Philippians is known as the epistle of joy. The word “joy” or “rejoice” is used sixteen times in just four chapters. I find it striking that in such dire circumstances, Paul writes such a joyful letter. As we have learned through this sermon series, Paul is writing from a Roman prison while facing the death penalty. At any moment, a guard could come and take him out of his cell and behead him. He has nothing: sitting in a dark, dank, cold dungeon with all his freedoms and comforts taken from him—yet he is filled with joy. This, more than anything else, should challenge us to face our circumstances with joy.
Five different Greek words are translated into “joy” and “rejoice” in this letter. Three of them are based on the root word charis, meaning “grace”. So the famous verse in Eph. 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved…” could actually have been translated “By joy you have been saved.” In Philemon 1:7, charis is translated as “joy.” The idea is that God didn’t save us out of obligation; rather, it gave Him joy, and we access joy through His unmerited favor. We are His delight, and He is delighted to love us. What amazing grace we have been given!
Other ways this word is used include: cheerfulness, calm delight, happy, well-off, be glad, full of cheer. In every way God has poured out His grace to bring us to a place of contented happiness. Charis is also the basis for the charismatic gifts such as prophecy, tongues, healing, etc. All of these gifts are to be expressions of the joy God has given and manifestations of His character of grace and joy. As charismatic Christians, we ought to be even more overflowing with joy as we have a continual unending resource of charis in us and in our midst.
The other two Greek words translated as “joy” or “rejoice” in Philippians are both forms of a root word that means “to boast in or about.” Paul boasted of the Philippians—he was proud of them and found joy in his relationship with them. This is a good form of boasting, like the pride a parent has in their children. God likewise rejoices over us when we are in right relationship with Him and living in His grace. For me, this is one of the most amazing aspects of the Gospel. You and I, simple lowly people in the midst of billions of other human beings, can affect the heart of God. We have the power to break God’s heart or to bless God—He has made Himself vulnerable in the sense that He is emotionally vested in us. As the Bible famously says, “God SO loved the world…”
The application of these truths are simple: be joyful! Rejoice without ceasing, and in everything give thanks!