June 7, 2026
Rejoicing in the Preaching of the Gospel
Webster defines the word “rejoice” as “to give joy to… gladden… to feel joy or great delight.” If you do a Google search on the word “rejoice,” you will find that it is almost exclusively a Christian term. As Christians, we understand this, for there are many things we should rejoice over. We should rejoice that Christ died for our sins, freeing us from its slavery and bringing us close to the Father. In this newly established relationship, nothing can separate us from the Love of God.
We can rejoice that we have the Spirit of God, that we are part of the church of Christ, and that we have eternal life and assurance of salvation. The list of the many wonderful things God has bestowed on us can go on and on. It is like the old familiar hymn “Count Your Many Blessings,” for every blessing we count, there is a cause for rejoicing.
However, sometimes we can miss blessings and even overlook those things that should cause us to rejoice. In Philippians chapter 1 verse 18, the Apostle Paul mentions one of those often-forgotten blessings to rejoice over, namely the proclaiming of the Gospel. He tells the brethren, “Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice” (Phil. 1:18 ESV).
Paul mentions in this text that he will rejoice because of this twice. The reason he emphasizes this spirit of rejoicing is found in the context. The setting of Paul’s statement is quite unique. He is discussing those who oppose him, who work against him, and because of their very efforts, he is in jail at the moment of this writing.
He is referring to the Judaizer teachers who worked against him in his ministry. Although they worked against him, attempting to discredit him and speak ill of his message, they actually proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, their motive was evil and not good, as Paul says, “selfish ambition” (vs 17). They failed to recognize that, as they tried to give bad publicity to Paul’s ministry, they were still giving some exposure to the gospel. As the early 20th-century proverb goes, “any publicity is good publicity.”
In order for these Judaizers to “debunk” the gospel, they would have to present it. This is why Paul rejoices. He could not care less what they say about him, but he is excited or feels joy that, as they talk about him, they also have to talk about the gospel. Therefore, it is proclaimed in an indirect manner.
This makes me think of two things. First, God will get his word out, either by the mouth of his servant or by the mouth of his enemies. His words will go forth and be proclaimed, never to be silenced. No one will be able to stop, alter, or suppress them. Even those who wish to smear them will be doing the work of evangelism, which is proclaiming the decree of the King.
The second thought that comes to my mind is more of a challenge. Despite the instrument proclaiming the gospel, do I rejoice in its proclamation? Do we rejoice that the message, which is the power of God unto salvation, is being taught? Do we rejoice that the message that brings one to life and reunites one with the Father is being proclaimed? Let us be like Paul. If Christ is proclaimed, let us rejoice and continue to rejoice.
- Christian Joyner
Past Articles
Encouraging Boldness 5/31/2026
The Gospel In Unfavorable Circumstances 5/24/2026
Goodness From Knowledge 5/17/2026
God's Finished Work 5/10/2026
Our Identity 4/26/2026