Rejoice Always 07 - Say it Again: Rejoice!

Reading: Philippians 4:2-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4 (NIV)

I.   Transformed Relationships (2-3)

     A.  Differences between Sisters (2)

           1.  What was their problem? We don’t know.

                 a.  But they were in a basic disagreement

                 b.  The actual problem isn’t important!

                 c.  Paul told them to be like-minded (2:2)

           2.  This difference threatened their friendship

                 a.  It is inappropriate for Christian brothers or sisters to let differences sit unsettled.

                 b.  Not every issue needs to be resolved

           3.  Paul mentions them by name.

                 a.  They were well known spiritual leaders.

                 b.  You two: work on your relationship.

     B.  Someone needs to Step In (3)

           1.  Paul doesn’t expect these mature Christians to do it alone

                 a.  They helped him out in his ministry (3)

                 b.  Still they had problems!

           2.  They were stuck and needed help

                 a.  This can happen to even the best of us

                 b.  When it does it must be addressed

           3.  Paul chooses a yoke-fellow to help them

                 a.  Paul: a ministry of reconciliation

                 b.  Yoke-fellow a nick-name for a leader?

     C.  Let’s all Get Along!

           1.  The Gospel is a transformational message of reconciliation with God and each other.

                 a.  Love God w/ our all & love each other
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (Jn 13:35)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Ro 12:18)

                 b.  Don’t have to be best buds w/ everyone

                 c.  Just respect & care for each other

                 d.  After all we’re all in the same Book! (3c)

           2.  This doesn’t happen by accident!

                 a.  We’re all imperfect

                 b.  We have different gifts/personalities

                 c.  Sometimes hard work, but always good

II.  Transformed Character (4-7)

     A.  Rejoice Always (4)

           1.  Rejoice in the Lord

                 a.  This isn’t just be happy about everything

                 b.  Rejoice because God is in everything

           2.  In difficult circumstances

                 a.  Sometimes bad things happen.

                 b.  Still God is with us in them.

                 c.  Sometimes our difficulties are for our own good and we know it!

           3.  When things go well

                 a.  God really does bless us.

                 b.  I wonder if it disappoints God when he blesses us and we shrug. Rejoice!

     B.  Gentle with everyone (5)

           1.  Why gentle?

                 a.  Opposite of annoyed, ill-tempered, inconsiderate, impolite, harsh.

                 b.  Maybe Euodia & Syntyche weren’t gentle with each other (?)

                 c.  The 8th fruit of the Spirit

           2.  Gentle is also kind, tender, care-full.

                 a.  One who uses a gossamer touch near wounds, or potential wounds.

                 b.  Withholds power/strength, in order to bless

           3.  We need to be reminded to be gentle

                 a.  B/c Christians are people ;-)

                 b.  B/c others are watching: let gentleness be evident to all.

     C.  At Peace everywhere (6-7)

           1.  Don’t be anxious (6)

                 a.  Not so much a command here as an invitation, I believe.

                 b.  In place of anxiety, what? -->Prayer

           2.  A transcendent peace (7a)

                 a.  A peace/shalom beyond understanding

                 b.  Peace/shalom=salvation/reconciliation

                 c.  Sets our hearts at rest w/o a need (or even ability) to understand it

           3.  The guardianship of God is peace (7b)

                 a.  Peace of God is a place of safety

                 b.  Peace of God keeps us safe

III. Transformed Mind

     A.  Eight things to think about

           1.  True, noble, right and pure.

                 a.  True: not false/suspect. Known true

                 b.  Noble: not rotten or debasing. Uplifting

                 c.  Right: as in morally upright & just/fair

                 d.  Pure: as in holy, sanctified

           2.  Lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy

                 a.  Lovely: opposite of gross; inner beauty

                 b.  Admirable: has a good reputation

                 c.  Excellent: Virtuous, morally best

                 d.  Praiseworthy: Something acclaimed as good by God and people.

           3.  Think about/Consider/Meditate on

                 a.  Dwell on these things.

                 b.  Not other things
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Col. 3:1-2

           4.  Don’t think too much about other things

                 a.  Don’t focus on the lies, what’s rotten wrong, evil, repulsive, shameful, dubious, questionable

                 b.  Even just “less than optimal” things

                 c.  Gr. word for conversion=changed mind

     B.  Put it into Practice (9)

           1.  Put the message of Jesus into practice.

                 a.  Christianity is not a head religion

                 b.  Jesus: putting into practice is building on a solid foundation

                 c.  Our goal isn’t to transcend reality but to bring the message of Jesus into it.

           2.  The promise is God’s presence

                 a.  Not just the peace of God (7)

                 b.  The God of peace (9b)

                 c.  A promise for those who do 2-9b

The Bottom Line:

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