”?

What is the up-to-date application of the statement, “The Lord is at hand”?

What is the peace “of” God, and how may we possess it?

Can we live up to Paul’s formula for holy thinking?

Explain some of the things involved in following the example of Paul.

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