DNA of a World Changer

We are called to make a permanent impact that will change the DNA of our society!

DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid is a molecule that carries the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning and reproduction of all known living organisms and many viruses.

Text Introduction (Php 4:1-9):

Paul was writing a personal letter to the church of Philippi, (church he founded himself on his 2nd missionary journey with Silas & Timothy

The letter was filled with expressions of gratitude, instruction and a message to rejoice at all times

Written 11 Years after Paul’s initial journey at Philippi

Paul addresses the congregation as brethren (sibling believers)

It is believed that Paul is writing from prison (even though he was physically prisoned, spiritually he was free)

Letter was a message of joy in trying situations

Philippians 4:1–9 The Message

My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don’t waver. Stay on track, steady in God. I urge Euodia and Syntyche to iron out their differences and make up. God doesn’t want his children holding grudges. And, oh, yes, Syzygus, since you’re right there to help them work things out, do your best with them. These women worked for the Message hand in hand with Clement and me, and with the other veterans—worked as hard as any of us. Remember, their names are also in the Book of Life. Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Stay on Track

We do not know the reason for the disagreement amongst the believers, but Paul emphasized the importance of intentional connections

The disagreement between the 2 individuals was disrupting the church. Paul asked the Philippians to help reconcile them.

As Christians we should set the example for the world on how to forgive and not live offended

Stay in position

Stand firm against false teaching

Stand firm against any form of divisiveness ()

Settle your grudges ().

As Christians we should be the example to the world on being eager to forgive

We are instructed to live in harmony with each other - We wear the same jersey!

These 2 women quarrel was disrupting the church. And Paul asked the Philippians to help reconcile them.

As Christians we should set the example for the world on how to forgive and not live offended

Galatians 6:

Galatians 6:1 NASB95

Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

Ephesians 6:11 NASB95

Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:1 NASB95

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Hebrews 10:23 NASB95

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much." --Helen Keller

"Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success." --Henry Ford

Rejoice

Every day is day to celebrate the goodness of God!

Rejoice (chairo-greek): To be glad, exceedingly rejoice, to thrive

Even though Paul was in prison for doing the work of the Lord, he still instructed the church to keep on rejoicing.

Paul emphasized joy several times in the passage

Rejoicing in the Lord, is not about your emotions, but about an obedience to God. The choice to rejoice goes against our natural feelings during difficult situations.

Paul was full of joy, not because he was in the best situation, but because he knew who was with him

When should we rejoice?

When you are persecuted for Christs sake (, )

When someone becomes a disciple of Christ ()

When others are rejoicing ()

When we hear & see of miracles

We should rejoice in all things ()

Knowing that you name is recorded in heaven ()

Paul emphasized joy several times in the passage

Philippians 2:2 NASB95

make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

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Rejoice Why?

Psalm 119:162 NASB95

I rejoice at Your word, As one who finds great spoil.

Luke 10:20 NASB95

“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

2 Corinthians 7:16 NASB95

I rejoice that in everything I have confidence in you.

Pray

Worry & Prayer cannot coexist!

Continual conversations with God concerning your requests (big or small) accompanied with actively being grateful will chase away worry.

Petition: Request or want

During these conversations, stay alert to hear God’s heart, and his purpose for your life and the lives of others

Thanksgiving: Actively grateful as an act of worship to God

Change your thinking!

Get rid of stinking thinking

Your personal thoughts determine your attitudes and actions. Your input determines your output!

Changing your thinking is supernatural

Paul’s final words to the church “think about such things”

True: Loving & speaking the truth, absence of rumors & evil motives

Noble: Persons & deeds of good character

Right: God’s standards

Pure: Sacred, modest

Lovely: Moral thoughts

Commendable: Thoughts that give praise and positive reinforcement

Philippians 4:7 NASB95

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

Php 4:4

His love for you!

That you win!

Let’s Practice!

Philippians 2:2 NASB95

make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

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