1. Gaudete Sunday
The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. This is the Latin translation of the first word of Philippians 4:4, “rejoice.” Paul uses this word 17 times in Philippians.
“Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico, gaudete.”
2.
Context: Miserable Situation
Paul: Awaiting execution in a Roman prison
As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.(1:13-14)
Philippians: Persecution without; division within (4:2-3)
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
3.
And yet, should they rejoice?
What is he talking about?
Shouldn't there be something to rejoice about?
4.
Paul's answer is simple.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! (4:4)
Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! (3:1)
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord (4:10)
Suffering and conflict are part of human history. Paul commands us to always be joyful in any situation.
5. Pay attention to the phrase: In the Lord
Article 6: Salvation has been provided through Jesus Christ for all people (1 John
2:2). Those who repent and believe in Him are justified by grace through
faith (Rom. 3:21–24), born again of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4–7), delivered
from the dominion of darkness, transferred into the Kingdom of God’s Son
(Col. 1:13), granted the gift of eternal life, and adopted as the children of
God (Rom. 8:14–16; John 1:12).
6.
Know who you are: Heavenly Citizen
Our home is heaven. Make no mistake. There is no hope on this earth anyway.
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”(3:20-21)
Article 10: There shall be a bodily resurrection of the just and of the unjust; for the
former, a resurrection unto life; 30 for the latter, a resurrection unto
judgment.
Article 11: The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is imminent32 and will be
personal, visible, and premillennial.33 This is the believer’s blessed hope
and is a vital truth which is an incentive to holy living and faithful service.
7.
The meaning of Lent
There is no hope in this world.
Jesus is the only way to salvation, the truth, and the life. Our hope is the second coming of the Lord.
Today, the third Sunday of Lent, is a season to confess our excited hearts by lighting the pink candles, a symbol of joy and celebration.
8. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!(4:4)
On account of Jesus; In Jesus; Eagerly waiting for Jesus; Always
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”(3:20-21)