Embracing The Peace Of God

Philippians 4:4-9

Introduction:

Today’s title for the message is Embracing The Peace Of God. We are going to be in Philippians 4:4-9 as we continue our series, Joy In The Journey.

Intro: Have you ever heard the saying: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is? Share about the apple festival and walking by the table with the spinning wheel and the chance to free tickets to any sporting event- sounded too good to be true and was. This passage of Scripture at first glance can seem that way too, especially in a world full of stress, anxiety, worry, all of it. Yet the key to what we will read today is Embracing the Peace of God involves complete surrender.

Why this passage matters: There will be times in our walk with Christ when life’s challenges catch us off guard and shift our focus away from Jesus. Paul encourages the Philippians, and us as well, to bring everything before the Lord. Instead of dwelling on our circumstances, we are called to dwell on Him, trusting that He is in control through it all.

Prayer:

Read The Text:

Philippians 4:4

Walk Through The Text:

POINT ONE: Celebrate The Lord

Read Verse 4

In verses 2-3 Paul was talking about 2 ladies in the church who had a disagreement and he pleaded with them to agree in the Lord. He concludes verse 2 talking about the ladies and others who labored side by side with him in the Gospel together, and says whose names are in the book of life. That is a reason to rejoice in the Lord always!

Rejoicing in the Lord is not based on circumstances but out of the overflow of your love for Him.

A heart of gratitude and joy can easily rejoice in the Lord. It's about who Jesus is and what He has done for you.

Illustration: Get excited about Clemson scoring touchdowns and winning on Saturdays or the Atlanta Braves winning games, especially come from behind wins. I can’t hide my excitement; you can see VISIBLY see that I am rejoicing. How much more should we outwardly rejoice in the Lord on Sunday mornings when we come together?

The fact that Paul says: again I will say rejoice emphasizes how important this is for the Philippians and for us to do.

Read Verse 5

Reasonableness or gentleness as other translations say.

Paul wants the Philippians' demeanor to be reasonable and gentle. And to let it be known/evident to everyone. The world around us should know there is something different about us. How we act, how we speak, how we serve.

The return of Jesus Christ is near. Paul lived with a sense of urgency, always ready for Christ’s return. Imagine how transformed our lives would be if we lived with that same anticipation each day.

One commentator says: "When we live with the awareness of Jesus’ soon return, it makes it all the more easy to rejoice in the Lord and to show gentleness to all men. We know that Jesus will settle every wrong at His return, and we can trust Him to make things right in our falling-apart world."

POINT TWO: Pray and Surrender To The Lord

Read Verse 6

NLT Version says: Do NOT worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done.

When you're anxious, you're dwelling on something. other than Jesus. Instead, take it immediately to God. Supplication is praying on behalf of yourself (asking God specifically for something).

Statistics on anxiety, stress, and depression:

Over 1 billion people worldwide are living with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. That is 1 out of every 8 people.

Read 1 Peter 5:6–10 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

Read Matthew 11:28–30 “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””

Read Verse 7

True peace in this life only comes from God. It comes from knowing who He truly is and what He has done in your life, through Jesus Christ. When you truly do what verse 6 says, then you can live out verse 7.

It surpasses all our understanding because it's supernatural — the peace that He provides.

Will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus- This language points to an ongoing process of guarding your heart and mind in and through Jesus. When the world throws everything it can at us, He is the One who keeps our hearts and minds secure. What a wonderful Savior we serve!

POINT Three: Live Your Life For The Lord

Read Verse 8

Verses 6-7 set up verses 8-9. Verses 6-7 teach us how to obtain God's peace, and 8-9 tell us how to keep it. Paul breaks down in several ways how we are to think daily. Whatever Is:

True

Honorable

Just

Pure

Lovely

Commendable

(All traits of Jesus Christ)

If there is any: Excellence, worthy of praise- Jesus Christ is!

THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS! This is an act of intentionality on our part. The more you think about Jesus, the more time you spend with Him. REMEMBER: It’s about a relationship!!!

If your mind is focused on the things of the world, the qualities Paul describes will be the last thing reflected in your life.

Read Verse 9

Similar to Philippians 3:17 “Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.”

The Philippians are to live out what Paul has taught them. What they have:

Learned

Received

Heard

Seen in me

It all points to Jesus!

Practice these things or keep putting into practice. As you do that on a daily basis, the God of peace will be with you. And you will be closer to Jesus as a result.

Applications:

Give everything to the Lord

Where Do We Go From Here:

Spend the next few minutes in prayer. God may be calling you to repent. God may be calling you to draw closer to Jesus this morning if you have strayed. God may be calling you to surrender to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and start your relationship with Him today. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, if he truly is not your Lord and Savior, I would love to talk to you right now about how you can leave here with a relationship with Jesus Christ today!

However, God has spoken to you this morning to respond; do it!