Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part

Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Cultivating harmony in the Church Maintaining a spirit of joy Learning to be content Resting on a confident faith Reacting to problems w/ thankful prayer Thinking on Godly virtues Obeying God’s standard 1

Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Cultivating harmony in the Church ØThe Church should be a place where people support each other, hold each other accountable, and care for each other. 1 Thessalonians 5: 14 ØThis can only happen in an atmosphere of harmony. 2

Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Cultivating harmony in the Church ØHints of discord üPhil. 1: 27 üPhil. 2: 2 üPhil. 2: 14 3

Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Cultivating harmony in the Church ØWhat we know about Euodia & Syntyche ØChurch members not outsiders ØNot a doctrinal dispute ØWell respected prominent women ØThey were co-laborers of Paul 4

Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Cultivating harmony in the Church ØPaul’s solution is simple üLive in harmony in the Lord – of same mind ü 1 Corinthians 1: 10 ü 1 Peter 3: 8 üSphere which you find harmony – The Lord! üSuzugos – yokefellow ; common burden 5

Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Application #1 Are you the cause of any lack of harmony at PBC or in the Church? Are you willing to live in harmony in the Lord ? 6

Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Maintaining a Spirit of Joy ØStated twice for emphasis Ø“Rejoice” – continual, habitual practice ØJoy – a deep down confidence that God is in control for our good & His glory Ø“in the Lord” – Spiritual stability is directly related to how a person thinks about God. 7

Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Application #2 Are you able to rejoice in all things because of your confidence in God’s control of all things? 8