June 02 2026

Tuesday June 02

“Rejoicing Together”

Philippians 2:18

Welcome to Pastor's Chat. Today we're continuing in Philippians 2, looking at verse 18. First, we must read verse 17 again, which we talked about yesterday, where the Apostle Paul said: "Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all." Now here's verse 18: "For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me." The Apostle Paul is inviting the Philippians to share in his joy.

Now think about it. Paul is in prison, suffering and uncertain about the future. Yet he keeps speaking about joy. This teaches us something so important: Christian joy is not based on circumstances. It is based on Jesus Christ. The world's happiness rises and falls with comfort and success, but biblical joy can exist even in suffering. Paul and the Philippians were united in sacrifice, service, and joy.

True Christian fellowship is much deeper than just a social connection. You may go to church, attend Sunday school, participate in church events, and spend time with other believers. You may go golfing together, play tennis, or enjoy other activities together. Those things are wonderful. But true Christian fellowship is deeper than simply enjoying social events together. True fellowship is sharing together in the work of Jesus Christ.

There is joy in serving with other believers. There is joy in praying together. There is joy in giving together. Yes, there is even joy in suffering together. There is joy in seeing lives changed through the work of God as we labor together with fellow believers. Some of the deepest joy believers experience comes during difficult seasons when they see God working in powerful ways. Acts 5 tells us that after the apostles were beaten, they returned to the church rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for Christ's name.

James 1 reminds us to count it all joy when we fall into various trials, tribulations, and troubles, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience. Suffering produces Christian maturity in our lives. Joy grows when we serve God's purposes and trust God's purposes, even in suffering. Paul wanted these believers not merely to survive hardship, but to rejoice in the middle of it. That kind of joy becomes a testimony to the world. People expect us to rejoice when things are going well. But when Christians rejoice in trials, the world sees something supernatural, something different, and they want what we have. Only Christ can produce that kind of joy in our lives.

Maybe today you're carrying burdens, disappointments, or heartaches. Remember this: your joy does not depend upon changing circumstances. It depends upon an unchanging Savior. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is still on the throne. God is still working. The gospel is still true. Heaven is still ahead. Because of that, we can rejoice.

We've been talking about the submissive mind here in Philippians 2. As Paul has described it, the submissive mind ultimately produces joy. The submissive mind is the same as a surrendered life. And a surrendered life produces joy in Christ. The Bible teaches us that Jesus humbled Himself. He obeyed the Father. He endured the cross. He now reigns in glory.

That reminds me of Hebrews 12:1–3: "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls." My friend, when we follow the same principle that Jesus practiced, we discover that surrender leads to joy.

Let's pray together. Father, thank You for the joy that is found only in Jesus Christ. Teach us to rejoice not only in blessings, but also in sacrifice and service. Help us to trust You in every circumstance and reflect the joy of Christ to the world around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

God bless and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!