Untitled Sermon (5)

Philippians 4:1-9

vs 1

*Sunday afternoon - I was visited by my friend Brad Bell. He was called to preach when he was 17 years old. Serving as a youth minister, missionary in Ethiopia, pastor, preacher, elder, author, and mentor. Today he is serving as a leader for an organization called Upstream helping through consulting and building up churches around the world.

When listening to his story, he speaks of the victories and the difficult times.

Ministry is not easy, but Brad continues to stand firm.

What does it mean to stand firm in the Lord?

Ephesians 6:13–14 “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then...

* There are times in life when it is easy to discouraged. Del - things have not turned out the way I expected, but God continues to make a way. Here is someone who had a goal and is doing a good job, but some of what he envisioned is not all it is cracked up to be. His resolve is found in the Lord.

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*Have you ever been called out? (Parent, friend, coach, teammate, classmate, teacher, supervisor etc)

JROTC - I was part of the first class that participated in JROTC at WCHS. One of my experiences of being called out occured during my sophomore year in high school. I was in class at JROTC and was involved in some horse play with a friend and classmate Jason. I’m not sure what happened, but it resulted in the two of us pushing each other and I knocked him into a desk. As soon as Jason fell into the desk, Mr. Inman walked through the door and he directed both of us to his office. He was not happy and proceeded to tell us that we would get with the program or he would help us find a new class. Mr. Inman told me specifically if I had a problem, we would go see my dad right now. Needless to say, Jason and I didn’t have any more problems in JROTC.

This is one example of me being Called Out. You probably have your own stories of being Called Out or held accountable. Philippians chapter 4 has great encouragement, but also there are some Call Outs. The reason for this accountability is because of Paul’s love for the church at Philippi. The two ladies Paul mentions is Euodia and Syntyche. Paul does have confidence they will get past this disagreement, but he urges them to reconcile for the purpose of exalting Christ.

Wayne Smith - “You don’t have to be my twin to be my brother.”

He also asks his loyal yokefellow or co-worker in Christ which could be Epaphroditus. I takeaway that Paul is optimistic this will be achieved in Christ. As he declares their names are in the Lamb’s book of life.

How good are we at having these conversations?

What keeps us from having them?

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Command to rejoice in the Lord always.

Fruit of the Spirit - J Vernon McGee

This characteristic is contagious.

Billy Sunday “If you have no joy there is a leak in your Christianity”

Paul was obviously a man that radiated joy.

Boyd - Maintained joy through adversity.

vs 5 the power of prayer

KJV The Lord is at hand!

Worry about nothing, pray about everything. Talk to the Lord about everything!

Dr. G Campbell Morgan

Do you think we should pray about the little things in our life?

Madam can you mention anything in your life that is big to God?

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Peace Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

vs 8-9

tnr pla ep

What impacts our thought lives in a negative way?

movies, music, books, TV, conversation, social media, people,

Get rid of negative or impure thoughts. How do we replace our negative thoughts? Bible, people, nature, church, outside, service, K Love Positive Encouraging Radio, Prayer, Accountability Partner, Meditation

Put it into practice.

Attend camp, workshop, seminar - left motivated, but didn’t do anything with it.

Garbage in and Garbage out. Stinking Thinking...

Tell me about your playlist?

That is one of several call outs in my life.

RECAP - Philippians

Whom I love and long for. My joy and crown.

What does it mean to stand firm in the Lord?

Brad Bell - 17 years old called to preach the gospel.