“That your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.”
In verse 25, Paul was confident that he would be released from jail so that the Philippians would continue to progress and rejoice in their faith. Here, he finishes the thought.
“that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ”
Paul picked up the word “joy” from verse 25. If there is “progress” “and joy” (v. 25) in the faith, there will be “more abundant” rejoicing.
We often find ourselves in situations where we cannot rejoice. The Word of God never says we are to rejoice in our circumstances or under them. The focus of our joy is Jesus Christ.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (Php 4:4).
We can rejoice “in Jesus Christ” because He is always the same: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Heb. 13:8). We can always count on Him. That is why we are enthusiastic about Him.
“by my coming to you again.”
There was a spiritual bond between Paul and the Philippians. That kind of bond was not found with all the churches to which he ministered. In Corinth, he was the target of much criticism even though he had a significant ministry there. There is a great difference between churches.
There are some friendly churches. Others are outreach-oriented. Some are a religious country club caring only for their interests. Still, others are receptive to the Word of God and have a great hunger to be taught; some veto any serious teaching of the Bible. Paul knew the Philippians would rejoice in his ministry of the Word to them.
PRINCIPLE:
Biblical joy is independent of circumstances; it is focused on a Person who never changes.
APPLICATION:
Are you trying to get all your ducks in order? Do you hope to manage your life so that there are no more problems? That very desire will set us up for failure because circumstances will go wrong at some point. The only one who will always be there for us is Jesus Christ.
