Few matters should come between us, for Christ who unites us is greater than everything else.
Sermon Title: PRESCRIPTIONS FOR PEACE
Sermon Text: PHILIPPIANS 4:1-9 (ESV)
Sermon Series: PHILIPPIANS: FINDING JOY IN THE JOURNEY
By: PTR NESTOR SY
Sermon Notes:
PHILIPPIANS 4:1-9 ESV
1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 2 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.
I. REORIENT
1. Reorient with the Perspective of Heaven
PHILIPPIANS 3:20 ESV
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, MARK 9:33-34 ESV 33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” 34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. The reality of our place in God’s kingdom should make us mindful of our pettiness.
2. Reorient with the Perspective of the Church
Conflicts in the church harms the body of Christ.
MATTHEW 18:15-17 ESV
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
3. Reorient with the Perspective of Jesus
Few matters should come between us, for Christ who unites us is greater than everything else.
II. RESTORE
1. Restore your Joy
JOHN 17:13 ESV
13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. Joy is the response of a believer in the presence of something that is greater than the situation.
2. Restore your Reasonableness
reasonableness | Greek: epieikés
“seemly, equitable, yielding.”
reasonableness | Greek: epieikés
“Justice beyond ordinary justice.”
Know when to uphold justice and know when to embrace a higher standard.
3. Restore your Prayer
When conflict heats up, God is usually the last thing on our minds.
LUKE 6:27-28 ESV
27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
4. Restore your Right Thinking
Our lives move in the direction of our strongest thoughts; what we think shapes who we are.
III. RESPOND
This way of peace is beyond mere theory, it’s about living it.