Living for What Really Matters – Chapter 6

Live The Example – Philippians 4:2-9

“I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 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. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Phil 4:2-9

We have such a brief passage, yet the content is so rich!

Julie shares about 4:4. Reasonableness stuck out. Gentle & fair. She references the sermon about the fruit of the spirit on kindness. How we are called to kindness instead of severity? Kindness can lead to repentance and salvation.

Lauren was intent to skip 4:2 because she didn’t expect meaning in it. Yet that is where she was challenged. These women were called to live in harmony. Paul talks about unity and it requires action. She shared how she had a past conflict with a friend. No one suggested that they put aside their personal differences for the greater need for unity. Paul calls this all out with authentic love and the true gospel not the false gospel of love that she shared last week.

Breanne connects the passage with tools for counseling. 4:5 “The Lord is at hand.” The whole passage gives us what to do but this phrase is the “why!” The song P E A C E by Hillsong is on the arise playlist on resource list. This song says “pease is the promise you keep.” Assessing and realizing that to be true. 4:7 & 4:9 God’s promise of peace is based on us doing the right thing.

Joy & Peace are not rooted in our circumstances. They are rooted in Christ.

In verse 6 we talk about prayer and how we hear from God. On page 182 Teresa talks that we see, feel, hear, or know from God. How do we filter these to know it is God’s answering? We need discernment in this. 1. We assess it through scripture and it isn’t a new truth. Don’t pick and choose scripture. 2. Aligns with the character of God. and then a tier 2 assessment is wisdom from godly believers.

Anxiety is all about control. In this verse we are surrendering control to God. Anxiety is an indicator light that you are trying to control.

Julie gives us our “So Whats” for this passage. We are not called to comfortable life. If I was comfortable all the time, I’d miss knowing God and his grace and mercy coming into my life. We miss out on how great God is. What tools are in this passage?

  1. 4:8 – the gatekeeping verse. Run thoughts through these verses and keep going through the gates to determine if it is a thought to keep or you need to throw it out.
  2. 4:4 – Rejoice = Thrive. Keep moving forward. ARISE. Rejoice in the Lord not in circumstances. My choice is to respond with a gentle spirit and counter culture.
  3. 4:7 – Let peace guard your heart & mind. Don’t let anxiety sit but fill it with peace. Peace is not your job but it’s God’s.

These are distressing times, but God isn’t stressed. He knows. He hears. Philippians gives us three habits:

  1. Rejoice
  2. Thankful expectation
  3. Practice right thinking

Julie’s Mom: “I am excited to see what God is going to do.”

Resources & Links:

In This Week’s Video:

Lauren Soules
Lauren Soules
Lisa Lewis
Lisa Lewis
Breanne Fuelling
Breanne Fuelling
Julie Antioho
Julie Antioho