Living In A Stressful World

Introduction

Weight Verses Load

The weight of a glass of water

The load of bearing it’s weight

The world in which we live

Presidential election

Covid-19

Radical changes in education

Changes taking place in the church

Wearing face masks

Social media

etc., etc., etc.

Circumstances of Paul writing to the Philippians

Paul facing persecution: Two theories for the circumstances of our text

Divine-Man Missionary philosophy (the prophet was granted divinity, and therefore should always be victorious in the face of persecution. While different, it is similar to the modern prosperity gospel to prominent in Charismatic circles today. Since Paul was in prison, he must not be a true prophet of God.

Christian Judaizers

Conflict withing the Philippian church - Philippians 3:2

Gnostics

Judaizers, Jewish Christian Missionaries - Since Paul was facing constant attack from Judaizers his letter to the Philippians was very personal to him.

Non-Christian Jewish Missionaries

Conflict within the local church - Philippians 4:2

Philippians 4:1 - Transition verse to practical advice in dealing with all the conflicts and stresses the church was fracing

Body

Philippians 4:2-3 - Dealing with conflict in the Body

The body needs to come together to help one another resolve conflicts. We should not become a part of the problem, but a part of the solution.

Philippians 4:4-6a - Maintain Positive Attitudes

Stay Positive - Rejoice always in the Lord

Stay Gracious - epieikes - gentle, kind, tolerant

Stay Focused on what matters

Philippians 4:6 - Take Positive Action

Prayer - take your concerns to God

Petition/Requests - seek God’s help

Thanksgiving - Offering thanks for what God is doing

Philippians 4:7 - Results will be Gods peace in the face of a tumultuous world

Conclusion

Philippians 4:8-9 - What it looks like

Letting go of things that distract you from God’s peace

Holding onto things that draw you to God’s peace

Invitation

Embrace God’s Peace