A United Church
Notes
Transcript
Intro: Prayer Meetings the last 5 weeks - last one on Tuesday.
1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 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. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Recap Ch. 3
Therefore -
Stand as One
7 - “R’s” for how we live this out.
In Reconciliation. (vs. 1-3)
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Two women in the Church who God has used and are saved are at odds and Paul is asking Syzgus to help bring reconciliation between the two.
A Church will never have unity if they are not striving for reconciliation when divisions exist.
Normal responses to division:
Cut out - Ignore, push away, don’t talk to person
Peace out - Leave the body for unBiblical reasons
This is not how we be a Church like God instructs. We do it through striving for reconciliation through communication and if necessary moderation.
In Rejoicing. (vs. 4)
Rejoice song as a kid.
Always means always. Rejoicing is not contingent upon how you feel, it is contingent upon who the Lord is.
In Reasonableness. (vs. 5)
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
Reasonableness - considerate, submissive, full of mercy, willing to suffer wrong then to inflict wrong, give and take instead of insisting upon the letter of the law.
Why? Life is short. Jesus is coming back or you will die and see Him. Either way, you only have a small window to live and you should make every day be one where people see you are different than the world.
In Restfulness. (vs. 6-7)
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.
Anxious - what is this?
Anxious about jumping out of an airplane?
Handling a poisonous snake?
Crossing on foot a busy highway?
No, God gave us a good type of concern to keep us safe and out of danger.
This anxiety is: Anything else.
we know that this is real and people struggle with it. How does Scripture tell us to deal with it?
Anxiety is a lack of trust in God. It is a vain attempt to gain control. - Greg Palys
Prayer
Needs and Thanksgiving
God’s peace will be with you in the circumstance.
28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
In Reckoning. (vs. 8)
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
So why Reckon? Fill your minds. Make it apply. Take into account. Think for how to shape words and actions.
Not an academic exercise but a life transforming habit.
In Repetition. (vs. 9)
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Act it out again and again and as you do God is with you.
In Remembrance...
All of the previous 6 points are based upon a singular truth,
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Our position in Christ empowers us to:
Reconciling with other members in the Church instead of dividing.
Rejoicing in the Lord always because He is better than all our circumstances.
Being Reasonable with all because your positions are not more valuable than loving them.
Resting in all circumstances from anxiety because Jesus can give you what you peace.
Reckoning our thoughts on things above as we follow Jesus.
Repeating our actions into habits of faithfulness.
Apart from Christ this list can turn into moralistic thoughts and actions but tied to Jesus you life is a living sacrifice unto Him.
Which “R” do you need to submit unto the Lord today?