Repetition. Philippians 3:1. “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.” Rejoice in the Lord! Repeating this phrase over and over again helps us remember and internalize important truths and attitudes. As we briefly benefit from what is said or thought, saying it aloud, writing it down, or sharing it with others is a key way to keep these important things in our minds. Rejoicing in the Lord is definitely something we should do consistently. Paul begins this practical section of the Book of Philippians by emphasizing a fundamental necessity for believers – rejoicing in the Lord! Then, he reviews the core lessons he has taught them. Reading and rereading the scriptures, both privately and publicly, helps solidify the truths in the Bible, making our thoughts, attitudes, convictions, and actions more effective in everyday life.
Paul wrote about how Timothy and Epaphroditus conducted themselves as representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Here, he shares his own dedication to the Lord and what it meant for him to live in a way worthy of the Savior. Repeating the call to rejoice serves as a safeguard for daily life because it lifts our spirits above the temporary and mundane things that demand our attention. The attitude of rejoicing in the Lord can bless others as well as ourselves because joy is naturally contagious.
Some truths need to be repeated again and again. We often forget what we first learned when starting our Christian journey and how it affected us. Joy and thanksgiving were likely our initial responses when we moved from darkness into light. Then, we began to add deeper understanding and knowledge, recognizing opportunities to learn more about our Lord and what salvation has given us. The doctrines of the Gospel, a greater knowledge of the Lord Jesus, and ways to live out the eternal life we have were waiting and calling for our immediate attention. Most of us tend to forget the significance of these things when they are first introduced, but joy ignited understanding and truth, and those fundamental truths still hold immense value.
I want to remember my first joy in the Lord and return to the beginning when the light of the Word led me to put my faith in Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. It seems simple now, but back then I was in spiritual darkness, and the Spirit and the Word brought great light into my soul. The scriptures of truth have touched me every day since then. Basic truths never grow old for those who love God's Word. There are always new things to learn about them each time we read because their depths are infinitely deep, coming from the mind and heart of God. Things that bring change in our attitude toward God, others, life, and eternity should often be shared. Ways to please God should be regularly reviewed and renewed so I can rejoice again in the blessings He has shown me throughout my life.
Repetition is a highly effective way to convey essential truths. Repeating the truth often will reach others' hearts and minds, including mine. Among the things written in scripture, there is always more to discover that can influence my life and help me live in ways that please God. Additionally, the scriptures will give me more to share with those I connect with during my work. When I understand what the Bible says and means, I will be able to give more light as I share about my Savior.
The word "finally" does not mean that the things he writes are merely an addition to the truths he has already shared. This introduces a practical aspect to the teaching about having the mind of Christ. A spiritual mind can discern what is wrong as well as what is right. This mind is preserved as we find our joy in the Lord, not in people or "things" around us. Nine times in this chapter, Paul mentions "things." Some are good, and some are bad. It is vital for us as Christians to, first of all, wholeheartedly rejoice in the Lord regardless of our circumstances. So, despite what is happening around us, some things must be stated.
Rejoicing in the Lord allows us to look beyond all the necessary things we must handle in life and, at the same time, remain focused on eternal matters that are unaffected by the sinful behaviors of society. It is both a privilege and a duty to rejoice in the Lord. Mary, the mother of Jesus, rejoiced in “God my Savior.” Nehemiah said, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Time and again, David learned that when he was misunderstood, attacked, and fearful about what would happen next, it was essential for him to “encourage himself in the Lord his God.”