Sermon Cloud

The command to rejoice

1. I am commanded to "express" my joy in the Lord.

2. I am commanded to do this, it is not a suggestion.

3. My rejoicing in the Lord should be "always", even in sorrow, difficulties, trials.

4. The command is repeated, giving it urgency and importance.  It's as if God anticipates a response that doubts that it is possible or feels the command is unreasonable.

5. The object of my joy is "the Lord."  If I am commanded to rejoice always, then my joy will need to be found in something or someone who is independent of my circumstances or what I am experiencing at the moment.

My "moderation" is to be known

1. Moderation describes someone who is "even", not moving to extremes as the circumstances of life change.

2. If I will rejoice at all times and in every circumstance of life, I will have moderation.

3. My moderation is to be known.  A Christian must "live"  a life of rejoicing.  That life will be seen.  Men will see that we are not tossed about by our circumstances, but that we have a constant rejoicing because our joy is in the Lord.