Sermon 121596

Phi. 4:4-9                                   The Christian Heart & Mind                                         12/15/96

(Series 22.32)                                                                                                                      ABCC

I.   Introduction and Review                                                                                    550

It is impossible to live the Christian life without divine/supernatural power.  The gospel requires much more than an outward, empty shell of righteous deeds (Mt. 5:20).  The Holy Spirit enables the believer lovingly obey Christ (Jn. 14:15).  We are presented with three normative characteristics of the Christian life in verses 4-6:  consistent rejoicing, gentleness and lack of worry.  Which one of these three do you struggle with most?

II.  Three Dominant Characteristics

     A. Rejoicing in the Lord (v. 4)

·        Uniquely Christian, motivated by the Lord inwardly (Ps. 9), in spite of difficult circumstances, to be consistent - HOW MOODY ARE YOU? > personal struggle!!!!

     B. Gentleness or moderation (v. 5a)

·        not demanding rights, self-denying, giving to & forgiving others, respect for & tolerance with all people - what’s your response in restaurants, clothing stores, at work, on the highway when someone steps on your rights?

     C. Lack of worry (v. 6a)

·        Consistently trusting God with your future!  To worry displays a lack of trust in God & slowness to believe (Mt. 6:30-32) - how much time do you spend in wringing your hand, biting finger nails & other habits of anxiety?  Do you justify worrying because something is serious of essential?

How can we progress in these three areas of grace that are so clearly presented to us here?

The Christian Heart & Mind, pg. 2

III. Biblically Exercising Our Hearts & Minds

     A. Biblical perspective of the future (v. 5b)

·        Responses in circumstances should based on this perspective!

     B. Engaged in consistent prayer & fellowship with Christ (v. 6b-7)

Þ     When your are drawn to a matter, don’t dwell on it without brining God & His word into the matter = CONSISTENT PRAYER

Þ     Fellowship with Christ = clear conscience, earnestness, honesty!

C. Keep your heart & mind engaged with godly meditation (v. 8)

Don’t let that old slang & profanity linger in your mind, worldly songs & advise; mistreatments, other people’s bad habits, etc. - because you don’t know when temptation is coming & you could trap with your mind full of this worldly advise…..

D. Consistently obey the truth that the Lord has revealed in your heart & mind (v. 9)

·        Be a doer of the word & not merely a hearer (Jas. 1:22)

The Christian life is extraordinary - filled with wonder, mystery, apparent defeats, amazing victories, deep hurts, inexpressible joy, impossibilities & miracles.  Heaven & earth, present & future, Christ in us & us in Christ, God’s rule & human responsibility are all brought together in the Christian life!  Do you loves Jesus Christ today?  Are you lost in His affection, adoration & praise?  Are thankful that the Savior of sinners has come; that your sins are forgiven; that you have a glorious future with Christ eternally; that our Lord & God is Master & Ruler of every detail of your life?