Text: Philippians 4:4-7
INTRODUCTION: Recap verses 1-3; it seems Paul is completely confident the problem will be taken care of and now he directs them to get back on course with the work of God.
It is very hard for people to get back after they have been off course, so Paul shows us where to start. We start by rejoicing over God’s mercy and goodness and forgiveness.
Then our commitment becomes a testimony for all to see. It is important to note that people are watching to see what these women would do and once they do the right thing it is time to rejoice. Their right behavior now will bless the Church just like their bad behavior hurt the Church.
Then he admonishes them to get back into their pray closets and watch how God takes over and makes their mess His Miracle.
Paul is teaching priceless principles for those who have gotten off track and have returned to God.
I. HE CALLS FOR CONTINUOUS REJOICING: (V. 4)
A. THE COMMAND “REJOICE”: “rejoice, is say rejoice”
Note: There is a great difference between joy and happiness. Happiness or the lack thereof is based on things that happen to us. Joy is based on our relationship with God.
Quote: “Joy is the flag flown high from the castle of my heart, for the King is in residence there.”
John 15:11-12
11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Note: It is also important to see the connection of our love for one another and our Joy.
Psalm 5:11
11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
Habakkuk here is a Hymn of Faith:
Habakkuk 3:17-18
17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
B. THE CONFIDENCE “IN THE LORD”
Nehemiah 8:10
10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
God knows what He is doing and God makes no maistakes.
II. HE CALLS FOR CONSTANT REASONABLENESS: (V. 5)
* Paul had just told them not to be carried away with an obsession about unimportant matters to the point of fighting over non-essentials.
A. GOD’S PRINCIPLE: (V. 5A)
* “Moderation” = gentleness, graciousness, kindness, self-control, forbearance; this word incorporates all the fruit of the Spirit of Galatians 5:22-23.
* The problem was their inability to bend or yield to another’s opinion, but now they are flexible and willing to yield.
Illustration: Concrete Christians: All mixed up and permanently set.
B. GOD’S PEOPLE: (V. 5B)
* “Be known to all men.” This knowledge you have now gained by experience, let others see it from now on in how you conduct your lives.
James 3:17
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
1 Timothy 3:3
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
* Paul wanted the entire congregation to learn from their moderation. You caused the problem now help set the right example.
C. GOD’S PRESENCE: (V. 5C)
* “the Lord is at hand”: He is near and in the light of His soon return some of our differences are petty at best.
III. HE CALLS FOR CHRIST-FOCUSED RELATIONSHIPS: (VV. 6-7)
Quote: “Prayer does not always change the situation and make it better, but prayer always changes us and makes us better.”
A. THE REASON WE SHOULD PRAY (V. 6)
* “Be careful for nothing” = don’t worry about things; worry divides the mind.
James 1:8
8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
Note: Worry takes over our lives and chokes out the Word of God.
Matthew 13:22
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
Worry causes us to abandon our trust in the Lord.
1 Peter 5:7
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Note: The Old English word for worry means to strangle. It will affect our thinking, our hearts, our digestion and even our coordination.
Studies on worry:
40% of the things we worry about never happen.
30% of the worries are related to past matters which are beyond our control.
12% have to do with anxiety about health, even though there is no illness, except in our imagination.
10% is worry about friends or neighbors, even though, in most cases there is no reason for their anxiety.
8% of our worries have some basis in reality.
90% of the things we worry about never happen.
Matthew 6:34
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
* “by prayer and supplication” = an attitude of adoration, devotion and worship.
Study:
78% of Americans pray at least once a week.
57% of Americans pray at least once a day.
13% of Americans who claim to be atheists or agnostics, nearly one in five still pray daily.
Serious prayer usually begins after the age of 30, when the illusion that we are masters of our own fate fades and adults develop a deeper need to call on the God of the universe.
Note: “prayer, supplication, thanksgiving” = these words all deal with the attitude of worship, they tell us that we must approach God with a sense of worship & reverence. They refer not to words that we say but the attitude of our heart when we approach God.
Truth: When we find ourselves worrying we should immediately go to God in prayer and begin worshipping Him.
Quote: Vance Havner: “Prayer may not get us what we want; but it will teach us to want what we need.”
* “thanksgiving” = means the attitude of gratitude: God enjoys hearing us say, “thank you” for all the things He does.
Illustration: Luke 17:11-19 = Of the 10 lepers who were healed only one came back to say “thank you”. I wonder if the percentage is any higher today.
Quote: “We must be careful for nothing, prayerful for everything, and thankful for anything. Worry is unproductive and prayer never fails to produce.
B. THE RESULTS OF OUR PRAYING: (V. 7)
1. GOD’S PEACE: (V. 7A)
* “peace with God” = that is what happened in our lives when we were saved.
Romans 5:1
5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
“peace of God = a quiet confidence within, regardless of circumstances, people or things.
* “passeth all understanding” = the greatness & fullness and glory of God’s peace is INCOMPREHENSIBLE.
Illustration: Daniel 6: Even in the Lion’s Den he had the peace of God but the King was awake all night.
Daniel knew the decree and he knew he was being watched but obedience to God was his primary goal.
Daniel 6:10-11
10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.
11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.
Daniel 6:18-24
18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.
20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?
21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.
22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.
23 Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.
24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.
The ultimate purpose for all of this miracle is for God to be glorified.
Daniel 6:26
26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.
2. GOD’S PROTECTION: (V. 7B)
* Keep your hearts and minds” = Guard your hearts and minds like a soldier who keeps guard at the door. Just as a guard guarded Paul physically, the peace of God guarded his heart and mind always.
3. GOD’S PRESENCE: (7C)
* “through Jesus Christ”” = all of this comes with knowing Christ as Savior; He gives His peace to us.
John 16:33
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Note: The Contrast: “In me” = peace
“In the World” = tribulation
CONCLUSION:
Get back on course:
1. Get right with each other:
2 Begin to rejoice in God’s mercy and goodness:
3. Be an example of how to get things right because the Church is watching and the world is watching.
4. Get back into your prayer closets:
5. Let the peace of God rule and guard your hearts.
Resources used: Reality Living, Jeff Adams, Philippians and Hebrews by John MacArthur, Philippians by Warren Wiersbe, Philippians by Johnny Hunt, Philippians by Guy McGraw, Philippians by Dana Chau, John R. Rice study Bible, Sermon Central Illustrations, Illustration Exchange
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