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Finally, brethren, rejoice in the Lord. The key-note of the Epistle still recurs.

I. THE NATURE OF JOY IN THE LORD. It is to make him the object of our joy:

1. For what he is in himself, the God of love and light and blessing.

2. For what he is to us:

(1) our Preserver (Psalm 46:1, 2);

(2) our Redeemer (Hebrews 2:18; Psalm 27:1);

(3) our God (Hebrews 8:10).

The world rejoices in creation and sees no joy in God, but the believer finds the joy of the Lord to be his strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

II. THE DUTY OF REJOICING IN THE LORD.

1. It is a commanded duty.

2. Christ prays for it. (John 17:13.)

3. The Holy Spirit works it in us. (John 16:7; Galatians 5:22.)

4. It is necessary to the fullness of our Christian experience.

(1) As lessening our love of the world and of sinful pleasures (Psalm 4:7; Psalm 84:10).

(2) As making us more active in the Lord's service (Deuteronomy 28:47; Nehemiah 8:10).

(3) As supporting us under the weight of troubles (1 Peter 1:7, 8).

III. HOW WE OUGHT TO REJOICE IN THE LORD.

1. We ought to live above the world. (2 Corinthians 4:18.)

2. We ought to avoid everything inconsistent with this joy.

(1) Gross sins (2 Corinthians 1:12).

(2) Unbelieving thoughts.

3. We ought to cherish a constant trust in the Lord. (Hebrews 13:6; Isaiah 55:7; Isaiah 49:13, 14. See hints on Philippians 4:1.) - T.C.

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KJV: 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.

WEB: Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.