Philippians 4 4 9 4 Rejoice in the

Philippians 4: 4 -9 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4: 4 -9 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 4 -9 8 Finally, brothers, 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.

Philippians 4: 4 -9 9 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.

Finding Peace in a Turbulent World

When You Hear “Peace, ” What Do You Think Of? • • • Absence of war Harmony Agreement Calm Tranquility • • • Serenity Quiet Contentment Absence of worry Absence of anxiety

Philippians 4: 6 -9 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, 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. 9 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.

Life is Difficult and Sometimes Seems Unfair • Much is beyond our control • Events seldom turn out as we planned • We want tranquility and seldom get it – Between nations or states – Within our neighborhoods and communities – Within families – With individuals around us – Even within ourselves

Life is Difficult and Sometimes Seems Unfair • We have little or no control over conditions that cause great angst or pain – Wars and political confrontations – The economy, the stock market, our investments – Serious weather events that cause destruction…floods, hurricanes, tornadoes – Earthquakes – Lane Kiffin

We Are Even At a Loss to Control Ourselves • We have fear and uncertainty in life because of not being in control of circumstances and other people • These things breed internal distress and anxiety • Galatians 5: 22 -24 –> 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control…. . • If a fruit of the Holy Spirit is peace, why is this so hard for us? What is the peace that the Holy Spirit brings?

What Did Jesus Say About Peace? In John 14: 26 -27 26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

What Did Jesus Say About Peace? In John 16: 33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. ” • Peace comes from Jesus • Peace DOES NOT come from the world • Jesus has overcome the world –> including the world’s tribulations! • So what does it mean that Jesus has overcome? ?

We Are In The Midst of Conflict All Around Us 1 Timothy 2: 1 -2 1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Recognize that things around us can impact our Spiritual prosperity, BUT

We Are In The Midst of Conflict All Around Us James 3: 16 -18 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness

We Are In The Midst of Conflict All Around Us • Peace is from above • A pure mind a pure spirit promotes peace • Peace is NOT earthly at all

How are Peace and Justification Related? • Romans 5: 1 -5 –> justification thru Christ brings peace with God, and joy amongst tribulations because we have a relationship with the living God • Romans 8: 5 -8 –> a sinner cannot have peace, but one who sets his mind on the Spirit has peace

How are Peace and Justification Related? • Romans 8: 31 -39 –> our ultimate hope against all things is our God! And we cannot be separated from Him! • Romans 14: 17 -19 –> the Kingdom of God is what? Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit!

So, Let Me Try to Summarize • Jesus brings us peace…a peace that overcomes the tribulations of the world • Because of Jesus we have right-standing with God, without the need to struggle with legalistic lives • Jesus taught us to not expect peace from the world, we are in the world but no longer of the world • NOTHING can separate us from where we really belong, in a loving relationship with the creator of the universe • The Holy Spirit is our seal and encourager until the day we are removed from these tribulations forever

Words from a Recent Song No matter what they do My heart belongs to You I'm free Oh the hands that hold the world have set me free He has broken every chain So I lift my hands up to the One who saves