rejoice in the Lord: This theme appears again in 4:4 (see also 1:18; 2:17–18, 28; 4:10).
the same things: The meaning here is unclear. It might refer to:
the recent encouragement to rejoice in the Lord;
the earlier advice to follow Christ’s example (2:1–18);
Paul’s encouragement in general; or
the upcoming warning about threats to their faith.