Sermon Tone Analysis

Philippians 4:6-9 English Standard Version

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.

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

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.

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.

Often in times of stress it is difficult to pray, but that is the one thing we need to do in distressing times.

The Problem of Praying When Stressed Out.

a. Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything,

i. Anxious - to have an anxious concern, based on apprehension about possible danger or misfortune—‘to be worried about, to be anxious about.’[1]

ii.

Each of us has things and people that we are responsible for which we must care about.

iii.

This only becomes a problem when our responsibilities burden us and distract us from the truly important things of life (Matthew 13:22).

1. Matthew 13:22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

The Purpose of Praying When Stressed Out.

a. 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.

i. Nothing – not even one thing; none; not at all

ii.

Everything – any; every; the whole; all; always; whatever

let your requests be made known to God – let God know what you have need of.

i. God knows what we are in need of before we ask Him, but asking Him demonstrates our dependenceupon Him (Matthew 6:8).

1. Matthew 6:8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

ii. 1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

1. Casting – to throw upon

2. All your care– anxiety, worry

3. Upon Him; for He caresfor you – to be of interest; to concern; to matter, to take care

The Process of Praying When Stressed Out.

a. 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.

i.

By prayer– a general word used for prayer and worship

ii.

And supplication– a petition, a sense of need

iii.

With thanksgiving– gratitude; grateful language to God as an act of worship; thankfulness (Psalm 100:4).

iv.

Let your requestbe known to God

The Promise of Praying When Stressed Out.

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

i.

And the peaceof God

ii.

Which surpasses all understanding

1. Surpasses – to excel; better; superior

2. Understanding – the intellect; the mind in thought, feeling or will; meaning; the seat of reflective consciousness comprising the faculties of perception and understanding and those of feeling, judging and determining.

a. Pray through until you have peace.

The Pillars of Preserving Peace.

a. 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.

i. Meditate on these things – to take an inventory; continually reflect on them; make these things the subject of your thoughtful considerations (2 Corinthians 10:5; Colossians 3:15).

1. 2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

2. Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.

And be thankful.

ii.

Test for our thoughts

1. True – true; truly; truth

2. Honorable – venerable; honorable; honest

3. Just – equitable; holy; right

4. Pure – clean; innocent; modest

5. Lovely – “pros” toward, “phileo” love

6.

Of good report – well spoken of; reputable

7. Commendable – moral goodness and excellence

8. Praiseworthy – a commendable thing

a.

Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

The Person of Peace.

a. 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.

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

b.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

[1] Johannes P. Louw and Eugene Albert Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains (New York: United Bible Societies, 1996), 312.