Rejoice in the Lord Always
Oct 11 20PentAE Rev. Kenneth Redmann
Introduction
What does it mean to rejoice in the Lord always, even when life is difficult? In this sermon, Rev. Kenneth Redmann explores Philippians 4 and the lasting joy we find in Christ’s faithfulness, presence, and promises. As a Christian church in Ybor City, Zion Lutheran Church shares this comforting message: our circumstances change, but our Savior remains faithful. If you are looking for a Christian Church in Tampa, we invite you to discover the peace and hope found in His Word.
May the meditations of our hearts and the words of my lips be acceptable to You, O Lord. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Beloved in Christ, today we arrive at the fourth sermon in our series on Paul’s letter to the Christians in Philippi. Before Paul gives us the famous imperative, “Rejoice in the Lord always,” he begins the chapter with a crucial word—one we often skip over.
Looking Back: God’s Providence and Our Strength in Christ
Philippians 4:1 — “Therefore…” Paul writes: Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.”
“Therefore” is never a throwaway word. And it always points backward. It always asks: “Therefore what?”
So, before we move forward, we must take a look back. Paul is building on everything he has already taught us—everything we have explored in the first three sermons of our series. Let’s take a stole down memory lane, as they say.
In week one, Paul said, “I want you to know… that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel” (Phil 1:12).
Paul taught us that God’s PROVIDENCE governs all things, even chains, prisons, hardships, and suffering. We learned that God restrains all things—even evil—to serve His saving purpose (Cf: Gen 50:20; Rom 8:28).
Our Old Testament lesson that day recalled Joseph and his evil brothers. Joseph said, “you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” And we remembered one of the most famous verses in all of Holy Scripture, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”
Paul’s imprisonment became a pulpit. His suffering became a megaphone for Christ. Providence is not theoretical; it is personal, active, and always Christ‑centered.
In week two, Paul taught us that believers, redeemed by Christ, shine as lights in a dark world. Not because we are naturally bright, or that we have some “inner light”, but because Christ, who dwells in us, is the Light of the world (John 8:12).
The Bible says, “it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2.20).
In week 3, just last week we heard Paul’s breathtaking confession: “I count ALL THINGS as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Phil 3:8).
And THEN, we heard his triumphant declaration: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).
Paul’s “all things” is not a slogan of self‑empowerment. He is not pulling himself up by his bootstraps. It is a confession of Christ‑dependence. Christ is the One who strengthens. Christ is the One who enables and empowers. Christ is the One who carries His people.
A Command to Rejoice in the Lord Always
Today, having laid all that foundation, Paul now gives us a command: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Phil 4.4).
Please notice, this is not a suggestion. Not a gentle encouragement. Not a “try your best.”
It is an imperative. A command, inspired by the Holy Spirit, for the apostle of Christ to deliver in no uncertain terms. And the command is intensified by the word “always.”
“ALWAYS?”
Beloved in the Lord, many of you are well aware that most marriage counselors warn couples against using absolute adverbs: You know, like:
- “You always do that.”
- “You never listen.”
- “You always forget.”
- “You never care.”
Why? Because “always” and “never” are rarely true. They exaggerate. They wound. They shut down conversation. They turn a moment into a verdict.
But here Paul uses the absolute adverb: “always”. And he uses it very intentionally. Because the command is not:
“Rejoice in yourself always.” “Rejoice in your circumstances always.” “Rejoice in your achievements always.” The command is: “Rejoice in the LORD always.”
And the LORD is always faithful. Always present. Always merciful. Always victorious.
Therefore, the command is not burdensome. It is liberating.
Let Christ’s Gentleness Be Seen in You
And with this Christ-filled freedom, Paul continues: “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand” (Phil 4: 5).
I was fascinated with the word, “reasonableness.” The Greek word here is ἐπιεικές (ep-e-a’-kas). One of my seminary profs, Dr. Weinrich, would famously say, the word is “pregnant” with meaning. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, notes that the term carries a constellation of ideas:
- Gentleness, forbearance
- Graciousness, patient restraint
- the willingness to yield personal rights for the sake of love
Different Bible translations try to capture this richness:
- ESV: reasonableness (English Standard Version),
- NIV: gentleness (New International Version)
- NASB: gentle spirit (New American Standard Bible)
- KJV: moderation (King James Version)
- Or the paraphrase: God’s Word Translation: how considerate you are
So, which translation is correct? Answer: All of the above!
Paul wants to be like Christ (Phil 3:10). He wants Christ’s gentleness to be seen in him. And he wants Christ’s gentleness to be seen in every believer. This is the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22–23). This is the character of Christ who formed and who is dwelling in His people.
Clothed in Christ’s Righteousness
But here we must pause.
Because while all believers strive for this Christlike gentleness… We fail. We fall short. We are sinful by nature. Our old Adam takes over and we do what we do not want to do—we do what we hate! (Rom 7.15).
Jesus Himself gives us a sobering illustration of this truth. The parable of the wedding feast is one of Jesus’ most severe warnings.
The King prepares a lavish banquet—symbolizing the salvation feast of Isaiah 25:
“On this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food… He will swallow up death forever” (Is 25:6–8).
But in Jesus’ parable, of those who were invited, i.e., those Chosen People, some refuse the invitation, some make light of it and some are downright hostile. Therefore, the “outcasts” are invited. They were gathered up, those who had no standing, no social graces and, certainly, no one who deserved such a lavish free feast.
And then, the pinnacle of the parable: One man enters without the wedding garment. That is to say, one man entered who REFUSED to receive his robe of righteousness that the King had provided. The wedding garment symbolizes Christ’s righteousness (Rev 7:14). It is the garment of salvation (Is 61:10). It is the covering God Himself provides.
Be assured, the man was offered the free gift of righteousness. The tragedy is that he refused the righteousness so freely offered. This is the warning: We cannot enter God’s feast clothed in our own goodness, our own gentleness, our own (ep-e-a’-kas). We must be clothed in Christ. Luther put it this way, “The wedding garment is Christ Himself, whom we put on in Baptism.” (Martin Luther, Sermon on Matthew 22 (1522), WA 10/3:214)
The Lord Is at Hand: Our Comfort and Confidence
Which brings us to Paul’s next phrase, which could be called the “anchor of the passage.” Paul says, “The Lord Is at Hand” (Phil 4.5) The LORD is our Comfort and our Confidence.
This is why we can rejoice always. This is why we can be gentle. This is why we need not be anxious. This is why we can pray with thanksgiving.
The Lord is near in His incarnation. He is near in His Word. He is near and REAL in His Sacraments. He is near in His coming again.
Beloved in the Lord, “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” “He restoreth my soul.” “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”
Psalm 23 is not sentimental poetry. It is divine reality. It is Christ’s present-tense care for His people.
Isaiah 25 expands the picture: The Lord prepares a feast. He swallows up death forever. He wipes away tears from ALL faces. The Revelation puts it this way: “For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd… and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (7.17)
Do you see it? Do you hear it? From Psalm 23 to Isaiah 25 to Revelation 7, Scripture sings one sweet verse: The Lord is at hand. The Lord is near. The Lord is with His people.
The Same Christ, the Same Promises, the Same Strength
This is the lesson that Paul learned and embraced and lived out in his Christian journey. Paul’s life is not an exception. It is an example.
Paul writes: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).
Paul is not boasting. Paul IS confessing. And the point is this:
Yes! The Lord worked in amazing ways in Paul’s life. So also, hear the Word of the Lord for YOUR life: For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Eph 2.10).
Not identically. Not with the same circumstances. Not with the same calling.
But, in YOUR vocation, in your journey with the same Christ. The same Spirit. The same promises. The same strength and conviction.
Paul’s peace is our peace. Paul’s Shepherd is our Shepherd. Paul’s feast is our feast. Paul’s Savior is our Savior. Paul’s joy is our joy.
Lasting Joy Rooted in Christ
This joy is not shallow. This is not a “happy face.” Rather, this joy is a deep-seated joy and contentment rooted in Christ crucified, risen, reigning, and returning.
Dear Christian, Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice.
God grant it for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.[1]
Find Lasting Joy in Christ
“Rejoice in the Lord always” is more than an encouraging phrase. It is an invitation to rest in the Savior who strengthens us, clothes us in His righteousness, and remains near through every season. Our joy is rooted in Christ and His promises, giving us comfort even when life feels uncertain.
If you are seeking a Christian church in Ybor City, we invite you to worship, learn, and grow with us. Come discover a Christian Church in Tampa where we share God’s Word, encourage one another, and welcome you into a church family.
We invite you to join us this Sunday. Sunday Divine Service at 8:00 am, followed by Bible Study at 9:15 am. 7:00 PM Bible Study Mondays. You may download the worship folder here.
Zion Lutheran Church — A Christian Family Who Cares for You!
[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Je 29:11). (1984). Zondervan.