August 09, 2015 | Pat Schultz
Passage: Philippians 4:4-13
Full of Joy
1 Therefore, my brothers… stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved…
- A Brief Review of Philippians 1-3…
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Phil. 4:4
When Christ is your source of joy:
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. Phil. 4:5-7
- You will have God’s peace guarding & protecting your mind and heart.
- V. 5 – “Reasonableness” – “Gentleness” – “Considerate” – “Justice” – “Mercy”
- V. 7 – the peace of God “shall garrison and mount guard” (AMP)
“There is nothing too great for God’s power, and nothing too small for His fatherly care.” – W. Barclay
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. Phil. 4:8-9
- You will experience a vibrant relationship with the God of peace.
- V.8 – Our minds are fixed on, counting up, meditating, or deliberating something.
- V.9 – What we think about will eventually come out or our lives.
I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Phil. 4:12,13
- You will learn the secret to being content in every circumstance!
- V. 11 – Content = Satisfaction with where I am, what I have, ENOUGH
- V.13 – Strengthened = empowered or enabled by the grace of God in Christ!
Our lives will be full of Joy, when Christ is our source of Joy!