PHILIPPIANS NOVEMBER 1, 2023
PRAYING INTO PEACE (6-7)

SCRIPTURE
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7, NIV


DO NOT BE ANXIOUS

Paul isn’t telling us to lack concern. He’s saying we need to manage our concerns.

In the midst of a world that breeds distress & anxieties, God provides a plan.


IN EVERY SITUATION

“At a neurobiological level, gratitude regulates the sympathetic nervous system that activates our anxiety responses, and at the psychological level, it conditions the brain to filter the negative ruminations and focus on the positive thoughts.” Lau & Cheng, 2011

1/ This means really casting your cares on the Lord.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7


2/ This means really giving thanks.

Let all that I am praise the Lord. May I never forget the good things He does for me. Psalm 103:2

Rejoice always, praying without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18


3/ This means really believing that God will work things out for you.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Ps 91


PEACE WILL COME

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.


PHILIPPIANS NOVEMBER 1, 2023
PARTNERING INTO PEACE (6-9)

SCRIPTURE
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Phil 4:6-9, NIV


CONDITIONED FOR UNREST

In the same way, the world has conditioned our mind to be in a state of turbulence.

1/ Unrest comes from worldly influences.


2/ Unrest comes from dark spiritual forces.

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12


3/ Unrest comes from a lack of truth in God.



PARTNERING WITH SCRIPTURE

1/ Think on what is true.

This is the idea of dwelling on what is scripturally true.


2/ Think on what is noble.

This is the idea of appreciating godly attributes seen in others.


3/ Think on what is right.

This is the idea of focusing on principled things.


4/ Think on what is pure.

This is the idea of casting down immoral & perverse thoughts.


5/ Think on what is lovely.

This is the idea of pondering on beauty… what is wholesome.


6/ Think on what is admirable.

This is the idea of looking on things that are lofty.


7/ Think on what is excellent & praiseworthy.

This is the idea of thinking of things that are spiritually excellent.



CLOSE
Paul’s words are not an exercise in positive thinking, but true spiritual thinking.