SERMON TEXT

“The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:5b–9 ESV)

In Jesus Christ, you have access to soul-stabilizing peace in every circumstance because he is the God of peace.  


We access this peace by:

1. Trading Anxiety for Peace through Prayer (4:5b-7)

2. Filling Our Minds with What is Good (4:8)

3. Practicing What We've Received in Philippians (4:9)

APPLICATION

1. Find quick paths between anxiety and making your requests known to God. Does it involve stopping then and there? Is there a verse that you find particularly comforting to lead you towards a deeper trust in God's character or promises? (if none comes to mind, Philippians 4:5b-6 is a great place to start!)
2. Use opportunities to give your mind the Philippians 4:8 test. (Ex. Am I dwelling upon bitterness towards someone based on untrue or unconfirmed things? Is this small bit of God's creation something lovely and worth drawing attention to?). Find ways for your kids to use this aas their own test of what stories they read or things they watch. 
3. What of Paul's attitude towards Christ in Philippians most notably missing in your life? How can you grow in practicing or in asking the Spirit for help applying that thing which you have received and heard from Paul?
4. Recount times in which you've experienced God's peace that surpasses understanding. Let these inform future moments and remind you that such a peace is in fact available to you, even now. 
5. The Lord is at hand and is coming for his church. How can you keep this in front of your spouse today? Someone in your community group? Your pastor? Your close friend?

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MUSIC

Psallos Recording - Philippians

• Spotify
• Apple Music