Reasonableness in the Age of Coronavirus

Introduction:

There are so many things I want to say to you right now.

I want to say don’t be afraid.

I want to say to be wise.

I want to say that those who chose to stay home today are not sinning.

I want to say coming to church doesn’t make us more spiritual.

I want to say that the government isn’t always the bad guy and sometimes we should simply heed their wisdom.

I want to say that this virus is another part of a fallen world.

But more than anything I want to point us to God who will carry us through everything.

The apostle

Philippians 4:4–7 ESV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

phil 4:

Philippians 4:5–7 ESV

5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Big Idea: Don’t be anxious,

Main Point #1 - Find the joy in every situation. (Phil 4:4)

Explanation: We have to remember that Paul was writing from prison to a people facing intense persecution.

Illustration:

Application:

Main Point #2 - Be Reasonable. The Lord is at Hand (Phil 4:5)

Explanation: Back in chapter 1:12, as Paul applied this principle of finding joy to his own situation, he saw that God was using his imprisonment to spread the gospel.

Philippians 1:12–14 ESV

12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. 14 And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

phil 1:12

Throughout history, the church has been taylor made to respond to tragedy with a level headed manner. Because we know what this is all about. It’s about God drawing us to himself.

Illustration: I heard a sermon 2 weeks ago by a man named Paul Washer. He answered the question of why does God allow these kinds of things to happen. To draw us to prayer so that we can not only see that God is with us, but that God is all we have and all we need.

Gospel Application: How much have you prayed these last few weeks. And I’m not talking about finding toilet paper at costco. How much have you prayed that the Lord would heal. That the Lord would protect. That the Lord would meet the needs of the most at risk.

Prayer will settle us if we breath, wash our hands and get to praying. Then and only then will we be able to get to work.

Now when he says, “Let your reasonableness by known to everyone,” he’s not saying, “be fearless.” Or have no concern for your health and safety. In fact social distancing is not to protect you at all. Because if you are in reasonably good health, you will quickly recover. It’s the people that you will unknowingly transfer the virus too who won’t be able to fight it off.

Reasonableness really means that you are wise during this situation.

Main Point #3 - Find peace through prayer. (Phil 4:6-7)

Explanation: Everyone loves the first part of vs. 6. “Do not be anxious about anything.” However, if you stop there, you have missed the how. You can avoid anxiety by turning to God in prayer.

Prayer is a powerful, yet often neglected part of the Christian life. Because we often ask, does it really change anything. Yes, it changes you.

When we are anxious we can pray and cast those cares of the Lord.

I love the word everything.

Many will tell you that God is too busy to care about my little problems. That is manifest nonsense!

God is bigger than anything we can possibly imagine. Bring your little requests and your big requests.

But remember to be thankful. Now what are we to be thankful for? I think that in prayer, especially those dark night of the soul prayers, we will be reminded of God’s past faithfulness. In our lives and in our world. I think God brings those things to mind and we should be thankful. Thankful for past healing. Thankful for past provision. Thankful for past protection.

Illustration: But more than anything I want to remember the cross. How could Paul so joyfully endure the hardships of prison, a prison that would make San Quentin look like a 5 star all inclusive resort!

Paul remembered that even though he was going down a dark path of sin and destruction. Even though God was not obligated to save him, God in His grace saved Paul and put him on the right path.

Paul knew that this life would soon end. But he would serve God knowing that eternity awaited.

Because if

Conclusion: These times are a great opportunity to reflect on eternity. Our we washed in the blood of Jesus or just in the soap and warm water for 20 seconds?

You’ll probably survive the corona virus, but none of us will survive death. We will stand before God and the only question will matter is “Have you embraced Jesus’s death on the cross as the substitute for your sin?

And remember that God is not a reluctant savior.

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

He did it out of love.

And it’s a good opportunity to share that same joy with others.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone in how you respond. And then as the Apostle Peter shows us,

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

When they ask, tell them about Jesus.

I want to leave you with this poem.

Life is a maybe

Death is for sure

Sin is the cause

Christ is the cure.

May the Lord use us through this situation to bring many sons and daughters to Himself!