Rejoicing in Peace

If you have your Bible, and I hope that you do, please turn with me to Philippians 4. We’re looking at verses 1-9 today as we learning about how to rejoice in the peace of Christ while in a terribly dark and uncertain world.

As everyone in here knows, this has been a horrific week for our nation and world. The assassination of Charlie Kirk has left most people deeply shaken as they consider the state of our nation. Make no mistake, Charlie was a Christian martyr who left a massive impact in our nation’s politics. For so many that watched his videos and listened to his podcasts he was a hero that waged war using sharp logic, intellect, and shared the Gospel consistently on the stage God had provided for him.

On X, hundreds of people have moved in the last days from staunch atheism to committing to finding a church today to receive Christ. It’s like the second century apologist, Tertullian, said “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.”

Do you know why Christians are willing to lay down their lives for the faith that we have in Christ? It’s because Christians are citizens of the heavenly kingdom! We continue our long march to Zion and what Paul is doing here is he is showing what heavenly citizenship looks like in everyday life.

Last week we looked at the truth of our heavenly citizenship and today we are looking at how that practically works out in our life. The question for us is this: Where can God’s people find stability and peace in a world that feels like it’s unraveling?

The Apostle Paul answers that question in Philippians 4. He writes from prison, chained and awaiting trial, and yet he speaks of stability, unity, joy, gentleness, prayer, and peace. His words are not theory—they are tested in the fires of persecution.

So let’s turn to Philippians 4 and hear the Word of the Lord together.

Philippians 4:1–9 ESV

1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 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. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Pray

Paul begins: “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.” The command is clear: stand firm. 

I. Stand Firm in the Lord

This is a military term. It means to hold your ground, to refuse to retreat, to plant your feet and not be moved. Roman soldiers were trained to lock shields and form a phalanx. If one soldier broke ranks, the whole line could collapse. In the same way, if a Christian wavers, it affects other brothers and sisters.

But notice—Paul doesn’t say “stand firm in your politics,” or “stand firm in your own strength.” He says: “Stand firm in the Lord.” You see, the only way you can endure is if you are rooted in Christ’s finished work. I pray that you are.

Philippians 3:12 ESV

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

Did you hear that? The only reason Paul could press on is because Jesus had already taken hold of him. We stand firm, not by our own strength, but because Christ stood firm in obedience, even unto death, for us.

While Christ was in Gethsemane, His soul was sorrowful even to death. He prayed three times, “Father, if possible, let this cup pass from Me.” And yet He stood firm—“Nevertheless, not My will but Yours be done.” Think of Him before Pilate. He could have called twelve legions of angels, but He endured, silent as a lamb to the slaughter. Think of Him on the cross. The crowd mocked Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, come down!” But He stood firm in loving faithfulness and refused to come down so that we could be saved. On the cross, He bore the wrath our sins deserved so that we could stand forgiven and secure before God. Because He stood faithfully and obedient in God’s plan, our standing in Him remains secure forever.

Have you ever seen a lighthouse on the shore? Waves pound, winds howl, storms rage—but the lighthouse does not move. Why? Because it is built on a rock. That’s what it means to “stand firm in the Lord.” Your circumstances may shake you with its waves. The stormy culture may rage. The headlines may terrify with thunder. The news may be dark. But if you are rooted in Christ, the Rock of Ages, then you will not be shaken!

Church—don’t give an inch. Don’t let the assassination of a brother in Christ make you think God has lost control. Don’t let the violence in our streets or schools make you believe evil will defeat the Gospel. Don’t let the uncertainties of tomorrow paralyze you with fear today. Stand firm in the Lord. Your salvation is secure because of Christ!

II. Live in Unity as Citizens of Heaven

Paul moves from standing firm to living in unity. He says: “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel… whose names are in the book of life.”

It’s fascinating, isn’t it, that Paul calls out two women by name in a public letter that would be read aloud in the church. Imagine hearing your name read like that on a Sunday morning! Paul isn’t shaming them—he’s shepherding them.

These two women were not troublemakers or fringe members. Verse 3 says they “labored side by side” with Paul in the gospel. They were faithful servants of Jesus. But, they had fallen into opposition with each other. The details aren’t given—probably because the details weren’t the point. The point was that their disunity threatened the witness of the church.

You should know this: Christ reconciled us to God by bearing our sin. Only then does He reconcile us to one another. Our unity is not us trying harder to get along—Christian unity is the result of His sacrifice breaking down the wall between sinner and God.

Four quick things to note:

Unity is not optional. Paul commands them to, “agree in the Lord.” That doesn’t mean uniformity on every issue, but harmony in Christ. Our unity is not built on personality, politics, or preference—it’s built on Jesus Christ crucified , dead, buried, and risen.

Unity requires the whole church. Paul calls on a “true companion” perhaps Epaphroditus or a local elder to help them reconcile. Reconciliation isn’t meddling; it’s shepherding. Sometimes unity requires outside help.

Unity has eternal weight. Paul reminds them that their “names are in the book of life.” In other words: sisters, don’t forget—you’re going to spend eternity together around the throne of Christ. If you’re going to sing together in glory, you need to walk together in grace right now.

Unity does not grieve the Spirit. Charles Spurgeon once said: “The Holy Spirit is like a dove. Doves love quiet places; they do not come where there is noise and strife. Love should reign; peace should predominate.” When Christians fight, it quenches the Spirit’s work among us. Let’s not grieve the Spirit of God, but reconcile ourselves with our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus.

Think of it this way: in an orchestra, if the violins and the cellos are fighting for the melody, the music collapses into chaos. But when each section plays its part under the conductor’s hand, the result is harmony and beauty. The church is God’s orchestra. He’s the Conductor. Unity comes when we follow His lead together.

Church, don’t underestimate the damage that may be cause by unresolved conflict. A sharp word, a grudge, a cold shoulder, an ignored need— it can fracture a body. And don’t underestimate the power of reconciliation. When you forgive or sincerely apologize, when you seek peace, when you step into conflict to restore, you display the beauty of the Gospel. Christ reconciled us to God and to one another at the cross.

Ephesians 2:14–16 ESV

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

As citizens of heaven, we live that reconciliation out on earth when we pursue each other and walk as citizens of heaven.

III. Rejoice and Be Gentle

Paul doesn’t just stop at standing firm and seeking unity. He says in verse 4: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.”

That word “always” is hard, isn’t it? Paul doesn’t say “rejoice when things go well,” or “rejoice when the economy’s strong,” or “rejoice when your candidate wins.” He says: always. And remember—Paul isn’t writing from a coffee shop with his favorite latte. He’s in prison, chained, uncertain if he will live or die. And yet, he rejoices. Why? Because his joy is not anchored in circumstances, it is anchored in Christ.

This is the difference between what the world knows as joy and true Christian joy. Christian joy is not a spontaneous emotion. It is a response of faith. It comes when you read the unfolding drama of God’s salvation, even in suffering, and you say, “God is still good. Christ is still Lord.” Think of Paul and Silas in Acts 16. They were beaten, thrown into prison, their feet fastened in the stocks—and what were they doing at midnight? Singing hymns! Why? Because Christ was still theirs, even in chains.

Paul then says in verse 5: “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” This reasonableness is understood in the Greek to be a gracious spirit that reflects the humble mind of Christ in Philippians 2. It doesn’t mean weakness. It means strength under control like a horse with a bridle. It’s power being maintained. For you and I, it means responding with grace, even to our enemies. And notice—this reasonableness is to be “known to everyone.” Not just to those who treat us well. Not just to those who share our beliefs. It’s seen by those who oppose us. In a world that shouts, insults, mocks, and rages, citizens of God’s Kingdom are marked by joy and reason.

In 1555, Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were burned at the stake for preaching the gospel in England. As the flames were lit, Latimer cried out, “Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace in England as I trust shall never be put out.” That is joy and reasonableness in the face of horror. They could rejoice in the flames because Christ already bore the greater punishment for them. We can, by God’s grace “play the man” when we trust firmly in the Lord.

Christian does the world see you as joyful and reasonable? Do your children see you as joyful in Christ, not just stressed and hurried? Do your neighbors see reason in the way you disagree? Do your coworkers see joy even when you’re under pressure? Joy and reason are not private—they are public witness. Why? Because Paul says: “The Lord is at hand.” Christ is near to us by His Spirit, and His return is near. That means we don’t have to cling to our rights, fight for our reputation, or win every argument. The Judge is coming soon. We can rejoice, and we can be gentle, because He will set all things right.

IV. Pray Instead of Worry

Paul continues: “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.”

Notice the contrast: anxiety vs. prayer. Anxiety is trying to carry tomorrow’s load with today’s strength. Jesus said

Matthew 6:34 ESV

34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Prayer is giving that load to God. Paul says, “do not be anxious about anything.” Not finances. Not health. Not politics. Not the violence we’ve seen this week. Not the safety of your children. Nothing is outside the scope of this command. Instead, “in everything… let your requests be made known to God.”

Anxiety is natural—but prayer is supernatural. Anxiety reveals misplaced citizenship—it shows that we’re acting like this world is our home. Prayer puts our hearts in a place where we recognize that God is sovereign and able to give us what we need. Charles Spurgeon once compared anxiety to breathing on a telescope. You fog up the lens with the hot breath of anxiety and then complain you can’t see the stars of faith. But prayer wipes the lens clean so you can see God’s promises clearly again.

Notice that Paul doesn’t just say “pray.” He says “pray with thanksgiving.” Thanksgiving is what transforms requests into worship. It’s what says, “Lord, I don’t just bring my burdens; I thank You for who You are and what You’ve already done.” Then comes the promise: “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

That word guard is another military term. It means a garrison, a fortress. Picture soldiers surrounding a city to keep it safe. That’s what God’s peace does. It guards your heart—your emotions. It guards your mind—your thoughts. Not because life’s circumstances change, but because God is with you.

During the Diocletian persecutions, many Christians faced death in the arena. One martyr was so calm that the judge asked him, “Aren’t you afraid?” The believer replied, “Put your hand on my heart. Does it beat fast?” The judge admitted it did not. “Now put your hand on your own heart,” the martyr said, “and see who trembles.” That is the peace of God.

Church, what are you anxious about right now? Is it the safety of your kids? The direction of our nation? Your health? Your finances? God invites you to stop being filled with anxiety and find the joy and freedom that comes from giving God all the weights and burdens you have. Anxiety drains you; prayer strengthens you. Anxiety locks you in; prayer brings God’s peace to guard you.

No peace is found outside of Christ. Paul reminds us:

Ephesians 2:14 ESV

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility

The cross is where Jesus bore the ultimate cause of our anxiety—our sin and judgment—so that we might rest in God’s fatherly care forever. On the cross, Christ took the crushing weight of sin’s debt, so that you never again have to fear God’s wrath. If He has already carried that burden, why would He not also carry the burdens of tomorrow? He purchased peace with His blood, and that peace guards us now.

V. Think and Live as Heavenly Citizens

Paul wraps this section up by talking about our thought life and our practice of faith. Verse 8 says, “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.”

We live in an anxious, noisy, chaotic world. Social media, cable news, constant alerts on our phones—our minds are systematically bombarded. And here Paul says: guard what fills your mind.

Notice this list—true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy. This isn’t just “think positive.” It’s not a motivational poster. Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6), the Righteous One (1 John 2:1), the Pure and Spotless Lamb (1 Pet. 1:19), the altogether Lovely (Song 5:16), the Commendable Servant (Isa. 53:11), the Excellent One in whom the Father delights (Matt. 17:5), the only One worthy of praise (Rev. 5:12). Paul isn’t calling us to generic positive thinking—he is calling us to fix our minds on Christ Himself.

Proverbs 4:23 ESV

23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

Jesus teaches a similar truth when He says,

Mark 7:20–23 ESV

20 And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. 21 For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”

Jesus also said in Matthew 12:34-35

Matthew 12:34–35 ESV

34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.

Think of your heart and mind like a spring of water. If the source gets polluted, the whole river is poisoned. What flows into your mind will eventually flow out in your words, your actions, your habits. Garbage in, garbage out. But when you dwell on Christ and His truth, the fruit that flows is peace, joy, and holiness.

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

That’s four verbs—four ways discipleship works itself out:

Learned (manthanō): This is where we get our word disciple (mathētēs). Discipleship isn’t just filling notebooks—it’s training your whole life. The Philippians had learned from Paul’s teaching ministry, much like rabbinical students carefully studying their master’s instruction and then putting it into practice. Paul is saying: “Take what you’ve learned from me about Jesus, and live it.”

Received (paralambanō): This word means taking hold of what’s been handed down. Paul uses it in

1 Corinthians 15:1–2 ESV

1 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

 What they received was not man’s opinion—it was the gospel itself, delivered and entrusted to them.

Heard: This goes beyond classroom teaching. It’s everything they heard from Paul’s mouth—his encouragement, his correction, his prayers. Ephesians 4:29 tells us to let our speech be for building up, and Paul modeled that. They heard the gospel not only as doctrine but as counsel for daily living.

Seen: Finally, Paul says, “You saw it in me.” They didn’t just hear him preach—they watched him suffer with joy, pray instead of panic, love instead of lash out. They saw him walk the talk. And now he says,

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV

1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Do you see the chain? Learned. Received. Heard. Seen. Head, heart, mouth, life. And Paul says: Practice these things. Don’t just admire them—live them. And here’s the promise: “The God of peace will be with you.” Earlier in verse 7 Paul said the peace of God will guard your hearts. Now he goes even further: it’s not just His peace, it’s His presence. The God of peace Himself will be with you.

Church, what are you thinking about? What are you practicing? If your mind is filled with cynicism, fear, or filth, don’t be surprised if peace feels distant from you. But if your thoughts are anchored in Christ, and your daily practice reflects what you’ve learned, received, heard, and seen in faithful discipleship—then you will not only know the peace of God, you will know the God of peace Himself walking with you.

Church, Paul gives us a picture of what heavenly citizenship looks like: stability, unity, joy, gentleness, prayer, and godly thinking. And isn’t that exactly what our world needs right now?

This week, we’ve seen sorrow upon sorrow. We’ve watched the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, the shooting in Colorado, and the murder of Pastor Bill Schonemann. These things threaten to shake us. They remind us how fragile life is, how uncertain tomorrow is, and how broken our world is. And yet, in Philippians 4, God offers His people something the world cannot manufacture—peace that passes understanding. Not peace rooted in circumstances, but peace rooted in Christ crucified and risen, peace that comes because we belong to another kingdom.

Let me remind you of this: no tragedy can erase the reality that Christ has made us His own. He stood firm in obedience to the cross, He reconciled us to God, He secured our joy, He bore our anxieties, and He fills our hearts and minds with His peace. He rose again to guarantee that our peace is not temporary but eternal. He is coming again to bring us into the fullness of His kingdom, where all tears will be wiped away. That is why we can rejoice and stand firm in the truth and the power of the Gospel.

But if you do not have that hope that’s in Christ. If you don’t know Jesus and this week your world has been shattered I want to tell you that God sees you, God knows you, and you can be saved if you turn from sin and wickedness and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart. You don’t have to clean up your life. You don’t have to get things straight first. The only you have to worry about is what you will do with Jesus and so if you need to talk to someone and get that right you can see me during the response song or after service and we can talk about how you can have the peace of Christ.

Head: God wants you to know that true and lasting peace is found only when you turn from sin and trust in Christ alone.

He was crucified, buried, and rose again, who has made us citizens of heaven and secured us in His unshakable kingdom.

Heart: God wants you to believe that because Christ stood firm in obedience that your standing before God is secure.

Look to Christ and see that you are loved, forgiven, and guarded by His peace, no matter how dark the world becomes.

Hand: God wants you to live out your heavenly citizenship.

So stand firm in Christ, pursue unity, rejoice and be gentle, turn worries into prayers, and set your mind on Christ. Let the God of peace be seen in your life as you walk by faith in Him.