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"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."
 

Every admonition or example of Praise we've studied so far in Philippians requires the reader to do something that does not come natural to most people.
 

To pause from our personal prayers to pray for others isn't natural- Philip. 1:4 NLT "I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy" -most people are usually too wrapped up in their own problems to remember to pray for others. 

To reject bitterness and have a good attitude isn't natural Philip. 1:18 NLT "But whether or not their motives are pure, the fact remains that the message about Christ is being preached, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice." --most people harbor resentment when people wrong them.

To believe instead of doubt isn't natural Philip. 1:25 NLT "I am convinced of this, so I will continue with you so that you will grow and experience the joy of your faith." --it is easier to be negative than positive. 

To cooperate in our work isn't natural Philip. 2:2 NLT "Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one heart and purpose." --it is far easier to be a "lone ranger" than a team player. 

To choose to suffer for Christ's sake isn't natural Philip. 2:17 NLT "But even if my life is to be poured out like a drink offering to complete the sacrifice of your faithful service (that is, if I am to die for you), I will rejoice, and I want to share my joy with all of you." --most people are following the path of least resistance. 

To sacrifice for others isn't natural Philip. 2:28 NLT "So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and that will lighten all my cares." --we'd rather receive than give.

To lovingly show hospitality to guests isn't natural Philip. 2:29 NLT "Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and be sure to honor people like him."--most of us would rather someone serve us than to serve them. 
 

In our text today, Paul simply asks us to rejoice in the Lord. Isn't praise natural to the believer? Is Paul breaking his pattern here? I don't think so, especially when life resembles the Jerry Springer show than a Norman Rockwell painting.

This past July, a man in Damascus stabbed his son to death because the boy's loud music woke him up from his nap.

In October, a Florida teenager bashed his mother's head in with a hammer because he was tired of the soap operas she watched and she refused to change the channel.
 

How can we rejoice in the Lord in this depraved world?
 

In California, a mother hires a male stripper to entertain her 15-year old daughter and friends at a Halloween Party. The 39 year-old mother and the 29 year-old stripper are facing criminal charges.

A little closer to home, in Santa Fe, a 30 year-old woman had sex with a 16 year-old boy and is facing charges of "contributing to the delinquency of a minor"
 

How can we rejoice in the Lord in this depraved world?
 

Last month, a Rhode Island college student poured radioactive iodine over a vegetable dish to serve to a friend. When I drank I-125 as treatment for cancer, I noticed a slight taste of stale water. It would be undetectable by anyone eating a dish with I-125 on it.

In October, shoppers brawled at a New Jersey Wal Mart store while trying to grab prizes that hung from the ceiling at a promotional event. Seven of the two hundred participants required attention at the local hospital. Blood was splattered on the floor and people were kicked in the stomach during the fray.
 

How can we rejoice in the Lord in this depraved world?
 

How can we rejoice in the Lord when we are standing in this sewage?

All our cultural problems prove is the scripture is accurate when it teaches the depravity of man. Society may tout that man is good, and left to his own devices will improve his lot in life, but the bible clearly teaches that man is totally depraved--and so does experience.

Psalm 7:14 NLT The wicked conceive evil; they are pregnant with trouble and give birth to lies. 

Proverbs 20:9 NLT Who can say, "I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin"? 

Eccles. 7:20 NLT There is not a single person in all the earth who is always good and never sins. 

Did any of you have to teach your children to disobey or do wrong? Of course not, depravity is built into everyone.

Sometimes, it isn't the sad state of our society that breaks our heart, instead it is our own problems:

When personal crisis comes, it can be difficult to rejoice in the Lord. 

When we are having financial problems and don't know where the rent money will come from, it is difficult to rejoice in the Lord. 

When our children run away or make poor choices, it is difficult to rejoice in the Lord.

When we face serious health issues it is difficult to rejoice in the Lord.

Though the natural thing to do is to become discouraged, Paul tells us to Rejoice in the Lord and remember--he wrote those words from prison.

Ultimately we rejoice because we know that Christ is our great conqueror. 1 Cor. 15:52 KJV In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 

Our reason for praise is ultimate, but it is also immediate. Today, we rejoice because he is our shelter and deliverer. 

That's why the Psalmist David cried out, Psalm 35:9 NLT "Then I will rejoice in the Lord. I will be glad because he rescues me." and Psalm 64:10 NLT The godly will rejoice in the Lord and find shelter in him. And those who do what is right will praise him.

and why the barren Hannah could pray: 1 Samuel 2:1 NLT "My heart rejoices in the Lord! Oh, how the Lord has blessed me! Now I have an answer for my enemies, as I delight in your deliverance."

and Isaiah could pronounce: Isaiah 61:10 NLT I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels. 
 

--Song

By His grace, Paul declares that Christ has elevated us to the heavenly places. Ephesians 2:6 KJV And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Yes, our feet are in the world, with all its problems and depravity, but our spirit soars into the heavenly places when we Praise the Lord!
 

Action Step--> Keep our problems and culture in perspective. God is Sovereign and has not relinquished his control. He is intervening, both ultimately and today. So lift your head and Rejoice in the Lord.