Philippians 4:5-9

Peace

V5 Would people who know you describe you as gentle?

                How do gentle people act?

V6 Be Anxious for nothing

                What causes anxiety in our lives? Uncertainty, health problems, relationship problems

                How does Paul describe the type of prayer that is the antidote to anxiety?

                                Supplication – Asking God to meet your needs

                                Thanksgiving – Thanking God for everything

                Other Types of Prayer

                Praise, Intercession, Confession

                What does this passage say that the peace will do? Guard your heart.

                Against what?

V8 Thinking

                True

                Honorable

                Right

                Pure

                Lovely

                Good repute

                Excellent

                Worthy of Praise

Is this way of thinking related to V6 (Be anxious for nothing)? Both commands result in peace.

Why is it that this way of thinking gets pushed aside, and we often criticize, moan, and grumble about others?

How do you avoid the falling into the trap of a negative attitude?

V9 – Follow my example

Philippians 4:1-3

Stand Firm Thusly

3 imperatives follow - 2 of which we will consider this week.

Live in Harmony, Rejoice

Chapter 3 -  Paul talked about where his confidence rested – in Christ, not in himself.

He also urged the Philippians to follow his example (many acts including selflessness, joy, looking ahead and not behind).

Now he is saying – In light of all I have said in this letter so far, stand firm. They faced judeizers and hedonists, among other false doctrine, and they must have needed a clear direction to follow since Paul provided one for them.

How can we apply this challenge to “stand firm” today?

V2 is a challenge to live in harmony. How does standing firm and living in harmony go together?

Does standing firm mean we should dig in our heels and not compromise?

What is more important total harmony or truth in doctrine?

Philippians 3:17-21

From 2:19 through 3:16 Paul has used I 27 times, me 9 times. Just prior to this passage where he tells the Philippians to follow his example, he puts himself up as a model for them. Let’s look back over those verses and see what example behavior Paul is asking them to follow.

2:20-21 He seeks after the interests of others before his own.

2:24 He plans what he will do next.

2:25 He sent Epaphroditus to them because Epap wanted to go.

2:29 He encouraged others to hold men who deserve it in high regard.

3:1 and other places. He rejoices.

3:3-7 He counted his own efforts toward righteousness as loss

3:9 He trusted in the righteousness of Christ

3:12 He realized he is not perfect.

3:13 He presses on.

3:13 He forgets what is in the past.

3:16 He is living by the Standard of Christ

How can we observe those who walk according to the pattern we see in Paul? Does this mean to simply watch them? How close do you need to get to really see if someone is worth emulating?

Abraham Lincoln said, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.”

V18 – Paul says he is weeping over enemies of the cross of Christ.

Three characteristics mark these people. First, they give free rein to the satisfaction of their sensual appetites and do not restrain the flesh. Second, they find satisfaction and take pride in things that they do that should cause them shame. Third, they involve themselves almost totally in physical and material things, things pertaining to the present enjoyment of life, to the exclusion of spiritual matters.

Do we see these kinds of people today? What is our reaction?

Our Citizenship is in Heaven. Does that fact impact our daily lives? How?