Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

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Introduction

The appeal to constant rejoicing is no empty phrase.

To a company of Christ’s people (the Philippian church), who were in doubt and fear and set in the midst of a hostile world, this assurance rings out like a clarion call, and is repeated so that its message may not be misunderstood.

Pursue Contentment

The joy God wants us to experience in our life is not a happiness that depends on circumstances—but a deep contentment that is IN THE LORD.

To experience anxious free living, God wants us to...

Cultivate Contentment

This kind of contentment centers on a trust in the sovereign, living God.

This kind of contentment is always available—even in the most difficult of times.

This kind of contentment is only possible when the follower of Christ trust God in everything.

QUESTION: Do you trust God completely?

Contentment requires work.

Just like a farmer who works the ground—preparing the soil to receive and nurture the seed, the follower of Christ needs to work at trusting God in everything.

In other words, contentment is trusting God that no situation is beyond His help.

As a result, the follower of Christ who is content is a follower of Christ you genuinely experiences true joy!

Transition

And, it is this joy—where the Christian honors God’s command to rejoice always that sets the heart to effectively engage in God’s redemptive mission to reach the world.

Phil 4:

Embrace Reasonableness

This phrase goes beyond interaction with fellow believers in Christ.

There is a missional quality to this phrase.

In other words, our relationships with people, including those who do not believe in Christ, requires a disciplined attitude that displays a gracious disposition.

As a believer, you are called to be gentle, compassionate, and kind.

You are to extend grace, mercy, and forgiveness.

Why?

“The Lord is at hand”—He is near.

Two thoughts exists concerning this phrase:

First, Jesus is coming back.

We must conduct life with attitudes and actions that encourage the lost to consider the truth of Jesus Christ.

Second, when we embrace reasonableness we are embracing the mission of God to “make disciples of all nations...” When we embrace the mission of God, we position ourselves to experience the presence of God.

When we embrace the mission of God, we position ourselves to experience the presence of God.

Transition

Practice the Presence of God

When we cultivate contentment which leads to genuine joy because of God’s work in us—and when we embrace reasonableness with our interactions with others (a grace filled reasonableness motivated by genuine love), it sets us up to...

Engage in Prayer