Philippians 4:2-9 Joy in the Journey: Joy in finding peace

Two artists set out to make a picture representing perfect peace. The first painted a canvas depicting a carefree lad sitting in a boat on a little lake without a ripple to disturb the surface. The other painted a raging waterfall with winds whipping the spray about. On a limb, overhanging the swirling water, a bird had built its nest, and sat peacefully brooding her eggs. Here she was safe from her predatory enemies, shielded and protected by the roaring falls.

Hopelessness – lost in the chaos

Quietness – knowing I was safe in the hands of one who had it under control.

I. Joy in finding peace: By seeking peace with each other

A. Conflicts can occur even among the faithful Phil 4:2, 3b

(ESV) Philippians 4 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntycheto agree in the Lord. 3 … 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.

1. Labored together in the gospel

2. Saved

3. Conflict arose

4. A need to unify in Christ

B. A responsibility to help each other make peace Phil 4:3a

(ESV) Philippians 4 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, …

1. Being part of the solution to bring peace in the church

C. Living with an attitude of graciousness Phil 4:5a

(ESV) Philippians 4 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. …

1. Not that you are always right in your opinions

2. Live graciously

D. In light of His imminent coming

(ESV) Philippians 4 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

1. A choice

2. Perspective

3. Let His coming effect our life attitudes / living

II. Joy in finding peace: By dependence on the Lord

A. Release anxiety by faith in Him Phil 4:6a

(ESV) Philippians 4 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

1. Be aware of anxiety no good

2. Not the general negativism that some people carry

3. Not even the hard things we sometimes face

4. Decide to overcome anxiety – and instead walk with an attitude of faith

B. Take everything to Him Phil 4:6b

(ESV) Philippians 4 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplicationwith thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

1. Pray generally

2. Pray specifically

3. Pray with passion

4. Pray about everything as if it really makes a difference and engages God

C. Pray with Thanksgiving Phil 4:6c

(ESV) Philippians 4 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

1. Trust in Him

2. Expectation of answer

3. Knowing He will do the right thing

D. Receiving peace from God Phil 4:7

(ESV) Philippians 4 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1. He will stand sentry around your heart

2. Protect your mind

3. Peace that is unable to be understood – generated directly from Him

III. Joy in finding peace: By renewing your mind

A. Filling the mind intentionally Phil 4:8b

(ESV) Philippians 4 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.

1. Block out bad/anxious thoughts - Can only think of one thing at a time

2. Spiritual renewal occurs in the mind – Place scripture in mind – know what to do – spiritually transforms one’s being

(ESV) Romans 12 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

(ESV) Ephesians 4 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

SIN

(ESV) Romans 6 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.

(ESV) Romans 6 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to Godin Christ Jesus.

12 Let not sin therefore reignin your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to Godas those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Worry

(ESV) Romans 8 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

(ESV) Romans 8 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

(ESV) Romans 8 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

B. With things that reflect peace Phil 4:8a

(ESV) Philippians 4 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.

Truth – let go of lies / inuindoes / gossip / drama

Things that inspire honor – don’t grovel in the pit with others who do

Thing that are the right thing to do and say

Things that aren’t tainted with sin, gossip, falsehood

Things that bring out the best in us and others

Think about things that reflect Christ-likeness

C. The God who gives peace will reside with you Phil 4:9

(ESV) Philippians 4 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.

1. God who gives peace will live with you in practice as you engage Him / Think on these type of things / pray and ask of Him / Do your part in situations and trust Him / Seek peace with others