Philippians 4 6 9 6 Do not be

Philippians 4: 6 -9 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4: 6 -9 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4: 6 -9 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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: 6 -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.

Peace in the Midst of Chaos?

These days seem to be crazy times … • Our government institutions are unpredictable… and not particularly morally driven or morally straight • Christians and The Church are suspect, ridiculed, taunted, and persecuted (mentally and physically) worldwide • News organizations are agenda-driven and no longer trustworthy

These days seem to be crazy times … • Crime and mass murders seem to be occurring at higher frequencies • Divisions within society are fostered for political gain • Neighborhoods no longer exhibit “community” • Society defines morality by online social media rather than eternal standards

At the Personal Level …Life can be Difficult and Sometimes Seems Unfair • We have fear and uncertainty in life … we can’t control circumstances, events, or people • The broken world breeds internal distress and anxiety • It can make us vulnerable to Satan’s influence • It can take away our joy

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.

Philippi Was Not an Easy Place for Christians • Philippi was a Roman colony in Paul’s time, a very prosperous and successful city located on the Via Ignatia • Many retired Roman solders lived there • The citizens were proud to be Roman citizens (Acts 16: 21), dressed like Romans, and followed Roman customs • Roman Emperor worship dominated • This was not an easy city to worship and live for Jesus • Why did Paul write what he did? What can we learn?

Galatians 5: 22 -24 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If the Holy Spirit brings joy and peace, why is this so hard for us living in this broken world? What is the peace that the Holy Spirit brings?

What Did Jesus Say About Peace? 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? John 16: 33 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. Peace comes from Jesus! – Peace DOES NOT come from the world … don’t expect it – Jesus has overcome the world => including the world’s tribulations! – So what does it mean to you that Jesus has overcome the world? ?

We Are In The Midst of Conflict All Around Us I Timothy 2: 1 -2 1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. The way we live impacts our influence with others!

We Are to be Special in the Midst of the Chaos 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. Peace is from above, not from earthly sources!

How are Peace and Justification Related? Romans 8: 5 -8 5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

How are Peace and Justification Related? Romans 14: 17 -19 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Our Purposes While on Earth • • • Love and Worship God as first priority Be in fellowship with other believers Continuously grow in spiritual maturity Be a servant to other people Be an ambassador of reconciliation What on Earth Am I Here For?

So, Let Me Try to Summarize • A Spirit-guided relationship with 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 as the world does • Jesus taught us to not expect peace from the world, we are in the world but no longer of the world • Peace is related to Biblical wisdom…respecting God and keeping his commandments

So, Let Me Try to Summarize • The worldly chaos cannot separate us from where we really belong, in a loving relationship with the Creator of the universe • God has revealed what is important for peace • The Holy Spirit is our seal and encourager until the day we are removed from these tribulations forever • Our peace is key to fulfilling our task of being ambassadors of reconciliation!

Because of this Gift of Peace We Can … 1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalms 100