3 Habits My Mom Taught to Me

Good morning, and happy mother’s day! As we begin I want to take a moment to wish everyone who is a mother, or has served in that capacity in someone’s life a happy mother’s day. Thank you for serving faithfully your family and those God’s has placed in your care.

Prayer

I’ve titled my sermon today “3 habits my mom taught to me.” Haha, right now my mom is probably going “oh dear, what have I done?” Don’t worry, it’s nothing that bad! :) I am not a mom, nor will I ever be one. Haha, but I do have a great mom and mother-in-law, and a wonderful wife, so from what I have seen God work in their lives, I would like to focus on three habits of not just godly moms, but godly people who are trying to follow Christ. These three habits I want to walk through together today are part of our journey with Christ, and I want you to know that this is in no way something I’ve yet mastered. I think any mom would tell you to that she is still working on these things. But I want to touch on them today because I believe they are so encouraging to moms, and to the entire church.

We’re going to be looking today at Philippians 4:4-9. As a kid, when I would get worried about something or fearful, one of the things my mother would pray for me were the paraphrased words of Philippians 4:7. She would ask God to grant me “peace that passes understanding.” Powerful words, and ones that filled me with hope. So when my very wise mother in law suggested I preach on a passage that my mom had instilled into me as a kid, this one came to mind. Its words are timeless, and foundational to our walk as believers. So, let’s start together by reading the passage, I’ll be reading from the ESV. You are welcome to follow along in your Bibles, or on the screens behind me.

Philippians 4:4–9 ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

“Rejoice in the Lord always.” This five word sentence has resounded through 2000 years of Christian history powerfully. Even when Paul first wrote them, they were not idle words. Paul wrote Philippians to a church that resided in the middle of persecution and pressure from the pagan culture around them. Moreover, Jewish false prophets were a looming problem for the church, another factor that influenced Paul’s writing. Yet as Paul writes to the Philippians he calls them to a perspective of rejoicing and peace and living a transformed life that stands in stark contrast to their suffering. And he calls them to think on things that glorify God, and are part of living a transformed life in Christ. The big idea that I want us to grasp today is this:

Christians are empowered to lead transformed lives filled with joy and peace through Jesus Christ.

Personally, this seems like a bit of a tall order. How does that get accomplished? I see Paul giving us three habits with which to focus our attention on Christ as we walk with Him. These are three habits that I have seen my mom model and work on, and my mother in law, and my wife. (So I know it must be possible!) And so many of the moms in our church. I know if we practice what Paul is saying here, the God of peace will be with us, and we will know joy that comes from the Father.

The first habit that we find for living transformed lives filled with joy and peace through Christ is

We Rejoice

Paul starts our section by saying

Philippians 4:4 ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

This is a distinctly Christian phrase that Paul employs, and he says it with gusto. This is not the first time Paul has called them to rejoice. But now he says it twice. Paul knew what it was like to rejoice in suffering and pain. He knew what it was like to find joy from God, despite being beaten, mistreated. I’m sure Paul had worry and cares, but he rejoiced in the Lord. The question is, how can Paul rejoice in the Lord?

The Greek word chario (k-I-ro) translated rejoice here means to rejoice, or be glad. It functions as a verb in this passage. This is something that is active - something that the believer must actively choose to do. One commentary noted that joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is fleeting. A gone with the wind thing. If we don’t have what we need in order to be happy (like the newest car, or more money, or a trouble-free life) we are not happy. Happiness is a cruel taskmaster that requires more and more in order to be satisfied, yet it never really is actually satisfied. On the other hand, joy is derived from an entirely different source: The presence of God. Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit living inside a believer, we experience a supernatural joy that is not dependant on our circumstances. This joy is the fruit of the Spirit, and even a primary evidence of the Spirit’s presence! (Fee, 81). This is the joy Paul is talking about, and this is how he can rejoice even in suffering and trial.

But Paul is not finished. His second imperative in the first half of verse 5 flows from the first.

Philippians 4:5a (ESV)

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

Gordon Fee notes the following about this second command: “As they continually rejoice in the Lord even in the face of opposition and suffering, what others are to see is ‘gentleness.’” (Fee, 406). The outward working of the Spirit’s transformative inner work is evidenced in our gentleness. Another commentator noted that this word in Greek means gentleness, graciousness, or a balanced temperament. Christ was the epitome of this. As Christ followers, when we make a habit of finding our joy in God’s presence dwelling within us, we are empowered to live lives that are gentle, gracious, and considerate. This is part of how we emulate Christ to a world that is in chaos, and is harsh and cruel. No matter what we go through, we can rejoice in the Lord!

I think this habit is one that plays a special role in the life of moms. Moms are often the heart of the family. Maybe not solely, but as the old saying goes “If mom ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!” Something that my mom modeled for me was rejoicing in the Lord no matter the circumstance. This doesn’t mean that she that when something went wrong you found her smiling 100% of the time. Rather she still pointed to God for her hope. When she had hard days, she would look to God and be encouraged. Moreover, she still exercised gentleness and care toward us, even when she didn’t feel like it. I know not everyone has the same experience I have had with my mom, but we have all experience - I hope - God giving us joy in the hard times.

This is the first habit that Paul gives us: rejoicing. Not mere happiness found in whatever seems good in the moment, but rather unshakable joy from the presence of God within us. And people will see that, as we begin living lives that testify with gentleness, graciousness, and rejoicing to what God has done in Christ.

The second habit we see for living transformed lives filled with joy and peace in Christ is that

We Pray

Beginning in the second half of verse 5, we read: “The Lord is at hand” or in a more literal translation of the Greek “The Lord is near.” Let’s stop there for a moment. Why would Paul interject this after talking about rejoicing, and just before addressing worry and prayer? This phrase is not really easy to stick with wither the rest of verse 5, or with verse 6. In fact, it is meant to be a little ambiguous, because it adds dimension to both rejoicing and prayer.

On the one hand, this could be a statement about the enteral reality all Christians look forward to: eternity with Christ. In this sense, to a suffering congregation this reminder is one that gives them hope. So they can rejoice knowing their suffering is temporary. However, this could also a warning: God’s presence is near now, and Christ’s return is not long in coming! While this is at once comforting, it also is a reminder to live everyday as if it were the day Jesus was coming back. So then they, and we, would strive to honour Christ in everything, knowing that he is both watching, and could return soon! I think this is applicable is both cases, and adds well to our second habit: that of prayer.

In verse 6 Paul says “Do not be anxious about anything.” I don’t know what you are thinking right now, but my first thought is “yeah right, good luck with that.” We can find worry about so many different things! Our world is a place built upon worry. “Will we have enough, will things be ok, what will I do if...” How do we live lives that are not riddled with anxiety?

Paul gives us the answer: Through prayer. Paul prescribes prayer as the appropriate response to any and all of life situations. Let’s read verse 6 together quickly again:

Philippians 4:6 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

He gives three descriptors for prayer in verse 6. Prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. The first, prayer or in Greek προσευχή (Pro-sook-HEY) denotes general prayer and talking with God. The second, petition, or δέησις (d-ay-sis) denotes a greater sense of need. It can mean a requesting, or even begging. So prayer is twofold in this sense. It is both simply praying to God, but also bringing specific requests to Him because we know that He listens and cares, and takes an active role in our lives. In all of this, we are to pray with thanksgiving. We recount God’s mercy and goodness and grace even as we bring to Him our needs. This practice, as one commentator noted, helps us avoid the pitfalls of an ungrateful heart. It helps us to avoid focusing heavily on our problems and forgetting other’s needs and the goodness of God. Instead, whilst we tell God those things which burden our hearts, we also thank Him for His presence, His care, and His provision in our lives.

Ok, time for another mom-moment. Something else I learned not just from my mom, but also from my wife, and my Oma, and my mother in law, and her mother is how they handle life with Jesus. We all walk through stuff. Tough stuff, hard stuff, sad stuff, painful stuff. I am grateful to have had many women who have modeled for me the power of walking with Christ! Not only them though, how many times have we seen older women in the church in particular, who have becomes like grandmothers to half the congregation, and are known as prayer warriors. They show just how important and transformational the power of prayer and the presence of Christ are!

Spending time with Jesus, day by day, even moment by moment, is the antidote to anxiety. Prayer is presented as the antidote to anxiety. One commentator I read even said that pray and anxiety are like fire and water. They do not mix. When we pray, anxiety must pass away. So we read in verse 7:

Philippians 4:7 ESV

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This peace, that my mother prayed for for me, and that Paul desires all Christians to have, is found in the presence of Christ, when we pray. For Paul, this peace is a fruit of the Spirit, and it acts as a guard over our hearts and minds.

In Jewish thought, the heart was the centre of life. Jesus notes in Mark 7:21 from the heart springs up how a person thinks and behaves. God’s peace - Paul says - acts a guard against anxiety, fear, and anxious thoughts that may arise. When we dwell on Christ, and spend time in His presence, the fears and cares we carry from this world fade away! No wonder Paul reminds this church that the Lord is near! He is present with those who call on His Name. This second habit walks hand in hand with the first. We have joy because of God’s presence in us, and we have peace that guard our hearts and thoughts from anxiety and fear through spending time with Christ in prayer. Not only do we talk with God, but we bring to Him our requests and the burdens of our hearts. We thank Him for His faithfulness, and find peace here, in Christ’s presence. This second habit, prayer, drastically shapes our lives as believers. This peace resulting from spending time with God is a fruit of His Spirit, and evidence of His work in our lives.

These are the first two of the three habits we find here. The final habit we see is that

We Practice

Practice? Practice what? We practice living a transformed life in Christ. This might seem disconnected from the first two habits, but stick with me. Paul has good reason for placing verse 8 where he does.

Let’s read verse 8 again together:

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Why does Paul place this next command right after commands to rejoice, and pray? It’s actually quite logical. Paul demonstrates the connection between fixing our hearts and minds on Christ, and living a transformed life as a result. The letter of Philippians is a letter of friendship, but also carries good teaching for Paul’s beloved children in the faith. This last command concludes Paul’s portion of the letter encompassing his concerns for the believers. If we were to read into verse 10-12, we would see there how Paul transitions to a wholly friendship-toned message. But this last command follows up the beginning half of the chapter well, and leaves us with a summing up of how the Christian should walk. We know that we are to walk in rejoicing overflowing into gentleness and consideration for others. We further have seen that we are to bring our requests before God, and the resulting prayer is an antidote for anxiety. Now Paul says that our transformed hearts and minds, that rely on Christ for our joy and peace, choose to dwell on things that are pure, and just, and praiseworthy. So our focus on Christ for our joy and peace requires that we lead a life that is transformed by Christ, and lead a life that points to the things that glorify Him. Paul says Colossians 3:2

Colossians 3:2 ESV

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

This is his call here again.

My mom used to sing us this song, maybe some of you know it as well. It said “be careful little eyes what you see. Be careful little eyes what you see. For the Father up above is looking down in love. So be careful little eyes what you see.” It captures in a fun manner the necessity of Christians to focus their attention on God, especially in a world that seeks at every turn to derail Christians in their walk with God. Our minds should continually dwell on Christ. This is part of what it means to have a renewed heart and mind. Even as God’s peace guards our hearts from anxiety and fear, we must also engage in staying close to God, both in thought and deed. When we choose to focus our attention on things that do not glorify God, maybe straying close to or into sin, giving into desires, or even just the troubles that come our way, how cane we expect God’s joy and peace to radiate in that situation? Instead we must focus on things that please God. Our joy and peace comes from Christ, and we choose a lifestyle and heart posture that are focused on Christ, on that which is pure and lovely and right, and rejoicing in God’s presence.

Paul says in verse 9

Philippians 4:9 ESV

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

The promise here is indicates to us how important living a transformed life is. This last verse serves as a benediction. Paul modeled for the Philippians these habits, and he calls them to follow him in that. Practice these things, he says, and God’s peace will be with you. What we have received and learned from God in this passage we need to apply to our lives. The key to living lives that are filled with God’s joy and peace through Christ is by practicing what Paul says here. We must fix our hearts and minds on things that glorify God. One commentator noted: “A life which is modelled on these patterns of apostolic example and teaching will be blessed with the gift of God’s peace (v. 7) which comes from the God of peace himself.” (Martin, 179-180)

This is our third habit: even as we rejoice in God’s presence, and find peace through Christ, we set our minds on God, and that which is glorifying to Him. These three habits, together, helps us to become people who are marked as joyful, and peace-filled. We must therefore have hearts and minds that are focused on God, and what would glorify Him. Our heart cry becomes “God, help my thoughts and actions glorify you!” When we walk in step with Christ, we are filled with joy, and peacefully content, and we live lives that are transformed by the gospel. Paul extends the call to the Philippians, and by extension us, in Philippians 4:4-9.

Conclusion

Alright so we have looked at Philippians, and have hopefully gained three habits that help to be believers that are empowered to lead transformed lives filled with joy and peace through Jesus Christ.

But what does all this have to do with moms?

I mentioned before that I had titled my sermon “3 Habits my Mom Taught Me.” I suppose it’s not just my mom, but I think these habits are hallmarks of the godly mom. I have heard and received (to borrow Paul’s terms) this teaching both from God’s word, and the faithful witness of my mom and others like her. Many of us have the same story, and for that we have much to rejoice. Not everyone has been fortunate enough to have a mom or grandmother or mother-figure like that in their life. Fortunately though, I pray that if you are listening to this sermon today you have met the Saviour, who is the foundation of our faith and these habits.

I would say this, to the mom who has just started on the parenting journey, and is up to her eyeballs in spit up and wonders if she will ever sleep more than two hours consecutively again. To the mom who has a bunch of young kids and probably wonders if she’s even doing it right. To the mom who has teenagers that disagree more often than not with her, and navigating the “becoming an adult” phase has you wondering if you will ever have a good relationship with your kids again. To the young mom, who is struggling with the weight of motherhood. To the mom who is doing this alone, or is carrying the weight of her family by herself. To the mom whose never held her baby in her arms, but is a mother nonetheless. To the grandmother, who has just spent the last year helping her post secondary son and daughter-in-law try and care for their kid while in class, or the grandmother who is far away and longs to be with her children. To the grandmother or great grandmother who desperately prays every night for her kids and grandkids, that they might know and walk strong in Jesus. And to those women in our lives who have functioned in these capacities, either alongside or in lue of another. I would say this:

Thank you, and may I encourage you: Place your hope and faith in Jesus. In His arms, there is joy overflowing no matter the situation. In His Presence, there is peace that quenches every fire in your life. By living in His way, focusing on that which is pure and upright, and holy, staying close to Him, you are comforted and strengthened no matter where you are and what you are doing. Walk with Jesus, every moment of the day. Your families, your loved ones, and those who are in your care, look to you for this example. And as we look to you, we also honour you with the words of Proverbs 31:28-29:

Proverbs 31:28–29 ESV

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

Let’s pray.