12. Rejoicing, Not Anxiety

Anxiety

Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid – particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future. Anxiety is a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat. It can be experienced through our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations.

Bills and bank accounts

Uncertain health

Strained relationships

Unknown circumstances

Turbulent government

These were things Paul was facing that had the potential to bring him anxiety...

These are the same things you and I can face as well

Years, cultures, locations, change… yet these things seem to be consistently inconsistent

Paul addresses for us in some practical ways how to counter anxiety with rejoicing as you and I walk that Heavenly Minded Walk… in Philippians 4:1-7 he will address our fears next week as we look at verses 8 & 9 next week.

Therefore...

Chapters 1-3

Paul is building on what he has written o them most recent in chapter 3 but also building what has been expressed in chapters 1 & 2 as well!

Chapter 1 - Paul has a SINGLE MIND as he addresses his CIRCUMSTANCES as he REJOICES IN CHRIST SERVICE

Chapter 2 - Paul has a SUBMISSIVE MIND as he reflects on the MIND OF CHRIST and finds REJOICING IN CHRIST SELFLESSNESS

Chapter 3 - Paul challenges his readers to a SPIRITUAL MIND in light of the KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST as one considers REJOICING IN CHRIST SUFFERINGS for us!

Paul closes chapter 3 with a push for you and I to have an eternal mindset as we engage in this Heavenly Walk here in this life. Building on all this Paul focuses his readers to the VALUE OF ETERNAL THINGS...

Value for the Eternal

There are TWO THINGS in this life that are ETERNAL: God’s Word… and PEOPLE! Paul expresses the value he places once again on people in verse one!

There is affection and genuine compassion as he states he “longs to see them”

The term brothers and sisters is close personal relationship

He equates his knowing them as “his joy” and “his crown” … as one would strive for the victors crown in the Olympics he considered them his reward and blessing!

We often place too high a value on things in this life that are temporal at the expense of those things that are eternal in value… how are you investing in God’s Word… into peoples lives??? Would your account be full or does it come up empty?

There is a danger when our focus shifts to temporal things too much...

Dangers of the Temporal

Verses 2-3 point to a very common situation… differences between two people!

Who are Euodia and Syntyche?

Two women who are not in harmony

Two women Paul cares for

Sisters in Christ “names are in the book of life”

Two women that have blessed Paul in the struggle for the Gospel

Here we see those in the FAMILY of God struggling over differences

Paul seeks one there in the church (maybe the pastor) to help restore this relationship

How quickly we can allow the temporary things, differences, petty issues to steal our time, energy, and opportunity… FOR THE ETERNAL!

Paul desired harmony and peace in the family of God in order once again to focus on the things ETERNAL, like the struggle for the gospel! Each of us have a part in HELPING maintain harmony and peace in the body of Christ…

Process for Peace

“The Anti-Anxiety”… when we REJOICE IN CHRIST our attention is on Him rather than on the situation.

Paul states it twice… a process for emphasizing its truth and importance!

This is pertaining to our JOY not our HAPPINESS

GOD’S PEACE:

Surpasses our comprehension

It does not make sense according to man’s reasoning or thinking

Man’s peace comes when it’s all good, quiet, calm…

God’s peace comes in the storm, life is in turmoil, things are not good!

Guards our hearts

Guards our minds

WOW! There is even a protection component to His Peace! He offers you and I:

Peace in the struggles and differences of life

Peace when life throws it worries at us

Peace with others (especially family of God)

Peace with God!!! … Rejoice in the Lord, we are no longer enemies of God! BUT FAMILY!

Verses 5 & 6 offer a beautiful process for having this peace in our hearts and minds...

“A Gentle Spirit”… patience with others, gracious, forbearing attitude

Why be this way with others… “The Lord is near”… an eternal mindset!

“A Prayerful Attitude” keep the temporal things of this life lifted up to God Himself… see His perspective on the matter!

Supplication… there are urgent needs we face

Prayer interaction with God on a matter

Like David in the Psalms so many times we need to pray, “Look at my heart God”

Bring your BIG situation, need, worry to an EVEN BIGGER GOD!!!!

“Have a Thankful Spirit”… in your prayers make sure to thank Him

Maintain an attitude of gratitude before Him

Paul will speak to this shortly

Paul even praises God he can suffer for the sake of the cross!

You and I have sooooo much to be thankful fore

Gratitude is easier with an eternal mindset

Three things we implement into our Heavenly Walk with the giving us the ability to rejoice in Christ sufficiency, allowing us a secure mind as we have the peace of Christ...

Rejoicing Not Anxiety

Leaving today there will be temporary things that could bring anxiety...

Bills and bank accounts

Uncertain health

Strained relationships

Unknown circumstances

Turbulent government

BUT WE ARE NOT CALLED TO REJOICE IN THOSE THINGS… they don’t bring joy, and the happiness they may bring is only temporary.

We are called to REJOICE in something… someone far greater, far more powerful, one who is eternal…

Rejoice in the Lord, again I say rejoice… and oh what PEACE He gives as we focus on Him!