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HOW TO REJOICE IN GOD
Colossians 1:2c
August 18, September 15, 22, 29, 2024, Sunday - MBC
Introduction:
Lot of Christians do not really grow in their spiritual relationship with the Lord because they do not rejoice in our greatest sources of joy that which God has given to us. Instead, they many believers find joy that are connected with Christ like having fellowship with fellow believers, involved in music ministry, or having certain type of worship, etc. But sad to say, they never find the real joy in the Lord. Webster definition of Joy is not good description of Joy that a believer experiences but reflects the world’s viewpoint of what brings joy. Secularly defines joy as "the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires" Where joy cannot be found:
1.) Not in Unbelief — Voltaire was an infidel of the most pronounced type. He wrote: “I wish I had never been born… (and at his death cried out desperately) I am abandoned by God and man! I will give you half of what I am worth if you will give me six month's life. Then I shall go to hell; and you will go with me. O Christ! O Jesus Christ!”
2.) Not in Pleasure — Lord Byron lived a life of pleasure if anyone did. He wrote: “The worm, the canker, and grief are mine alone.”
3.) Not in Money — Jay Gould, the American millionaire, had plenty of that. When dying, he said: “I suppose I am the most miserable man on earth.”
4.) Not in Position and Fame — Lord Beaconsfield enjoyed more than his share of both. He wrote: “Youth is a mistake; manhood a struggle; old age a regret.”
5.) Not in Military Glory — Alexander the Great conquered the known world in his day. Having done so, he wept in his tent, before he said, “There are no more worlds to conquer.”
6.) Where then is real joy found? — the answer is simple, in Christ alone. (Adapted from The Bible Friend, Turning Point, May, 1993)
The word “Joy” in Greek chara, is a feeling of inner gladness, delight or rejoicing. Joy as that inward peace and sufficiency that is not affected by outward circumstances.
Some ways to rejoice in God:
I – REJOICE IN YOUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST
I Peter 1:6-9 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rehiuce with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.”
Notice the words “greatly rejoice” in Greek “agalliao” is a verb Peter used in picturing one so filled that they feel like skipping around jumping and shouting for joy which cannot be contained. Remember the context here, that these saints are experiencing fiery trials and yet the pretense tense indicates that jumping joy was their continual experience. Peter is not saying that we should rejoice over the circumstances, but we can rejoice in the midst of them by focusing on Jesus Christ and our future with the Lord. Joy dwells in the unseen Jesus, who is the source of joy. Our hope in the future brings fuels in our joy of present, which do not depend on fiery trials. Our joy in the present based on a hope of our future that can fuel steadfast endurance in fiery trials. Every trial we experience can help us learn something new and wonderful about our Saviour. If Abraham had refused the trial in Genesis 22, Abraham would never have come to know God as Jehovah Jireh, the Provider.
Peter is saying in essence “No, not now” but “yes, one day soon and forever” you will see your Saviour, Lord and King face to face. Revelation 22:3-4 “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.”
Actually, if all of us be honest, we rejoice in things that we hear, and we feel, also in tangible things those things that we can touch and hold.
There is a joy that Christian cannot see and that is the gift of salvation that the Lord gives us through faith in our Savior.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
I John 5:11-13 “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”
How do we know all these things are true? But it is all by faith. Faith is evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
We rejoice when the person in whom you believe becomes more real to you than all the things you can see. The Greek word for believe is Pisteuo which means to consider something to be true, genuine, or real and therefore worthy of one’s trust.
John 20:26-29 “And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
The Greek word for believe or believing in verse 8, is “Pisteuo” emphasizes the ongoing commitment in spite of not seeing Him, by walking by faith not by sight, and this constant belief is empowered by the Spirit Who indwells us.
The Christian’s saved life is to be a life of joy. It is founded on faith in Jesus, who life on earth began as the angel announced the birth of the Savior Jesus in Luke 2:10 “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
Joy is God’s gift of salvation to believers and is thus more than just a mood.
Joy is the inevitable overflow of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior.
The Book of Acts repeatedly emphasizes joy as a fruit of salvation (Acts 2:43,46; Acts 8:8,39; Acts 13:48,52; Acts 15:3).
Acts 2:46 “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,”
Acts 8:8 “And there was great joy in that city.”
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.”
Acts 13:48 “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.”
Acts 13:52 “And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.”
Acts 15:3 “And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.”
The Christian’s joy is not dependent on earthly circumstances but on the risen, exalted Christ at God’s right hand. There are thousands who can say that their satisfaction and joy when they first had evidence that their sins were forgiven, that the burden of guilt was rolled away, and that they were the children of God, was unspeakable. They had no words to express it, it was so full and so new.
You are in your Savior’s joy when the things that you see and feel in this world become a distraction to you because all those tangible things and seen interfere with your Savior whom you love and whom you cannot see.
Notice the words in our passage I Peter 1:8 “with joy unspeakable and full of glory”. There are reasons to rejoice although now you do not see Christ, you can rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.
Peter qualifies joy with two unusual adjectives, that is unspeakable and full of glory. The word “unspeakable” in Greek “aneklaletos” from “a”- without, and “eklaleo” – to speak out, to disclose, this means literally unable to be told out, what cannot be spoken and so unutterable, unspeakable, ineffable (incapable of being expressed in words).
Why is this joy of the Christian so unspeakable and full of glory? It is because it is so altogether divine. It is God's own joy; it is Christ's own joy.
The New Testament gives us many reasons to rejoice:
1. Jesus said in Luke 10:20 “rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”
2. Peter said believers can in I Peter 1:8 “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”
The joy they experienced could not be adequately expressed in words. This quality of joy contradicts the experience of natural fallen man.
Notice the word in our text I Peter 1:8, “full of glory” in Greek “doxazo” means to be give praise, to magnify, to extol. Doxazo is in the perfect tense (past completed action with present ongoing result or effect) which pictures Christian joy spread over with glory which is their permanent state in heaven, and which will culminate when we gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. This fact would help explain why this joy in inexpressible. And yet it is a joy that is available now to Christians who are steadfastly suffering for their Lord.
The words “full of glory” is like the glorified face of Moses. The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew OT) uses this same verb “doxazo”, when Moses went down from the mountain, there were the two tables in the hands of Moses, then he went down from the mountain, yet Moses knew not that the appearance of the skin of his face was glorified (doxazo), when God spoke to him. Exodus 34:29 “And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him.” Likewise, as Moses face reflected a glow associated with being in the presence of Jehovah, the joy of these believers that Peter addressed to in our text in I Peter 1:8 “ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory,” possessed somehow was infused with heavenly glory, a glory of the Lord, the only One to Whom glory is due. (I Peter 1:8 “ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” While we Christians await Christ’s return, we are already experiencing a touch of heaven through the joy of our relationship with God. The “full of glory” speaks of 1.) anticipated glory – the prospect of enjoying the glory of heaven; 2.) present glory – with a joy even now which is of the same nature as that in heaven; a happiness the same in kind, though not in degree, as that which will be ours when we got to heaven.
II – REJOICE IN YOUR PREACHING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST
Jesus said in John 4:36 “And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.”
Jesus here mentions the sower in addition to the reaper which was first mentioned. We see here that Jesus’ role as both sower and reaper, sowed the seed through a single Samaritan woman and reaped a harvest from many in a Samaritan City.
Notice Jesus words “he that soweth (in Greek “speiro”) and he that reapeth (in Greek “therizo” in pretense tense) may rejoice together.” Both the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. Some of the sowers are Moses, the Prophets, John the Baptist, Jesus, and even the Samaritan woman. This is a wonderful passage that could encourage and motivates Christian to sown seeds of the gospel, even they seldom led someone to the Lord. This passage implies both sower and reaper are on “equal ground” regarding in eternity future, because the sower and the reaper will be rewarded for their role in a soul’s salvation. This is a proof that the supernatural work of saving a soul is God’s work not man’s work. Both Sowers and reapers have the opportunity of a lifetime to join the Lord in God’s work of redemption.
Notice the word “together” signifies not in common, but simultaneously, for after sowing seed among the Samaritans, quickly harvest follow, so that the sower and the reaper rejoice together. Normally, the sower’s joy is hopeful, for it is based on a future harvest. The reaper’s later joy is complete, for it is based on the stored harvest. But when it comes to eternity, the sower and reaper will be together and can rejoice over the harvest they both accomplished. No matter who reaps, God alone deserves the credit.
Notice the words “so that” (ESV, NASB) or “that” (KJV) indicates the purpose. What is the purpose? Jesus has just referred to rewarding the reaper. Now, Jesus says the purpose is for the reaper and sower to rejoice together. Jesus implies that reaper and sower were a team. Both the reaper and sower played an important role in leading a soul to the Savior. The reason why both the reaper and sower rejoice is because they shared in the reward. That reward is already…and that reward not yet. It means we are overjoyed now (reward is already) when a soul is transferred from the Kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light. Both the planter and the harvester find joy in seeing new believers come into Christ’s kingdom. And we will rejoice eternally with those soul who get saved in heaven (reward not yet), like what Paul mentioned in I Thessalonians 2:19-20, which is referring to the believers that Paul had a part in harvesting in Thessalonica.
I Thessalonians 2:19-20 “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For ye are our glory and joy.” Paul is saying “you are our trophy and joy.”
Notice Paul’s triple repetition of “joy.”
Notice the words “in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” That is the present joy and future joy. Reapers won't be weepers at the Judgment seat of Christ or Bema Seat! Reapers and sowers will both be rejoicers!
God’s field is always ripe. Each day is the “today” when some heart open in the gospel and found salvation. Maybe your part is sowing the seed, or your part is to encourage those saved to grow, or perhaps your part is gathering harvest which someone else has labored. It does not matter. The blessing is that whenever a person is gathered into God’s kingdom, all are filled with joy.
God oversees the continual work of planting the seeds of the gospel (Parable of sower - Luke 8:4-15) and then reaping the harvest. Perhaps one of your parents, Sunday school teacher, a pastor, or a camp director, or a youth leader sowed the gospel seed in you. Then a reaper came along whose gospel message found you ripe to respond, and you accepted the free gift of everlasting life. At the moment of being harvested, we became sowers and reapers ourselves. Our lives ought to be a sower wherever there was an opportunity and ought to reap whenever there are ripe for harvest. As some sower and reaper led us to find salvation, we ought to seek others to do the same. In the end, the sowers and reapers, and the harvest will all rejoice!
Let us talk about Paul’s rejoicing.
Paul rejoiced because Christ was preached even when he was inside the prison, as he was falsely accused by preaching the gospel of Christ in Rome.
Philippines 1:18 “What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice."
Notice the Paul words in Philippines 1:18a “whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached;”
It means “whether sincerely or insincerely”.
The word “pretence” in Greek “prophasis” refers to a presentation with a motive which is often untrue. A false display, pretending, make believe. A false show of something, designed to cover one’s real intent.
Notice the words “I therein do rejoice yea, and will rejoice.”
Philippines 1:18b “and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.”
The word “rejoice” in Greek “chairo”, a primary verb, means to feel joy or great delight.
Note that “rejoice” is in the present tense indicating Paul was continually rejoicing.
Joy in the Letter to the Philippians - "joy" or "rejoice" occurs all 4 chapters
7 uses of chairo = rejoice Phil. 1:18; Phil. 2:17; Phil. 2:18; Phil. 2:28; Phil. 3:1; Phil. 4:4; Phil. 4:10;
5 uses of chara = joy, Phil. 1:4; Phil. 1:25; Phil. 2:2; Phil. 2:29; Phil. 4:1
2 uses of sugchairo = rejoice with Phil 2:17, 18
Rejoicing is not a natural reaction to suffering circumstances, (in the case of Paul, the jail) or when one gets news about preachers with pretending motives seeking to harm you, but rejoicing is only supernaturally possible.
Notice the words “and I therein” or “in this” which refers to Paul’s rejoicing despite the fact that some preachers had mixed motives, Christ is preached.
The single mindedness of Paul.
The secret of Paul’ joy is the single mind; he lives for Christ and the Gospel. Christ is named 18 times in Philippines 1, and the Gospel is mentioned 6 times. Paul said in Philippians 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Now what is single mind? which is the secret of Paul’s joy. Single mind is the attitude that says “It makes no difference what happens to me, just as long as Christ is glorified and the Gospel shared with others.”
Reason why Paul rejoiced in spite of his circumstances:
a.) Paul’s Circumstances strengthened the fellowship of the Gospel (Philippians 1:1-11)
b.) Paul’s Circumstances promoted the furtherance of the Gospel (Philippians 1:12-26)
c.) Paul’s Circumstances guarded the faith of the Gospel (Philippians 1:27-30)
Paul inside the Jail
Paul was chained night and day to a Roman soldier. Paul had no privacy when he ate, when he slept, when he wrote, when he prayed, or when he preached, taught, or visited with friends (Acts 28:17–31). Yet for a period of two years this very lack of privacy made it impossible for the Roman soldiers guarding him to avoid hearing the gospel and witnessing Paul’s remarkable Christlikeness.
How Paul responds to betrayal and opposition.
How does Paul respond to this underhanded attack from those who know Christ, and who successfully preach Christ? Most of us would be greatly distressed, and perhaps even depressed by this kind of betrayal and opposition. We would probably defend ourselves and expose our opponents. But Paul rejoices. Paul knows that God is in control. Paul knows that God will not allow the gospel to be defeated, whether that be by unbelievers who oppose it (for example, the unbelieving Jews who charged Paul with treason against Rome) or by those who profess and proclaim it (such as those who preached Christ with impure motives). Paul knew that while these folks “meant it for evil,” God “meant it for good”. Unbelievers were not deceived; they knew that the issue behind Paul’s imprisonment was really the gospel. And regardless of their motivation, the gospel of Jesus Christ was being vigorously proclaimed. Paul was resolved to rejoice in the success of the gospel, even if it was at the expense of his life......let us learn from our text that Paul did not allow adversity to rob him of his joy in the Lord.
Paul was falsely accused by his unbelieving Jewish opponents, and even by fellow-saints. One might think that Paul had good reason to be discouraged, but he was not! Paul was deeply joyful and resolutely determined to continue to be so. Paul would not allow his circumstances to rob him of his joy. How can this be? How can Paul remain joyful in such adversity? What is it that Paul most desires, and in which he finds his delight? It is the advance of the gospel, even if that requires sacrifice and suffering on his part. Paul’s joy is not in being popular and being considered a great leader; Paul’s joy is in the proclamation of the gospel, the salvation of lost souls, and the growth of Christians.
The secret to Paul’s joy was having the right goal.
Paul’s goal was not to be admired by everyone or to achieve great fame. Paul’s goal was not to live a life of freedom and self-indulgence. Paul’s goal was to proclaim the gospel to as many lost sinners as possible. Paul’s goal, as indicated by God at the time of his conversion, was to preach the gospel to Gentile kings, as well as to the Jews (Acts 9:15 “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:”).
Paul had the mind of Christ
Paul was filled with joy in our text because the gospel was being proclaimed, and lost sinners were being saved. Paul gladly sacrificed his “image” as well as his comfort for the cause of the gospel. Paul would not be robbed of his joy because he looked at his life and ministry as his Savior did. In short, Paul had “the mind of Christ.” As we shall soon read in Philippians 2, our Lord was willing to set aside the pleasures of living in the presence of His Father in heaven, so that lost sinners might be saved. As our Lord was willing to suffer, that men might be saved, so was the Apostle Paul. And as the salvation of lost sinners brings joy to our Lord, even though it was at great personal sacrifice to the Savior, so it was with Paul.
The Gospel is the power of God
Paul would rejoice whatever the motives of those who desires to attack him in preaching Christ. The detractors of Paul preached the true Gospel, and it had a strong impact not because of the pretending messenger but because of the powerful message of the Gospel of Christ, because the Gospel is the power of God not of the wrongly motivated men, for the salvation of everyone who believes the Gospel (Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”). What is the gospel and why it so powerful? I Corinthians 15:1-4 “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”). These wrongly motivated men preached Christ, and at least they were not preaching Buddha or some false god, but Christ. They preach salvation by grace though faith. They preach Christ as God and Savior not what false doctrine of the cults. So, Paul rejoice!
Jesus Christ was all Paul cared about
Paul lived to see the Gospel proclaimed--he didn't care who received the credit. That should be the attitude of every pastor, teacher, elder, deacon, leader, and layperson in the body of Christ. In all that he suffered Paul didn't quit, lash out, break down, or lose his joy. That's because the cause of Christ was being furthered and His name proclaimed. The truth about Lord Jesus was all he cared about. So, Paul rejoices continually.
III – REJOICE THAT YOU ARE MALTREATED IN CHRIST
Luke 6:22-23 "Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake, 23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”
If some people do something that hurts us, causes damages in us, and personally do not like us, normally we do not rejoice. But Jesus said, there is joy when people rejected us, hated us and wants to separate from us. It really hurts us, until you remember what Jesus said in this verse that you have partaken of the sufferings of Christ and you will be rewarded greatly in heaven, and you are not alone experiencing reproaches for even the prophets of God and some of our faithful forefathers experienced the same thing or even worse than the reproaches we attained in living for Christ.
What are the maltreatments done toward the followers of Christ?
In verse 22, it says “men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil”
From the world’s perspective hatred, exclusion, insult, rejection or scorn are hardly a good recipe for blessing. But this passage in Luke 6:22-23 is not referring to the unbelieving world’s perspective but to God’s perspective. This maltreatment in God’s perspective is indeed a blessing (v.22). Therefore, rejoice! (v.23).
Jesus is the reason why Christians were maltreated in this unbelieving world.
It is for the sake of the Son of Man that Christians are detested. It is clear that those who are hated, separated from their company, and insulted are the true followers of Christ and they are rejected or cast out because the world rejected Christ.
The underlying reason for unbelieving sinners’ hatred, socially isolated, insults, and rejection or scornful denunciation of the name Christian that believers bear as evil is because of their association with the Son of Man.
1. Jesus charge to the twelve before sending them to preach – Matthew 10:16-33
2. Jesus likened the opponents of the disciples would face to vicious wolves – Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29
3. Jesus cautioned the apostles that they would be severely punished in the courts and synagogues – II Corinthians; included them being put out of the synagogue (John 9:22, 34; John 16:2), and by rulers (Matthew 10:17-18).
4. Families will be divided when some members identify with Christ (Matthew 10:21; Luke 12:51-53)
All of the hatreds will be directed at believers because they name (Christians) derived from the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:22, 24-25), whom the unbelieving world hates (John 15:18-20; John 16:33)
John 15:18-20 “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.”
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus issued words of warning to his disciples about coming persecution on numerous occasions, even to Saul after his conversion in Acts, Jesus said in Luke 21:17 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.” So, rejoice!
What are these Christians doing that they were being maltreated?
Christians are called not to conform to the world but to be transformed into the image of Christ.
Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
Romans 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
The unbelieving world hates what it does not understand and agreed with them, therefore will hate those who follow Christ who do not conform to this world.
Today’s maltreatment against Christians will increase and become much worst
As the world increasingly turns away from, the hatred of God’s people will increase:
1. Much in Muslim world today, Christians are much subject to severe persecution. In many cases, the choice is to convert to Islam, to flee or die.
2. Much in Western world today, Christians are looked down upon, mocked or ridiculed and powerless and unimportant.
3. Christians today who stand and live by biblical convictions will not be accepted or welcome for certain careers. Example: Christians who stands against same sex marriage, Christians who stands against abortion. Any Christians and even government officials are being fined and even jailed for standing by biblical principles and convictions.
4. Christian’s beliefs today are being presented in an extremely biased manner.
Hatred, rejection or mocking, insults, is increasing and getting much worse and worse as the end times coming nearer and nearer according to the Bible. Hating Christians is satanically driven, Satan hates God, and as Satan as portraying god of this world, the devil controls the evil world system that hates God and hates Christians (II Corinthians 4:4 “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”). But Christians have nothing to fear because Christians are overcomers (Romans 8:37 “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”). Greater is God who is in Christians that Satan who is in the world (I John 4:4 “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”).
Although the Bible is clear that the maltreatment towards Christians will become worst and much worst as Jesus coming become nearer, we need to rejoice and leap for joy as Jesus said in the next verse of our text.
Notice in the next verse of our study passage Luke 6:23 "Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets."
Reasons why Christians have to rejoice in spite they were maltreated for the sake of Christ.
1. Christians great Reward in heaven.
Luke 6:23a “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven."
Matthew 5:12a “Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great in your reward in heaven;"
Not only they were hated by the unbelieving world because they were associated with Christ name, and do not compromise with the world, but also because they stood for God’s Word and God’s righteousness which the religious hypocrites hate. But in spite all these hatred and maltreatment, why still need to rejoice?
Notice in the word “behold” in Greek “idou” is the second person singular aorist middle imperative of “eidon” which means to see, perceive, look at. To behold is a command in the present context giving us the idea that we are to look not at the present uncomfortable circumstances but we are to look at the future great reward. Our future reward that we are looking for will determine what we are living for in the present. One of every 20-25 New Testament verses refers directly or indirectly to the second coming of our Savior and King Who will rescue us once and for all time from this present evil age.
Now, that is something worth living for, hoping for and waiting for as opposed where our eyes are focused on the things of this present temporary world. In this troubled evil world as we wait patiently for Christ coming, rejoice! In spite of mistreatment, the disciples of Jesus should rejoice and leap for joy because they have great reward in heaven.
Notice Matthew 5:12 the words “Rejoice” (KJV; ESV) and “be glad” (NASB) in Greek “agalliao”. Both these verbs are present imperative, that is a command because Christian reward in heaven is great.
Notice the words “your reward is great in heaven:”
The word “reward” in Greek “misthos” literally refers to pay which is due for labor performed or paid for work. The Greek “misthos” is used in two general senses in the New Testament, either to refer to wages or to reward, recognition or recompense. The latter is figurative usage, “misthos” refers to rewards which God bestows for the moral quality of an action, such rewards most often to be bestowed in eternity future.
Luke records what Jesus mentions in Luke 6:23 “reward” in Greek misthos and again mentioned in verse 35 “But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great,”. Jesus is saying here that the reward will not be great on earth, not great now, but great in the future, in heaven. This present world is temporary and is passing away and also its lusts (I John 2:17 “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:”), but heaven is forever and heaven’s rewards will last forever (John 15:16 “your fruit should remain”).
The Christian Road is first the cross and second the crown.
Don’t give up. It is too soon to quit. Let Paul words encourage you to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”). Peter says in the future day we will each receive an inheritance in I Peter 1:4 “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,”. The Biblical hope is “hope sure” not “hope so”.
The word "that day" in our text in Luke 6:23 is a future day based from the context. That refers to that future day when we see our King and receive our reward in heaven. That encourage us in our trials and afflictions.
2. Christians suffer the same way the Old Testament prophets were persecuted. Luke 6:23b “for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”
Matthew 5:12b “for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
We have to rejoice, because today Christians were persecuted in the same way, the Jews persecuted the prophets who were before the disciples of Christ.
Notice Paul said in Colossians 1:24 "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:"
The words here is rendering “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” does not refer to Christ’s atonement for nothing is lacking, this statement refers to suffering of Christians for Christ name’s sake which will continue until this godless age is brought to end by Christ second coming.
Notice in our passage in Luke 6:23a “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: “, Jesus gives two commands “Rejoice” (in Greek “chairo”) and “leap” (in Greek “skirtao”) for joy, both in aorist imperative, means a command that can only be obeyed by saints filled with the Spirit, Who will give the desire and the power to be glad in circumstances that the world would not consider helpful to being glad.
Jesus here in Luke 6:23 compares the mistreatment of His followers to that of the godly prophets as He said “for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”
Here Jesus is explaining why we should rejoice and jump in present trials for Christ’s sake. Jesus encourages His disciples by reminding them that they have joined a selected group of faithful men and women who went before them. The genuine disciple of Jesus stands such names like Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, etc., should encourage all faithful disciples throughout the centuries that lead up to the return of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
The words “in the like manner” means in the same way the disciples of Christ will be treated just as prophets were maltreated harshly because they were faithfully and boldly speaking the Word of God, implying that we will be the same way be treated because we too are speaking the Word of God.
Luke often records the mistreatment of the Prophets (Luke 11:47-51; Acts 7:51-52), and the mistreatment of the Prophets have two reasons to rejoice:
1. First reason is the futuristic reason.
The reward is signed and sealed but not yet delivered. So, we have to rejoice concerning the future.
2. Second reason is the historical reason.
This is in which the ancestors of those who mistreat you, the same way mistreated the prophets of the past. In other words, you belong to a long good Old Testament tradition that most true prophets suffered rejection was strengthened further in Judaism, so Jesus’ listeners would have caught the point of Jesus here. Actually, the disciples of Christ were hated, insulted and isolated as being officially put out of the synagogue.
The maltreatment of the Prophets was clearly evident in all the Scriptures:
>>The treatment of the Old Testaments Prophets is summarized – II Chronicles 36:15-16
>>The treatment of the Old Testament Prophets is summarized in the New Testament - Hebrews 11:32-38
The words “their fathers” refers to the Jews in the Old Testament clearly indicating that these followers of Christ who are listening to Christ as He speaks, would be persecuted by the Jews just like the prophets who were persecuted by the Jews. This maltreatment occurred again and again to the prophets.
Application: Are you speaking the Word of God to the unsaved lost people of this unbelieving world, like the prophets who were persecuted for preaching the Word of God? Another thing, are you being persecuted for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ? If you are not been persecuted, why? There is something wrong with you, there is something that is not in you.
Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Even Paul said that the fragrance or sweet savour of Jesus Christ must ome out from your life, in II Corinthians 2:14- 16 “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: 16To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?”
If your light shine or Christ testimony seen in your life and the fragrance of the life of Christ come out from your life, surely the world who hate Christ will persecute, hated or maltreated you. But rejoice and again rejoice!
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IV – REJOICE IN TRIALS OF YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST
James 1:2-4 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
James 1:3 “for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” ESV
James said, consider it all joy when you meet various kinds of trials. The result of trying your faith is patience or it produces steadfastness or endurance. And when patience has its perfect result or have its full effect, you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James says, it is our faith that is being tested. We do not know if our faith is genuine until it stands up under the test.
The word “count” or “consider” in Greek “hegeomai”. Hegeomai involves careful thought, not quick decision. It involves a conscious judgment resting on deliberate weighing of the facts. Hegeomai involves careful judgment from external proof, not based on feelings.
This command to “count it all joy” or “consider it all joy” (NASB), is one of the most difficult in all the Bible, I can say. It was arranged in lines with I Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks”. Yet we know that God is not trying to frustrate us or defeat us but to conform us to the image of His Son and in so doing, God wastes no circumstances, no adversity, no affliction, no sickness, no success, no failure, etc., in achieving His purpose, which in fact He will achieve. (Philippians 1:6 “…he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”; I Peter 5:10 “…after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
Joy can be defined as that inward peace and sufficiency that is not affected by outward circumstances.
The Bible defines joy as a gift of God, a fruit of His Spirit, which is independent of circumstances.
Joy does not depend on circumstances because it rests in God’s sovereign control of all things (Romans 8:28).
Joy is the deep-down sense of well-being that abides in the heart of the person who knows all is well between himself and the Lord. It is not an experience that comes from favorable circumstances but even occurs when those circumstances are the most painful and severe as Jesus taught His disciples declaring…
John 16:20-22 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. 22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”
The words “all joy” is whole joy, pure joy, complete joy, highest joy, unmixed joy, without admixture of sorrow, not just some joy along with grief. How is this possible? The Spirit produces the Lord’s joy in us (Galatians 5:22).
If all of us would be honest, we are not kind of generation that rejoices in trials. We rejoiced only if all we want to happen is what happened. We seem like small brat. And if we go through hardships, we right away think that there is something wrong with us or if something wrong happened, we question God.
We see how people react today when trials come illustrated in parable of the sower in Matthew 13:20-21
Matthew 13:20-21 “But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.”
This passage says that the seed was sown on the rocky places, representing the man who hears the Word of God and immediately receives it with joy, however the man has no firm root in himself, the man endures temporarily, and when tribulation and persecution arises because of the Word, immediately the man falls away.
It takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 muscles to smile.
We're not asked to pretend that problems don't exist but to rejoice even in the midst of them.
We are not just to act joyful, in reluctant pretense, but to be genuinely joyful.
It is a matter of will, not of feelings, and should be the conscious, determined commitment of every faithful believer.
James says, it is our faith that is being tested. We do not know if our faith is genuine until it stands up under the test.
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials is a command because it is not our natural response to trials.
God never commands us to do anything which He does not enable or empower.
God never commands to do His will in any area, that He does not also supply us the grace and power necessary to fulfill it (II Corinthians 12:9-10 “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”; Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
II Corinthians 8:1-2 “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.”
The Macedonian believers experienced abundant of joy by going through severe test of affliction. It seems hard to perceive. But that is the way how God wants us to rejoice in God.
Joy in trials is not a natural reaction but must be a supernatural reaction. The man and woman who is most able to obey the command “count all joy in trials” is the one who is walking by the Spirit, filled with the Spirit, controlled by the Spirit. As the believer yields to the Spirit, making the determined choice of his will, he or she is enabled to manifest joy (Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance:”
If you want to find true joy, you have to go through something. You will never learn to truly rejoice, if you quit or drop out at the beginning part of trouble in your life.
We're not asked to pretend that problems don't exist but to rejoice even in the midst of them. Ita takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 muscles to smile.
We are not just to act joyful, in reluctant pretense, but to be genuinely joyful.
It is a matter of will, not of feelings, and should be the conscious, determined commitment of every faithful believer.
If we value comfort more than character, then trials will upset us. If we value the material and physical more than the spiritual, we will not be able to ‘count it all joy!’ If we live only for the present and forget about the future, the trials will make us bitter, not better.
A sincere trust in the promise and goodness of our Lord, that we can look on trials as a welcome friend, knowing with Joseph that what may have been meant for evil against us, God means for good (Genesis 50:20 “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”: Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”)
James in our passage is not saying that trials are joyful in themselves but trials are a means to be joyful. Therefore, joy in trials comes from knowing that the result will be good. While in the trial, we have a future focused mindset, because we know that the trial in the hands of the good and loving Potter is not without value regarding the sculpting of our character. The truth is that our loving Father allows or sometimes sends trials in our lives, not to impair us but to improve us. Not to destroy us but to develop us. In other words, our heavenly Father takes us into His darkroom to develop our character not destroy it.
The writer of Hebrews explained why believers should regard not think lightly of God’s discipline, the writer of Hebrews reminds of the promised “fruit” as the writer of Hebrews writes Hebrews 12:11 “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”
Joy not only does not come from favorable human circumstances but is sometimes greatest when those circumstances are the most painful and severe.
Christians do not rejoice because of sufferings but because of their present perception of Christ in the Word and the certain expectation of Jesus future return and future reign. What they rightly believed, eventually affected what they experienced. This is a joy that is available now to the believers who are steadfastly suffering for their Lord.
I Peter 4:13 “But 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.”
Romans 5:3-5 “ And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope: 5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Paul practiced what he preached, even when he was unfairly thrown in prison.
Acts 16:25-26 “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.”
The writer of Hebrews continually (present tense) exhorts us to fix our eyes on Jesus, that means by faith turning our eyes away from earthly things and fixing them on Jesus.
Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
When faith in Jesus Christ is genuine, James assures us, even the worst of troubles can and should be cause for thanksgiving and rejoicing.
James is not commanding believers to enjoy their trials which in themselves are grievous not joyful. To the contrary, James is saying that believers should (and can) see their trials not so much as obstacles but as opportunities, with God's grace, prove to be "fertilizer" for growth in Christ-likeness.
The more we rejoice in our testing, the more we realize that they are not liabilities but privileges, ultimately beneficial and not harmful, no matter how destructive and painful the immediate experience of them might appear.
When we face trials with the attitude that James admonishes, we discover that the greatest part of the joy is drawing closer to the Lord (the Source of all joy) by becoming more sensitive to His presence, His goodness, His love, and His grace. Our prayer life increases, as does our interest in and study of the Word, and in each of those ways our joy increases all the more.
The test of your faith is when you really do choose to trust God in a severe trial. Afterwards, you know that your faith is genuine, because it brought you through the trial. But the point is, when you are faced with a trial, you have a choice: Will I trust God and the promises of His Word, as I have professed to do, or not? To trust God and experience His hope and joy in the midst of trials is a supreme attitude that James commands us to adopt.
James is speaking of a unique fullness of joy that the Lord graciously provides His children when they willingly and uncomplainingly endure troubles while trusting in Him, regardless of the cause, type, or severity of the distress. God will always use them for our benefit and for His own glory.
V – REJOICE IN THE LORD GOD
David said in Psalm 43:4 “Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.”
Like David, we too, God must be our exceeding joy. I am not saying, you do not find happiness in other people, and things as well, and other situations. But your joy in God is superior to all your happiness. Happiness is different from Joy.
We believed that David wrote both this Psalm and the preceding Psalm when David was driven from Jerusalem by his rebellious son, Absalom. After David briefly calling on God to judge between himself and David’s blood-thirsty enemies, now David here shows that for him the heaviest part of his affliction is that being separated from God’s ordinances. It is very true, indeed because when David faithful servants, Zadok and Abiathar, had brought David that ark; but David sent back the ark of God to its favored habituation or residence (II Samuel 15:25 “And the king said unto Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and shew me both it, and his habitation:”), because having the symbol of Deity without the actual presence of God and favour would give David little consolation or benefit. David shows us here that his supreme delight is to enjoy God in his ordinances. That is why David made his sincere or earnest request of God to send forth the light of God and the truth of God, that God may lead David back to divine ordinances, because David was confident that only God could make a way for David’s return after his son Absalom driven him from Jerusalem. David strongly believes that there is none other to depend upon in this very extremely dangerous moment of his life, but only the promise and protection of a faithful God Himself.
Notice the words “Then will I go up unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy” David being restored to the tabernacles of God, after he was driven from Jerusalem by his rebellious son Absalom, David determined that he would go with more delight that ever to the altar of his God, in other words to God who was David’s exceeding joy, and there David pay to God the vows which David had made. And the harp that he used to play which now hanged should again be tuned, that David had to sing with more devotion to give praises of his God.
What David promises here in this Psalm 43, we find in another Psalm that David actually performed, as soon as the desired deliverance of David had been graciously granted favor by God (Psalms 66:12-15 “Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. 13 I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows, 14 Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. 15 I will offer unto thee burnt sacrifices of fatlings, with the incense of rams; I will offer bullocks with goats. Selah.”).
David words consist of:
1. a devout petition to God to restore David to his enjoyment of divine ordinances
2. a joyful anticipation of zeal in the service of God.
The Bible tells us we have to rejoice not in ourselves, not in any circumstances, not in world’s condition but in the Lord.
Philippians 3:1 “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord.”
The Bible tells us not to rejoice many times, or sometimes, but always.
Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.”
As David wanted in our text wanted to go to the altar of God, unto his God who is his exceeding joy. Like David, Many Christians seek God’s presence. What is the presence of God? Christians often talk about “seeking God’s presence” or praying for God “to be present with us in this place.” But what exactly does that mean?
David says Psalm 16:11 “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
It tells us in Nehemiah 8:10 “…the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
It’s in God’s presence where we receive correction, direction, comfort, and assurance. God’s presence brings clarity to our confusion, hope in place of despair.
Many believers do not experience the joy of the Lord as their strength. God is not otherwise to be enjoyed than as God is obeyed.
When Israel (then) or Christians (today) come to realize how much God has done for them and what great things He has in store, the result is joy, and that joy will produce strength. Furthermore, one of the things that God has in store for His people is strength to endure hard times. He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). As we focus on God’s presence and promises, our joy and strength will increase. As we focus on fallible and fickle people and uncertain circumstances, our joy will decrease, and our strength will also decrease.
David said in Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”
As David wanted to return to the altar of God, because God is his exceeding joy, let us all go into the house of the Lord and enjoy His Word and His presence. O you backsliding heart, O you with an apathetic spirit, O you with a cold and lukewarmness, arise, repent and seek the Lord’s presence and be faithful into the house of God.
Conclusion: In order to rejoice in God, we must rejoice in our salvation and Savior, in our sowing of the gospel, in being partakers of Christ’s suffering, and trying of our faith. You will find so much more joy in God than you ever did in anyway, than you ever received of anything, than you ever go in anywhere, than you ever be with anyone.
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