July 22, 2018
Morning Service

In chapter 3, Paul encouraged us to rejoice in the Lord who has given us a righteousness that comes by faith.  He encouraged us to grow in the Lord and to “Press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Together we should all be striving to know God at a deeper level in our lives knowing also that there are those who oppose us; who he calls “enemies of the cross.” But we are to be different.  He closed the chapter stating this:

Philippians 3:20-21  For our citizenship is in Heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,  (21)  who shall transform our lowly body so that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working of His power, even to subdue all things to Himself.

·        We need to have the attitude of a pilgrim in this world.  We are here, but only for a short time because we are moving on to something far better.  He is using this time to transform us into His image.  We are able to endure all hardships because we know this world is not our home, we are just passing through.  He now builds on that thought as we begin chapter 4.

 

Philippians 4:1-3 Therefore, my brothers, ones loved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand fast in this way in the Lord, beloved ones.  (2)  I beg Euodia and Syntyche that they be of the same mind in the Lord.  (3)  And I also beg you, true companion, help those women who labored in the gospel with me and with Clement, and others of my fellow-laborers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

·        Paul here addresses a specific relational problem that is affecting the church there and encourages them to help these two women resolve this conflict.  These issues can be resolved by keeping the perspective he finished chapter 3 with.  This world is temporary and life is too short to allow conflicts like these to hold us (and others) back from what we can be for the Lord.  We are commanded to love and forgive our brother and do our part to reconcile with each other.  That of course is a two-way street, but we can only control our side of the issue and we need to have a clear conscience for our part.  Relational issues like this can become a place Satan can enter in and work in you life.

·        Notice also Paul also is asking others in the church to help this process of reconciliation along.  We are better together and if one of us needs some help with a situation like this we should be willing to get involved in a loving and prayerful way.

 

 Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, Rejoice!  (5)  Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

·        Paul in keeping the proper perspective is able to give a call for all to rejoice while he sits in prison.  Attitude is everything!  Our inner attitude does not have to reflect our outward circumstances.  Paul was full of joy no matter where he was.  He has urged the Philippians to rejoice several times in this letter.  It is easy to get discouraged in life, but here we see Paul setting the example for us while he is suffering, he is rejoicing. We, like Paul, can be examples to all those around us that God is good and worthy of our praise no matter what we are going through.

Rejoice: To experience joy and gladness in a high degree; to be exhilarated with lively and pleasurable sensations; to exult.

·        We need to focus on how good and great our God is and all the many blessing He has given to us.  He chose us to be His family.  He is preparing a place for us that is beyond our imagination and will return for us one day to be with Him forever.  He promises never to leave us or forsake us.  I could go on all day with all the many reasons we have to “Rejoice in the Lord, and again I say rejoice!”

 

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.  (7)  And the peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

·        Is this possible?  Can we live a life without worry and anxiety?

·         Yes, it is possible IF we    keep the proper perspective.  We must turn our focus from inward which increases anxiety to outward and act upon our faith in our Savior.  We have to truly believe and trust that God is who He says He is and is able to control our every circumstance.  Worry is really showing a lack of faith.  Our Lord walks through life right beside us comforting, leading and guiding us if we listen to Him. 

·        If we know have God by our side, why would we worry and who should we fear?  Remember walking carefree as a child beside your father who you knew would protect you?  It is spiritually the same situation.  It is okay to be concerned about a situation but not to worry.  How?

·        Pray instead of worrying.  “In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  Is that how you handle stress? You should!  Pray about everything and that means everything.  This includes all the situations that cause you stress at home, work, or in your personal life; big things and little things.  God knows what is troubling you, but He wants us to be the one who initiates His involvement.  Ask, seek, and knock and He will answer.  Instead of worrying pray!

·        We are to pray with supplication which means a petition or earnest request.  Be specific in your prayers about the people and situations involved.  God wants and desires for you to pour out your heart to Him!  You are not bothering Him at all; He invites us to call on Him at any time or place.  It may be helpful for you to keep a prayer journal to remind you of who to pray for and then a record to go back to review how faithful God is to hear and answer your prayers.

·        We are to pray with the attitude of gratitude (thanksgiving) making our requests made know to Him (prayer requests).  Our prayers are not to be a “To do list” for God, but a humble plea to your Heavenly Father as your pour out your heart to Him.  We humbly request for Him to move in the situations that are causing us stress, but in the end we must be willing to yield to His Will.  Healing does not always come.  Relationships are not always mended.  Dark valleys are not always avoided.  Pray about everything in a humble spirit, but yield to His perfect will. Trust Him to do what is best for you with an attitude of thankfulness and humility. When you do this, He gives us peace.

·        As we follow these instructions to remove anxiety in our lives, God rewards us by granting us peace.  Not just any peace, but a deep settled peace that settles within our heart, mind and even our soul.  A peace that is beyond our understanding because it is God who gives it.  It is not a peace that comes from positive thinking, having the things of this world or a life free of conflict.  It is different.  Jesus told the disciples this:

 

 John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

·        This peace allows us to place our head on the pillow every night and be just fine if we never wake up again. It is the peace that we have that doesn’t devastate us at the loss of a loved one or the doctor saying the word “Cancer.”  It is a peace that we can experience in the midst of chaos and crisis.  A peace we can never really define because it is beyond our understanding but we are able to experience it.  It is based on the fact that we know that God is in control.  He has our back.  He will not let us down.  The battle may be long and difficult but we know in the end we win!  Paul told the Roman church this:

 

Romans 8:37-39 But in all these things we more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  (38)  For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,  (39)  nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

·        Do you believe God is able to do this?

·         Are you experiencing His peace this morning?

·         You can by turning everything in your life over to Him and trusting Him to bring that calm assurance that comes from knowing He is in control.

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of speaking to You in prayer and for granting to us a peace that can only be experienced and not defined.