Rejoice!
Philippians 4:1-4

Do we rejoice enough? Do we grumble too much? Do we have good cause to rejoice? Grumble? What does God say in His Word about our rejoicing? I say we need to rejoice because it is there for us!

I. We are quiet capable of rejoicing in adverse situations! (#1940 )

A. In times of famine - Hab. 3:17-18

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

B. During persecution - Acts 5:41

Acts 5:41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

C. Even when imprisoned - Acts 16:23

Acts 16:23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:

D. When faced with poverty - 2 Cor. 6:10
2 Corinthians 6:10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

E. At the loss of property - Heb. 10:32-37


Hebrews 10:32-37 But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

33Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.

34For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

35Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.

36For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

37For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

 
F. In the midst of fiery trials - 1 Pet. 4:12-13

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

Well that is easy for you to say Bro. Gary, you haven't seen nor experienced my problems!

II. We have sufficient reason to rejoice!!!

A. We have life!

B. He completed His task! - Jn. 14:28 Rejoice at His birth Lu. 1:14

John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

Luke 1:14 And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

C. We can have it more abundantly - Acts 8:39 - eunuch went on his way rejoicing.

Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.


D. Because our names are written in heaven! - Luke 10:17-20

Luke 10:17-20 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

18And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.

19Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

20Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

E. His life is seen in our loved ones. - Phil. 2:19

Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.


Gary Marcum - preached 080496am

Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 072102pm