Finding Peace in a World of Stress

Philippians 4:2-9

Are You Anxious?

• Over external circumstances– Politics– Economics– War – Border Issues– Famine, floods, natural

disasters

• Personal Issues– Kids– Marital Conflicts– In-laws– Personal Finances– Job– Education– People at Work– Health

• Issues/People at Church

The Philippians Were Anxious

• Paul’s imprisonment and possible death.

• Epaphrodus’ illness• Opposition to the gospel

from unbelievers: from Jews and Gentiles

• Doctrinal factions within Christianity: Legalists, Libertines, those that preach from bad will.

• Potential persecutions: Tiberius the present ruler with Nero coming.

• Personal disputes within the body of Christ.

Paul’s Advice on Anxiety

I. When possible, deal with the cause of anxiety

II. God is Bigger than the cause of your worry.III. Transform Your Thinking

Philippians 4:2–9 (ESV)

I.When Possible, Deal With the Cause of the Anxiety.

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. 

II. God Is Bigger than the cause of your worry.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. 

III. Transform your thinking8 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. 

WHEN POSSIBLE DEAL WITH THE CAUSE OF THE WORRY Phil. 4:2-3

Deal With the problem causing anxiety

2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.– On top of all the problems from outside the church

they have a problem in the church.• We might not be able to deal with all the issues causing

anxiety from outside the church.• We can work on issues causing division in the church.

– Two good ladies are causing disunity and contention in the Church.

Encourage believers to resolve conflict

• Personal issues can cause discord. – Euodia – name means successful journey – Syntyche – Happy, Lucky

• Paul doesn’t take sides. Impartial Instruction. “Entreat” paracaleo, encourage.

• “agree in the Lord” – Christ’s example and for the sake of the body of Christ.– Philippians 2:2–4 2 complete my joy by being of the same

mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Saints may need help from saints3 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.– These ladies are not enemies of the church.

• They have a history of doing good for Christ.• They need encouragement and counseling to solve their issues.

– Their names are written in the book of life.• Roman colonies had a registry of citizens. • Phil. 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a

Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

GOD IS BIGGER THAN THE CAUSE OF YOUR ANXIETY Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice – Whatever your problem, God is Bigger

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

God is bigger than the squabbles causing internal conflicts in the church.

Phil. 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

God is bigger than external opposition.

Be Patient With Everyone5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;– “Reasonableness” Fair, kindness, gentleness, forbearance,

patience. The opposite is a spirit of contention, self-seeking, entitlements or rights.

– “The Lord is ‘near’” – A reference to the imminent return of Christ. – James 5:8–9 8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts,

for the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.

Give Your Anxieties to God6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.– “anything”– “Prayer” – general term of communication with God– “supplication” – making specific petitions– “thanksgiving” – grateful acknowledgement of past

mercies– “requests” – asking God

The Result of Prayer7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.– Replace Worry with Prayer.– Worry makes the problem causing the anxiety seem

even bigger than it is.– Prayer focuses our heart and mind on the One that is

bigger than the problem causing our worry.

TRANSFORM YOUR THINKINGPhilippians 4:8-9

Protect Your Thoughts8 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.– “whatever” – he leaves it to us– “true” – valid, honest, reliable– “Honorable” – worthy of respect– “just” – fair, equitable– “pure” – cleanness, moral purity

Protect Your Thoughts8 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.– “Lovely” – amiable, agreeable, pleasing– “commendable” – praiseworthy because it measure up to

the highest standard– What is excellent, worthy of praise? You decide, but think

of these things.

Follow Paul’s Example9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.•Put it into practice.– Paul Rejoiced in spite of hardship, Rejoice.– Paul replaced worry with prayer, do the same.– Paul transformed his thinking, transform yours.– Result – The God of peace will give you peace.

May Your Anxieties be Fewand God’s Peace be With You

Always.