Philippians 1:9-11 And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more [displaying itself in greater depth] in real knowledge and in practical insight… 

While shackled in chains, Paul rejoiced. What could have brought such joy to his heart while enduring terrible pain and unjust circumstances? Paul understood that his spiritual rescue could never be taken from him. When everything else was dark, his salvation brought him joy. 

The book of Philippians calls us to a life of joy. In salvation, God gives us a joy that rests on something more secure than anything on earth. Our joy rests in Jesus: His perfect life, His sacrificial death, His miraculous resurrection. 

Even though we’ve made mistakes and even though we continue to struggle with sin, if we are in Christ, nothing can separate us from God’s love. We have an eternal source of joy available to us. Jesus faithfully reminded His followers that the basis of their joy was not their ministry success but the fact that God had rescued and redeemed them. Salvation is the greatest gift we can ever receive. Our rescue is the source of abundant joy. This is the gospel or the “good news.” 

In the Greco-Roman world, the emperor often used the term gospel after a successful battle. He would send his envoy ahead of him, declaring the “good news” of victory. It led to rejoicing and celebration for all under the emperor’s reign. When Paul shared the gospel of God with the people of Philippi, he spoke as an envoy of a heavenly victory. This same good news has traveled two thousand years to reach you and me today. 

The sin that entrapped us, that bound us fast, has been overcome. The judgment you and I rightly deserved has been pardoned! Christ’s death on the cross paid the penalty of our sin, and His resurrection assures our victory. Just as He was given a new body, so we will be given new bodies. As He now reigns at the Father’s side, so we will reign with Him. 

We have much to celebrate. No matter what happens in our lives, if we’re under the reign of Christ, victory is secured. We may face hardships, struggles, relational discord, physical illness, and other painful trials as we journey. But we will overcome in the end. All will be made right. One day we’ll be home with our King, fully at rest and secure for eternity. 

God of truth, I ask that I may receive so that my “joy may be complete.” Until then let my mind meditate on it, let my tongue speak of it, let my heart love it, let my mouth preach it. Let my soul hunger for it, let my flesh thirst for it, my whole being desire it, until I enter into the ‘joy of the Lord,’ who is God, Three in One, ‘blessed forever. Amen.’

Anselm, Proslogion