WEBVTT 00:00:00.480 --> 00:00:06.799 The scripture reading comes from Philippians chapter 4 verse 1 to 9. 00:00:07.440 --> 00:00:10.900 Please follow along on the screen or on your Bible. 00:00:15.900 --> 00:00:27.100 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 00:00:27.100 --> 00:00:33.320 I entreat you, O dear, and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 00:00:34.160 --> 00:00:52.120 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. 00:00:52.119 --> 00:00:55.799 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:00:56.739 --> 00:00:59.579 Again, I will say, rejoice. 00:01:00.719 --> 00:01:03.939 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:07.000 The Lord is at hand. 00:01:08.060 --> 00:01:10.519 Do not be anxious about anything. 00:01:10.519 --> 00:01:20.619 But in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 00:01:21.479 --> 00:01:30.920 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 00:01:30.920 --> 00:01:47.200 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable. 00:01:47.859 --> 00:01:55.480 If there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 00:01:55.480 --> 00:02:02.800 What you have learned and received and heard and sent in me, practice these things. 00:02:03.540 --> 00:02:06.400 And the God of peace will be with you. 00:02:06.900 --> 00:02:07.260 Amen. 00:02:07.260 --> 00:02:12.500 Thank you so much, Iris. 00:02:13.400 --> 00:02:17.159 It's great to see all of you virtually. 00:02:17.539 --> 00:02:20.960 At the moment, we would love to be back together physically. 00:02:21.360 --> 00:02:30.020 But as you're online and in your home, wherever you are, I'd love you just to pray right now for God's word to really engage in our hearts. 00:02:30.120 --> 00:02:31.640 So let's bow your heads and pray. 00:02:31.639 --> 00:02:37.359 Father, just thank you that you are an incredible God. 00:02:38.179 --> 00:02:40.099 That you're the God of all the universe. 00:02:41.039 --> 00:02:44.299 And yet you're the God who wants to be with us and to bring us peace. 00:02:45.319 --> 00:02:49.099 I pray, Lord, right now, Lord, many of us are in totally different circumstances. 00:02:49.319 --> 00:02:51.500 Some of us feel very stressed. 00:02:51.599 --> 00:02:52.579 Some of us feel worried. 00:02:52.719 --> 00:02:54.159 Some of us feel all over the place. 00:02:54.159 --> 00:02:57.280 But, Lord, we pray right now you'd center our hearts on you. 00:02:57.740 --> 00:03:02.719 That your word would get into the depths of our souls and would bring joy this morning. 00:03:02.979 --> 00:03:03.699 Joy in you. 00:03:03.900 --> 00:03:05.560 So I pray, Lord, take your word. 00:03:06.180 --> 00:03:10.900 Take away my words and let you speak through what we say this morning. 00:03:11.120 --> 00:03:13.460 For the name and the glory of Jesus. 00:03:14.180 --> 00:03:14.500 Amen. 00:03:16.000 --> 00:03:16.400 Great. 00:03:16.560 --> 00:03:18.079 If you don't know me, my name is Chris. 00:03:18.180 --> 00:03:19.759 I'm one of the leaders here today. 00:03:19.759 --> 00:03:25.099 And we've been looking at this series in Philippians over the last few weeks. 00:03:26.099 --> 00:03:30.139 Now, for me, I've been in Hong Kong for nine years. 00:03:31.039 --> 00:03:35.479 And Hong Kong is one of the most incredible cities in the world. 00:03:35.599 --> 00:03:37.359 It is beautiful in scenery. 00:03:37.579 --> 00:03:38.219 It's modern. 00:03:38.399 --> 00:03:39.180 It's efficient. 00:03:39.799 --> 00:03:41.840 It's an extraordinary city. 00:03:41.840 --> 00:03:50.500 But if there's any word that I would say doesn't describe Hong Kong, it would be the word peace. 00:03:51.640 --> 00:03:53.939 And maybe also the word joy. 00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:59.879 Because, you see, in Hong Kong, we're a hurried, anxious, stressed people. 00:04:00.460 --> 00:04:07.560 And there's also so much division and conflict that has been taking place particularly over the last year or so. 00:04:07.560 --> 00:04:15.879 And so this passage is, we're going to look at with Paul writing to a pressured, anxious people. 00:04:16.379 --> 00:04:19.660 And he's going to take them through in the first two to three verses. 00:04:19.819 --> 00:04:25.279 He's going to look at dealing with some relational, bringing relational peace to people. 00:04:25.680 --> 00:04:27.399 And then he makes a promise. 00:04:27.699 --> 00:04:31.879 In verse 7, he says, the peace of God will be with you. 00:04:31.879 --> 00:04:37.519 And then he says in verse 9, the God of peace will be with you. 00:04:37.680 --> 00:04:41.959 This passage is a promise of peace. 00:04:42.219 --> 00:04:47.779 Not just to the Philippians, but to us, right where we are, right today, whatever circumstances you're in. 00:04:48.120 --> 00:04:57.420 God wants us, as his people, to be a people who love and walk in peace, no matter what our circumstances are. 00:04:57.420 --> 00:05:05.000 So, the question we're going to look at is, how do we get to be a people of peace this morning? 00:05:05.879 --> 00:05:11.040 Well, maybe let's just first start thinking about what actually is peace in the Bible. 00:05:11.660 --> 00:05:12.840 Well, let me tell you what it isn't. 00:05:13.259 --> 00:05:17.480 It isn't just being chilled out and having a laid-back personality. 00:05:18.600 --> 00:05:23.639 Because often people who are very laid-back can struggle to really care about the real realities of life. 00:05:23.720 --> 00:05:24.520 They just want to chill. 00:05:24.519 --> 00:05:29.419 Whereas, it's also not just going on a staycation without your kids. 00:05:29.639 --> 00:05:34.299 Because when you come back from staycation, the stress just comes again. 00:05:35.620 --> 00:05:39.659 You see, biblical peace is actually upward, inward, and outward. 00:05:40.500 --> 00:05:44.159 In the upward, the gospel promise here, you notice it says, 00:05:45.000 --> 00:05:47.599 the peace of God will be with you. 00:05:47.639 --> 00:05:52.259 But it's only experienced when you have the God of peace who is with you. 00:05:52.259 --> 00:05:55.240 In other words, Romans 5 says this, 00:05:55.939 --> 00:06:01.279 therefore, since we've been justified by faith, we have peace with God. 00:06:01.480 --> 00:06:06.279 This first peace is a God peace because of Jesus' death on the cross. 00:06:06.699 --> 00:06:10.800 We are no longer his enemies, but we're reconciled in relationship with him. 00:06:11.740 --> 00:06:12.519 We're his. 00:06:12.519 --> 00:06:19.479 And that peace with God then leads to the inward peace. 00:06:19.919 --> 00:06:24.939 A calm, confident trust in God where in your soul, 00:06:25.000 --> 00:06:27.699 it doesn't matter if the storms of life are going crazy, 00:06:27.939 --> 00:06:30.199 you know that God has got you. 00:06:30.399 --> 00:06:31.500 You know that you're his. 00:06:31.699 --> 00:06:32.759 You know he'll provide. 00:06:33.139 --> 00:06:36.259 You know that he is the one who anchors and holds you. 00:06:36.259 --> 00:06:40.959 And he says it surpasses understanding this peace 00:06:40.959 --> 00:06:43.680 because it's not what goes on in your brain 00:06:43.680 --> 00:06:48.839 that you're planning to try and fix your circumstances that's going to get it. 00:06:48.959 --> 00:06:52.680 It's a peace which has gone from here and it's gone down deep into here. 00:06:54.379 --> 00:06:57.759 You see, you need upward peace to get inward peace, 00:06:58.199 --> 00:07:00.439 but then that leads to outward peace. 00:07:01.539 --> 00:07:04.480 You see, that's relational peace with others. 00:07:04.480 --> 00:07:09.780 You don't have to prove yourself or fight to win in the argument 00:07:09.780 --> 00:07:13.020 because the peace of God leads us, 00:07:13.280 --> 00:07:17.400 and our reconciliation with God leads us to seek to reconcile with others 00:07:17.400 --> 00:07:20.160 and to lay down our rights and our interests. 00:07:22.520 --> 00:07:28.340 You see, Paul says here that the peace of God, 00:07:28.920 --> 00:07:30.200 upward, inward, outward, 00:07:30.800 --> 00:07:33.340 will guard your hearts 00:07:33.339 --> 00:07:35.139 and minds 00:07:35.139 --> 00:07:35.159 and minds 00:07:35.159 --> 00:07:36.560 in Christ. 00:07:36.839 --> 00:07:37.579 That word guard, 00:07:37.839 --> 00:07:41.419 it's the word which means to act like a security guard. 00:07:42.060 --> 00:07:42.239 You know, 00:07:42.879 --> 00:07:44.399 I don't know if you remember, 00:07:44.519 --> 00:07:46.379 back in 9-11, 00:07:46.479 --> 00:07:47.239 just after 9-11, 00:07:47.339 --> 00:07:48.979 I went to Los Angeles airport. 00:07:50.099 --> 00:07:52.139 And the security there 00:07:52.139 --> 00:07:53.939 was just insane. 00:07:54.319 --> 00:07:54.559 It was, 00:07:54.639 --> 00:07:56.219 you could hardly move one meter 00:07:56.219 --> 00:07:57.679 without someone asking for your ID, 00:07:57.819 --> 00:07:58.620 trying to get past it. 00:07:58.620 --> 00:08:00.780 It was just almost impossible to get through. 00:08:02.100 --> 00:08:03.420 And Paul is saying, 00:08:03.740 --> 00:08:04.579 in your heart 00:08:04.579 --> 00:08:05.840 and in your heart 00:08:05.840 --> 00:08:06.740 and in your mind, 00:08:07.540 --> 00:08:08.720 the peace 00:08:08.720 --> 00:08:10.259 of God 00:08:10.259 --> 00:08:12.019 is meant to be like security guards 00:08:12.019 --> 00:08:13.459 guarding your heart 00:08:13.459 --> 00:08:15.560 to keep it trusting in Christ. 00:08:16.439 --> 00:08:16.780 You see, 00:08:16.959 --> 00:08:18.280 you hear you're getting fired 00:08:18.280 --> 00:08:20.000 and worry comes along saying, 00:08:20.300 --> 00:08:20.500 oh, 00:08:20.600 --> 00:08:21.519 what about the future? 00:08:21.620 --> 00:08:22.660 And the peace of God says, 00:08:22.720 --> 00:08:23.540 let me see your ID, 00:08:23.699 --> 00:08:23.879 worry. 00:08:23.879 --> 00:08:27.319 You see all your friends 00:08:27.319 --> 00:08:27.980 are getting married 00:08:27.980 --> 00:08:29.040 and you're still single 00:08:29.040 --> 00:08:30.560 and fear of missing out 00:08:30.560 --> 00:08:31.360 comes to you 00:08:31.360 --> 00:08:31.879 and says, 00:08:31.959 --> 00:08:32.939 you should worry now. 00:08:33.179 --> 00:08:35.200 But the peace of God says, 00:08:35.980 --> 00:08:36.919 no entry, 00:08:37.139 --> 00:08:37.580 FOMO. 00:08:39.340 --> 00:08:40.360 You've been hurt. 00:08:40.600 --> 00:08:41.659 Resentment and bitterness 00:08:41.659 --> 00:08:43.939 are eating away at heart. 00:08:44.039 --> 00:08:45.720 They're trying to get into your heart 00:08:45.720 --> 00:08:46.840 and the peace of God says, 00:08:46.939 --> 00:08:48.080 access denied. 00:08:49.279 --> 00:08:51.259 That's what peace is. 00:08:51.500 --> 00:08:52.899 Peace is like a ballast. 00:08:52.899 --> 00:08:54.000 A ballast is what? 00:08:54.079 --> 00:08:54.840 It's the heavy weight 00:08:54.840 --> 00:08:55.840 you put in a boat 00:08:55.840 --> 00:08:57.340 which no matter whether 00:08:57.340 --> 00:08:59.600 the waves are pounding away, 00:08:59.759 --> 00:09:01.139 it keeps that boat 00:09:01.139 --> 00:09:03.159 rock solid and steady. 00:09:03.259 --> 00:09:04.500 It's not going to capsize. 00:09:05.579 --> 00:09:07.120 That's what the peace of God 00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:08.059 wants to do 00:09:08.059 --> 00:09:09.639 in us as a community. 00:09:11.439 --> 00:09:13.539 Do you want that kind of peace 00:09:13.539 --> 00:09:14.480 in your heart 00:09:14.480 --> 00:09:15.559 and in your relationships? 00:09:16.899 --> 00:09:17.039 Well, 00:09:17.059 --> 00:09:18.279 Paul is going to show us 00:09:18.279 --> 00:09:20.340 how do we get to take hold 00:09:20.340 --> 00:09:21.179 of that peace. 00:09:21.179 --> 00:09:23.959 So if we remember 00:09:23.959 --> 00:09:25.439 over the last three chapters 00:09:25.439 --> 00:09:27.019 in the book of Philippians, 00:09:27.779 --> 00:09:29.859 Paul has been writing 00:09:29.859 --> 00:09:31.039 to anxious, 00:09:31.399 --> 00:09:32.079 in anxious, 00:09:32.279 --> 00:09:32.899 troubling times. 00:09:33.059 --> 00:09:34.019 Paul's in prison 00:09:34.019 --> 00:09:35.399 because of the gospel 00:09:35.399 --> 00:09:37.779 and he's awaiting trial 00:09:37.779 --> 00:09:38.919 and possible execution. 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:40.879 The Philippian church 00:09:40.879 --> 00:09:42.099 have been under pressure 00:09:42.099 --> 00:09:43.219 from outside 00:09:43.219 --> 00:09:44.779 and there are relational 00:09:44.779 --> 00:09:46.919 tensions inside the church. 00:09:47.859 --> 00:09:48.919 Paul has told the Philippians, 00:09:48.919 --> 00:09:49.639 guys, 00:09:49.799 --> 00:09:51.039 we're on the same team. 00:09:51.199 --> 00:09:51.979 We're united 00:09:51.979 --> 00:09:52.899 with our minds 00:09:52.899 --> 00:09:53.819 set on Christ, 00:09:54.179 --> 00:09:55.079 putting him 00:09:55.079 --> 00:09:56.819 and others' interests 00:09:56.819 --> 00:09:57.679 before our own. 00:09:57.860 --> 00:09:58.459 We're going to follow 00:09:58.459 --> 00:10:00.019 and imitate the J-curve 00:10:00.019 --> 00:10:00.979 where the way down 00:10:00.979 --> 00:10:02.360 is the way to life. 00:10:02.579 --> 00:10:03.939 The way of dying to self 00:10:03.939 --> 00:10:06.139 is the way to resurrection power. 00:10:06.519 --> 00:10:07.559 We put our hope 00:10:07.559 --> 00:10:08.319 and our minds 00:10:08.319 --> 00:10:09.599 on knowing Christ, 00:10:09.740 --> 00:10:11.139 heading towards that goal. 00:10:11.419 --> 00:10:12.919 It's been inspirational stuff. 00:10:12.980 --> 00:10:14.019 It's been a great sermon 00:10:14.019 --> 00:10:15.019 Paul has been preaching 00:10:15.019 --> 00:10:16.079 and you'd have thought 00:10:16.079 --> 00:10:17.019 that would be enough 00:10:17.019 --> 00:10:17.819 for the Philippians to go, 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:19.460 great, we've got peace now. 00:10:21.340 --> 00:10:22.220 But Paul says, 00:10:22.319 --> 00:10:23.419 no, gospel preaching, 00:10:23.559 --> 00:10:24.579 even reading scripture 00:10:24.579 --> 00:10:25.620 or spiritual disciplines, 00:10:25.759 --> 00:10:26.720 though they are vital 00:10:26.720 --> 00:10:27.779 in the Christian life, 00:10:28.199 --> 00:10:28.860 Paul says, 00:10:29.120 --> 00:10:30.100 first of all, 00:10:30.740 --> 00:10:31.419 that if we're to be 00:10:31.419 --> 00:10:32.740 a people marinated 00:10:32.740 --> 00:10:34.100 in peace, 00:10:34.480 --> 00:10:36.360 we've got to take hold 00:10:36.360 --> 00:10:37.699 of the first path of peace 00:10:37.699 --> 00:10:38.220 which is, 00:10:38.559 --> 00:10:39.399 we need to walk 00:10:39.399 --> 00:10:40.559 that path together. 00:10:41.240 --> 00:10:42.460 This is verse 2 and 3. 00:10:42.460 --> 00:10:44.540 For Ahir, 00:10:44.780 --> 00:10:46.160 he gets specific 00:10:46.160 --> 00:10:47.259 and he names 00:10:47.259 --> 00:10:49.200 Euodia and Syntyche, 00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:50.360 two women 00:10:50.360 --> 00:10:51.759 who aren't getting on 00:10:51.759 --> 00:10:52.400 with each other. 00:10:52.700 --> 00:10:53.639 And we don't know 00:10:53.639 --> 00:10:54.700 exactly why, 00:10:54.960 --> 00:10:55.759 but it seems to be 00:10:55.759 --> 00:10:58.259 not a major sin issue 00:10:58.259 --> 00:10:59.259 because he doesn't 00:10:59.259 --> 00:10:59.980 rebuke them, 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:01.000 but it seems to be 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:02.720 a preference issue. 00:11:02.960 --> 00:11:03.160 Like, 00:11:03.400 --> 00:11:04.480 I like hymns, 00:11:04.700 --> 00:11:05.820 she likes rock music, 00:11:06.040 --> 00:11:07.060 we don't get on. 00:11:08.440 --> 00:11:09.879 But why does he name 00:11:09.879 --> 00:11:11.540 Euodia and Syntyche? 00:11:11.539 --> 00:11:12.919 And entreat them, 00:11:13.360 --> 00:11:14.079 urge them. 00:11:14.819 --> 00:11:15.159 You see, 00:11:15.339 --> 00:11:16.339 what he's saying is, 00:11:16.599 --> 00:11:17.679 this kind of conflict 00:11:17.679 --> 00:11:18.839 in the church 00:11:18.839 --> 00:11:22.259 is an issue. 00:11:22.819 --> 00:11:23.360 He's saying, 00:11:23.679 --> 00:11:25.339 don't let conflict 00:11:25.339 --> 00:11:26.579 just fester 00:11:26.579 --> 00:11:28.459 like an open wound. 00:11:28.759 --> 00:11:29.219 It says, 00:11:29.319 --> 00:11:30.459 it may not feel like 00:11:30.459 --> 00:11:31.759 it's a massive deal 00:11:31.759 --> 00:11:32.939 for these two women 00:11:32.939 --> 00:11:33.719 not to be talking 00:11:33.719 --> 00:11:34.419 to each other, 00:11:34.559 --> 00:11:35.500 but there is a lack 00:11:35.500 --> 00:11:36.439 of peace here. 00:11:37.480 --> 00:11:38.360 And so he says, 00:11:38.519 --> 00:11:39.719 agree in the Lord, 00:11:39.720 --> 00:11:40.620 which doesn't mean 00:11:40.620 --> 00:11:41.960 have all the same opinions, 00:11:42.320 --> 00:11:43.000 but it means 00:11:43.000 --> 00:11:44.580 live in a harmony 00:11:44.580 --> 00:11:45.720 in Christ. 00:11:46.100 --> 00:11:46.940 Make Jesus 00:11:46.940 --> 00:11:47.779 and his honour 00:11:47.779 --> 00:11:48.379 and the gospel 00:11:48.379 --> 00:11:49.399 and your mission together 00:11:49.399 --> 00:11:50.420 more important 00:11:50.420 --> 00:11:51.779 than being right 00:11:51.779 --> 00:11:52.960 or getting your own way. 00:11:53.980 --> 00:11:54.779 Because you're on 00:11:54.779 --> 00:11:55.680 the same team 00:11:55.680 --> 00:11:57.040 and your fighting 00:11:57.040 --> 00:11:57.680 is like trying to 00:11:57.680 --> 00:11:58.519 punch yourself 00:11:58.519 --> 00:11:59.399 in the face. 00:11:59.960 --> 00:12:00.820 It harms you 00:12:00.820 --> 00:12:01.899 and it harms the gospel. 00:12:03.720 --> 00:12:04.540 But then he says, 00:12:04.800 --> 00:12:05.000 okay, 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:06.600 let's deal with this. 00:12:06.700 --> 00:12:07.340 But then he says, 00:12:08.039 --> 00:12:09.279 true companion, 00:12:09.860 --> 00:12:11.159 help these women. 00:12:11.720 --> 00:12:12.360 And we don't know 00:12:12.360 --> 00:12:12.919 exactly who 00:12:12.919 --> 00:12:13.919 this true companion is. 00:12:13.980 --> 00:12:14.440 Some people think 00:12:14.440 --> 00:12:14.899 it's Luke. 00:12:15.500 --> 00:12:17.059 But what he's saying 00:12:17.059 --> 00:12:17.700 is, 00:12:18.500 --> 00:12:20.159 you're not just 00:12:20.159 --> 00:12:20.700 going to do this 00:12:20.700 --> 00:12:21.580 by yourselves. 00:12:22.539 --> 00:12:22.740 You know, 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:24.139 I can tell you 00:12:24.139 --> 00:12:26.419 we need community 00:12:26.419 --> 00:12:27.519 to help us 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:28.779 in our relationships 00:12:28.779 --> 00:12:29.799 and to have peace 00:12:29.799 --> 00:12:31.179 internally as well. 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:32.139 I can't tell you 00:12:32.139 --> 00:12:33.200 how many marriages, 00:12:33.200 --> 00:12:35.379 how many family relationships, 00:12:35.580 --> 00:12:37.140 how many CGs and churches 00:12:37.140 --> 00:12:38.280 are divided 00:12:38.280 --> 00:12:39.379 and have issues 00:12:39.379 --> 00:12:40.180 and flounder 00:12:40.180 --> 00:12:40.860 because we've either 00:12:40.860 --> 00:12:42.080 brushed conflict 00:12:42.080 --> 00:12:42.980 under the carpet 00:12:42.980 --> 00:12:44.480 and tried to avoid 00:12:44.480 --> 00:12:45.620 talking about it 00:12:45.620 --> 00:12:47.080 or because we're 00:12:47.080 --> 00:12:47.920 so independent 00:12:47.920 --> 00:12:48.700 and private 00:12:48.700 --> 00:12:49.379 and fearful 00:12:49.379 --> 00:12:50.060 of what others 00:12:50.060 --> 00:12:51.320 will think about us 00:12:51.320 --> 00:12:53.980 that we haven't 00:12:53.980 --> 00:12:55.220 invited anybody in 00:12:55.220 --> 00:12:55.860 to help us 00:12:55.860 --> 00:12:56.360 on the journey 00:12:56.360 --> 00:12:57.420 to peace together. 00:12:59.240 --> 00:12:59.900 You see, 00:13:00.720 --> 00:13:01.300 privacy 00:13:01.299 --> 00:13:03.279 kills peace 00:13:03.279 --> 00:13:05.459 because it leaves you 00:13:05.459 --> 00:13:06.939 wrestling with your issues 00:13:06.939 --> 00:13:07.979 in isolation 00:13:07.979 --> 00:13:10.159 without other 00:13:10.159 --> 00:13:11.139 mature believers 00:13:11.139 --> 00:13:12.579 that God has placed there 00:13:12.579 --> 00:13:13.819 to help you walk 00:13:13.819 --> 00:13:14.519 on that path 00:13:14.519 --> 00:13:15.419 towards peace. 00:13:16.299 --> 00:13:17.559 So let me encourage you. 00:13:17.639 --> 00:13:18.159 I don't know where 00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:18.659 you're up to 00:13:18.659 --> 00:13:20.179 but if you are going through 00:13:20.179 --> 00:13:22.219 any either relational issues 00:13:22.219 --> 00:13:23.219 or just anxiousness 00:13:23.939 --> 00:13:25.079 in your own soul 00:13:25.079 --> 00:13:25.899 right now, 00:13:26.839 --> 00:13:28.719 don't walk it alone. 00:13:29.420 --> 00:13:30.440 Talk to a member 00:13:30.440 --> 00:13:31.160 of your CG. 00:13:31.600 --> 00:13:32.460 Come and talk to a member 00:13:32.460 --> 00:13:33.600 of staff or an elder. 00:13:33.980 --> 00:13:35.440 We want to walk it together 00:13:35.440 --> 00:13:36.759 because the way of peace 00:13:36.759 --> 00:13:38.420 is a communal journey. 00:13:39.160 --> 00:13:40.180 That's the first thing. 00:13:40.399 --> 00:13:41.560 The first path to peace 00:13:41.560 --> 00:13:42.560 is walk together. 00:13:43.440 --> 00:13:45.700 Second path to peace 00:13:45.700 --> 00:13:48.220 is this in verse 4. 00:13:48.680 --> 00:13:49.100 He says, 00:13:49.240 --> 00:13:50.899 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:51.840 Again, I'll say it. 00:13:51.980 --> 00:13:52.460 Rejoice. 00:13:53.500 --> 00:13:55.259 Did you get what he said there? 00:13:55.259 --> 00:13:56.960 He said, 00:13:57.279 --> 00:13:59.139 In the midst of all the challenges, 00:13:59.399 --> 00:14:00.980 everything you're facing right now, 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:04.039 rejoice in the Lord always. 00:14:05.019 --> 00:14:06.019 In Greek, 00:14:06.279 --> 00:14:07.480 the word always 00:14:07.480 --> 00:14:09.419 means always. 00:14:10.799 --> 00:14:13.259 And you just received 00:14:13.259 --> 00:14:15.000 a harsh text from your boss. 00:14:15.700 --> 00:14:16.259 Rejoice. 00:14:16.819 --> 00:14:18.039 Your spouse just left 00:14:18.039 --> 00:14:19.179 the towel on the floor 00:14:19.179 --> 00:14:20.419 for the thousandth time. 00:14:21.039 --> 00:14:21.639 Rejoice. 00:14:22.279 --> 00:14:23.539 Your economy is collapsing. 00:14:24.039 --> 00:14:25.519 Your work is on the line. 00:14:25.740 --> 00:14:26.519 You're fearful about 00:14:26.519 --> 00:14:27.659 the future of politics. 00:14:28.099 --> 00:14:28.500 Rejoice. 00:14:30.879 --> 00:14:31.779 And inside, 00:14:31.899 --> 00:14:32.559 aren't we going, 00:14:33.120 --> 00:14:33.319 Paul, 00:14:33.419 --> 00:14:35.240 what planet are you on? 00:14:35.579 --> 00:14:36.319 Could you just get 00:14:36.319 --> 00:14:38.500 a little bit of a reality check here? 00:14:40.059 --> 00:14:41.379 And Paul anticipates 00:14:41.379 --> 00:14:43.179 our kind of natural objection 00:14:43.179 --> 00:14:43.899 in our heart 00:14:43.899 --> 00:14:44.599 and he goes, 00:14:44.759 --> 00:14:45.120 No, no, no. 00:14:45.179 --> 00:14:46.059 Did you hear what I said? 00:14:46.179 --> 00:14:47.579 No, let me say it again to you 00:14:47.579 --> 00:14:48.519 if you're wondering. 00:14:49.419 --> 00:14:49.819 Rejoice. 00:14:49.820 --> 00:14:49.940 Rejoice. 00:14:51.520 --> 00:14:52.220 You see, 00:14:52.820 --> 00:14:54.900 this is not a suggestion. 00:14:55.980 --> 00:14:57.440 This is a command. 00:14:58.600 --> 00:14:59.840 And with commands, 00:15:00.080 --> 00:15:01.120 you're not meant to go, 00:15:01.280 --> 00:15:02.120 Oh, that sounds 00:15:02.120 --> 00:15:03.040 a little bit difficult. 00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:04.860 Maybe I'll just give 00:15:04.860 --> 00:15:05.680 that one a miss. 00:15:06.280 --> 00:15:07.379 No, commands, 00:15:07.540 --> 00:15:08.720 you're meant to obey them. 00:15:09.060 --> 00:15:10.640 Commands are not optional. 00:15:12.000 --> 00:15:13.100 And so Jesus, 00:15:13.360 --> 00:15:14.100 what he's saying is, 00:15:14.380 --> 00:15:16.440 Jesus calls every Christian 00:15:16.440 --> 00:15:18.220 to a life of joy. 00:15:18.220 --> 00:15:20.440 It's one of the chief markers 00:15:20.440 --> 00:15:22.100 of the Christian life. 00:15:22.180 --> 00:15:23.600 It's the pathway to peace. 00:15:24.139 --> 00:15:25.180 Romans 14 says, 00:15:25.480 --> 00:15:25.899 Paul goes, 00:15:26.519 --> 00:15:27.740 The kingdom of God 00:15:27.740 --> 00:15:29.399 is not about external things 00:15:29.399 --> 00:15:30.580 like eating and drinking. 00:15:31.080 --> 00:15:32.779 It's a matter of peace 00:15:32.779 --> 00:15:33.820 and joy 00:15:33.820 --> 00:15:35.200 in the Holy Spirit. 00:15:36.500 --> 00:15:37.620 This is what it's about. 00:15:39.320 --> 00:15:39.740 You see, 00:15:41.960 --> 00:15:43.879 what is joy really, 00:15:44.120 --> 00:15:45.420 what is he talking about here? 00:15:45.419 --> 00:15:45.879 Well, 00:15:45.919 --> 00:15:47.419 what he's not talking about 00:15:47.419 --> 00:15:48.959 is going around 00:15:48.959 --> 00:15:50.379 with a fake smile 00:15:50.379 --> 00:15:51.120 on your face, 00:15:51.479 --> 00:15:53.219 pretending that everything's fine 00:15:53.219 --> 00:15:54.259 when everything else 00:15:54.259 --> 00:15:55.639 is collapsing around you. 00:15:56.740 --> 00:15:57.099 You know, 00:15:57.159 --> 00:15:58.399 we should feel sorrow 00:15:58.399 --> 00:16:00.159 when we lose a loved one 00:16:00.159 --> 00:16:01.360 or when there is pain 00:16:01.360 --> 00:16:01.959 and difficulty 00:16:01.959 --> 00:16:03.500 in circumstances. 00:16:04.459 --> 00:16:05.939 We should feel grief 00:16:05.939 --> 00:16:07.579 when Liverpool lose 00:16:07.579 --> 00:16:08.740 in the Champions League. 00:16:08.839 --> 00:16:09.579 That is right 00:16:09.579 --> 00:16:10.379 and appropriate. 00:16:10.379 --> 00:16:13.539 But, 00:16:13.700 --> 00:16:15.279 some people are thinking 00:16:15.279 --> 00:16:15.939 that's joy, 00:16:16.100 --> 00:16:17.840 but we need to correct that. 00:16:18.600 --> 00:16:20.460 But so often, 00:16:21.480 --> 00:16:21.679 you know, 00:16:21.720 --> 00:16:22.720 and I've experienced this, 00:16:22.779 --> 00:16:23.480 many Christians, 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:24.600 when you're feeling down, 00:16:24.679 --> 00:16:25.840 when you're feeling miserable, 00:16:26.700 --> 00:16:28.460 I've had so many come to me 00:16:28.460 --> 00:16:28.559 and say, 00:16:28.639 --> 00:16:29.919 I don't really want to go to church 00:16:29.919 --> 00:16:30.980 and engage with community 00:16:30.980 --> 00:16:31.759 because I think 00:16:31.759 --> 00:16:33.379 I'm just going to be a hypocrite 00:16:33.379 --> 00:16:34.139 singing songs 00:16:34.139 --> 00:16:35.340 and those kind of things. 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:36.500 Because we're supposed 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:37.159 to be happy, 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:37.440 right, 00:16:37.440 --> 00:16:38.000 as Christians. 00:16:38.000 --> 00:16:40.299 But the thing is, 00:16:40.360 --> 00:16:42.320 we've got the total wrong idea 00:16:42.320 --> 00:16:43.320 of what joy is meant 00:16:43.320 --> 00:16:44.279 to be about here. 00:16:44.799 --> 00:16:45.759 In 2 Corinthians, 00:16:45.960 --> 00:16:46.700 Paul can say, 00:16:47.159 --> 00:16:48.600 I'm sorrowful, 00:16:49.080 --> 00:16:50.799 but I'm always rejoicing. 00:16:51.240 --> 00:16:51.580 You see, 00:16:51.639 --> 00:16:53.059 you can have sorrow and joy 00:16:53.059 --> 00:16:54.159 at the same time. 00:16:54.840 --> 00:16:55.639 Christians should be 00:16:55.639 --> 00:16:56.919 the most real people 00:16:56.919 --> 00:16:57.980 in the world, 00:16:58.600 --> 00:17:00.340 not denying our feelings. 00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:02.559 But what is joy? 00:17:02.620 --> 00:17:03.519 If that's what it's not, 00:17:03.600 --> 00:17:04.359 what is it? 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:05.440 Well, 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:07.140 the most simple thing 00:17:07.140 --> 00:17:07.799 we can say is, 00:17:07.799 --> 00:17:09.019 joy is a feeling 00:17:09.019 --> 00:17:10.079 or a state of happiness. 00:17:11.279 --> 00:17:11.919 In scripture, 00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:13.159 you can feel joy 00:17:13.159 --> 00:17:14.200 because of a good meal, 00:17:14.700 --> 00:17:15.859 seeing friends again 00:17:15.859 --> 00:17:17.000 like Epaphroditus. 00:17:17.539 --> 00:17:19.079 You can even feel joy, 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:19.819 rejoice, 00:17:20.399 --> 00:17:21.599 getting your own way. 00:17:21.700 --> 00:17:23.220 The Pharisees rejoiced 00:17:23.220 --> 00:17:25.859 when Judas betrayed Jesus. 00:17:26.779 --> 00:17:27.779 So you don't even need 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:28.599 to be a Christian 00:17:28.599 --> 00:17:29.879 to rejoice. 00:17:30.720 --> 00:17:32.579 But there is something unique 00:17:32.579 --> 00:17:33.960 about Christian, 00:17:34.359 --> 00:17:35.740 biblical joy, 00:17:35.740 --> 00:17:36.220 joy, 00:17:36.220 --> 00:17:37.599 which is it's not determined 00:17:37.599 --> 00:17:39.480 by your circumstances. 00:17:41.039 --> 00:17:41.339 You know, 00:17:41.440 --> 00:17:42.579 you can rejoice 00:17:42.579 --> 00:17:44.160 when you're in prison 00:17:44.160 --> 00:17:44.940 like Paul 00:17:44.940 --> 00:17:46.759 or when you've just been beaten 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:48.059 like the apostles 00:17:48.059 --> 00:17:49.480 in Acts 5. 00:17:50.180 --> 00:17:51.359 It's a Christian joy. 00:17:51.620 --> 00:17:52.539 It's not primarily 00:17:52.539 --> 00:17:54.019 joy in circumstances, 00:17:54.019 --> 00:17:55.259 it's joy in Jesus. 00:17:57.460 --> 00:17:58.440 And so that means 00:17:58.440 --> 00:17:59.180 there's two things 00:17:59.180 --> 00:17:59.980 that joy is, 00:18:00.700 --> 00:18:01.620 and rejoicing. 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:03.559 Joy is both a gift 00:18:03.559 --> 00:18:04.799 and a fight. 00:18:05.379 --> 00:18:06.419 It is both 00:18:06.419 --> 00:18:08.500 a fruit of the spirit 00:18:08.500 --> 00:18:10.139 and a choice 00:18:10.139 --> 00:18:11.200 of focus. 00:18:11.879 --> 00:18:12.419 So let me think 00:18:12.419 --> 00:18:12.960 of the first one. 00:18:13.079 --> 00:18:14.159 Why is it a gift? 00:18:16.159 --> 00:18:17.419 Have you ever 00:18:17.419 --> 00:18:18.259 tried 00:18:18.259 --> 00:18:19.119 to command 00:18:19.119 --> 00:18:20.119 a feeling? 00:18:21.579 --> 00:18:21.899 Okay, 00:18:22.039 --> 00:18:22.779 you've just heard 00:18:22.779 --> 00:18:23.819 you failed an exam. 00:18:24.119 --> 00:18:25.139 Now be happy! 00:18:26.039 --> 00:18:26.279 Okay? 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:27.679 It doesn't work right. 00:18:27.740 --> 00:18:28.259 You can't just 00:18:28.259 --> 00:18:29.279 switch on 00:18:29.279 --> 00:18:29.859 and off 00:18:29.859 --> 00:18:30.579 your emotions. 00:18:30.579 --> 00:18:32.939 That's why 00:18:32.939 --> 00:18:34.500 this kind of rejoicing 00:18:34.500 --> 00:18:35.240 is a fruit 00:18:35.240 --> 00:18:36.079 of the spirit 00:18:36.079 --> 00:18:37.059 because 00:18:37.059 --> 00:18:39.299 it is the Holy Spirit 00:18:39.299 --> 00:18:41.019 opening your eyes 00:18:41.019 --> 00:18:41.859 to see 00:18:41.859 --> 00:18:43.099 the beauty of Jesus 00:18:43.099 --> 00:18:44.759 right where you are. 00:18:46.419 --> 00:18:46.659 You see, 00:18:46.740 --> 00:18:47.299 I've just talked 00:18:47.299 --> 00:18:48.000 to a couple people 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:50.000 even in this past week 00:18:50.000 --> 00:18:50.779 who are going through 00:18:50.779 --> 00:18:51.879 really difficult 00:18:51.879 --> 00:18:53.379 work circumstances. 00:18:54.439 --> 00:18:55.679 And both of them 00:18:55.679 --> 00:18:56.579 have said to me, 00:18:57.399 --> 00:18:57.679 you know, 00:18:57.980 --> 00:18:58.960 everyone around me 00:18:58.960 --> 00:18:59.519 I talk to 00:18:59.519 --> 00:19:00.240 thinks I should be 00:19:00.240 --> 00:19:00.900 really worried 00:19:00.900 --> 00:19:02.059 and really stressed 00:19:02.059 --> 00:19:03.099 because this is 00:19:03.099 --> 00:19:04.140 just a tough situation 00:19:04.140 --> 00:19:05.240 but I feel like 00:19:05.240 --> 00:19:06.000 this sense of 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:06.940 just real peace 00:19:06.940 --> 00:19:08.140 and real joy 00:19:08.140 --> 00:19:08.819 at the moment 00:19:08.819 --> 00:19:09.480 in God 00:19:09.480 --> 00:19:10.400 because I just see 00:19:10.400 --> 00:19:11.099 God is good 00:19:11.099 --> 00:19:11.620 at the moment 00:19:11.620 --> 00:19:12.359 and he's going to 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:13.120 provide for me 00:19:13.120 --> 00:19:13.779 and everyone's 00:19:13.779 --> 00:19:14.160 looking at me 00:19:14.160 --> 00:19:15.120 like how can you 00:19:15.120 --> 00:19:15.720 do that? 00:19:16.740 --> 00:19:17.420 And the reason 00:19:17.420 --> 00:19:18.500 they can do that 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:19.059 is because it's 00:19:19.059 --> 00:19:20.240 a work of the spirit 00:19:20.240 --> 00:19:21.039 in their lives. 00:19:21.160 --> 00:19:21.859 It's a gift 00:19:21.859 --> 00:19:23.099 from God. 00:19:25.299 --> 00:19:25.620 But the 00:19:25.620 --> 00:19:27.579 Paul actually 00:19:27.579 --> 00:19:28.000 he says, 00:19:28.099 --> 00:19:28.299 you know, 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.279 I want to know 00:19:29.279 --> 00:19:30.159 the resurrection 00:19:30.159 --> 00:19:31.419 power of Jesus 00:19:31.419 --> 00:19:32.440 and resurrection 00:19:32.440 --> 00:19:33.259 power is the 00:19:33.259 --> 00:19:34.299 power to rejoice 00:19:34.299 --> 00:19:35.539 no matter what's 00:19:35.539 --> 00:19:36.200 going on in your 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:36.720 life 00:19:36.720 --> 00:19:38.759 because of Jesus. 00:19:39.359 --> 00:19:40.339 That's why we need 00:19:40.339 --> 00:19:41.639 to pray for joy 00:19:41.639 --> 00:19:42.240 in Jesus. 00:19:42.740 --> 00:19:43.139 I don't know 00:19:43.139 --> 00:19:43.740 when the last time 00:19:43.740 --> 00:19:44.960 you actually prayed 00:19:44.960 --> 00:19:45.720 that you would 00:19:45.720 --> 00:19:46.339 actually learn 00:19:46.339 --> 00:19:47.059 how to rejoice 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:47.819 in Jesus 00:19:47.819 --> 00:19:49.200 in your circumstances. 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:51.200 I'm just challenged 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:51.579 by that. 00:19:51.720 --> 00:19:52.899 But we desperately 00:19:52.899 --> 00:19:54.440 need the spirit's work. 00:19:54.839 --> 00:19:55.319 Doesn't our 00:19:55.319 --> 00:19:56.359 automatic response 00:19:56.359 --> 00:19:57.339 to that command 00:19:57.339 --> 00:19:57.779 of thinking 00:19:57.779 --> 00:19:58.240 that's just 00:19:58.240 --> 00:19:58.919 not realistic. 00:19:59.199 --> 00:19:59.899 Show that we're 00:19:59.899 --> 00:20:01.240 so self-reliant 00:20:01.240 --> 00:20:01.899 in our lives 00:20:01.899 --> 00:20:02.399 that we think 00:20:02.399 --> 00:20:03.039 it all depends 00:20:03.039 --> 00:20:03.539 on us. 00:20:03.879 --> 00:20:04.039 No, 00:20:04.119 --> 00:20:04.639 we've got to get 00:20:04.639 --> 00:20:05.939 desperate for our 00:20:05.939 --> 00:20:06.839 eyes to be focused 00:20:06.839 --> 00:20:07.319 on him 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:08.519 and to have the spirit 00:20:08.519 --> 00:20:09.639 bring us joy 00:20:09.639 --> 00:20:10.519 in our hearts. 00:20:12.579 --> 00:20:13.959 But it's a gift 00:20:13.959 --> 00:20:14.679 but it's not just 00:20:14.679 --> 00:20:15.179 a gift. 00:20:16.919 --> 00:20:18.399 It's also a fight 00:20:18.399 --> 00:20:19.619 for focus. 00:20:20.759 --> 00:20:21.059 You see, 00:20:22.439 --> 00:20:23.339 he says rejoice 00:20:23.339 --> 00:20:24.799 in the Lord. 00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:26.699 Not rejoice 00:20:26.699 --> 00:20:27.259 because your 00:20:27.259 --> 00:20:28.399 circumstances suck. 00:20:29.079 --> 00:20:30.039 He says rejoice 00:20:30.039 --> 00:20:31.619 in the Lord 00:20:31.619 --> 00:20:32.480 because Paul 00:20:32.480 --> 00:20:32.939 has just got 00:20:32.939 --> 00:20:34.279 this active focus 00:20:34.279 --> 00:20:34.819 on Jesus 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:35.379 all the time. 00:20:35.659 --> 00:20:36.299 We've seen it 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:37.179 all before. 00:20:37.500 --> 00:20:37.939 Chapter 1, 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:38.419 he says for me 00:20:38.419 --> 00:20:39.439 to live is Christ 00:20:39.439 --> 00:20:40.299 and me to die 00:20:40.299 --> 00:20:40.859 is gain. 00:20:41.579 --> 00:20:42.279 Chapter 3, 00:20:42.480 --> 00:20:42.879 I've counted 00:20:42.879 --> 00:20:44.000 everything a loss 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:44.619 compared to the 00:20:44.619 --> 00:20:45.839 surpassing worth 00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:47.259 of knowing Jesus, 00:20:47.679 --> 00:20:48.379 my Lord. 00:20:49.879 --> 00:20:50.839 In his struggles, 00:20:50.959 --> 00:20:51.500 what he's doing, 00:20:51.599 --> 00:20:52.099 he's actually 00:20:52.099 --> 00:20:53.039 not looking down, 00:20:53.039 --> 00:20:53.539 and he's looking 00:20:53.539 --> 00:20:54.279 up and he's 00:20:54.279 --> 00:20:54.980 seeing Jesus 00:20:54.980 --> 00:20:55.559 and he's saying, 00:20:55.659 --> 00:20:56.539 I can see him 00:20:56.539 --> 00:20:57.399 and his grace 00:20:57.399 --> 00:20:57.899 in the midst 00:20:57.899 --> 00:20:58.460 of this. 00:20:59.139 --> 00:20:59.539 You see where 00:20:59.539 --> 00:21:00.319 his focus is? 00:21:00.799 --> 00:21:01.680 He's fighting 00:21:01.680 --> 00:21:02.659 to fix his eyes 00:21:02.659 --> 00:21:03.159 on Jesus. 00:21:04.740 --> 00:21:05.000 You know, 00:21:05.059 --> 00:21:05.759 part of the fight 00:21:05.759 --> 00:21:06.680 of joy is when 00:21:06.680 --> 00:21:07.279 you are feeling 00:21:07.279 --> 00:21:07.720 miserable, 00:21:07.859 --> 00:21:08.339 when you are 00:21:08.339 --> 00:21:09.220 feeling stressed 00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:09.899 and down, 00:21:10.740 --> 00:21:11.599 it's not backing 00:21:11.599 --> 00:21:12.619 out of community 00:21:12.619 --> 00:21:13.579 because you feel 00:21:13.579 --> 00:21:14.399 like a hypocrite. 00:21:14.559 --> 00:21:15.420 It's actually moving 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:16.839 into God's people. 00:21:17.079 --> 00:21:17.519 It's getting 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:18.940 into God's word. 00:21:19.379 --> 00:21:20.559 It's fixing, 00:21:20.700 --> 00:21:21.099 it's choosing 00:21:21.099 --> 00:21:22.019 to fix our 00:21:22.019 --> 00:21:22.959 thoughts on 00:21:22.959 --> 00:21:24.500 Jesus and say, 00:21:24.639 --> 00:21:25.139 I'm going to 00:21:25.139 --> 00:21:26.059 trust him even 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:26.740 though I don't 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:27.719 feel like it. 00:21:28.539 --> 00:21:29.359 It's a fight. 00:21:29.559 --> 00:21:30.240 It's putting on 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:30.959 Jesus-centered 00:21:30.959 --> 00:21:31.980 worship music 00:21:31.980 --> 00:21:32.919 when you just feel 00:21:32.919 --> 00:21:33.240 like you've got 00:21:33.240 --> 00:21:34.259 no energy left 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:34.759 to fight, 00:21:34.919 --> 00:21:35.639 just to help 00:21:35.639 --> 00:21:36.679 lift your eyes 00:21:36.679 --> 00:21:37.179 up to him. 00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:38.000 It's pouring out 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:38.659 your emotions 00:21:38.659 --> 00:21:39.399 to God 00:21:39.399 --> 00:21:40.719 and trusting him 00:21:40.719 --> 00:21:41.699 and lifting him 00:21:41.699 --> 00:21:42.599 with an expectancy 00:21:42.599 --> 00:21:43.359 that the spirit 00:21:43.359 --> 00:21:44.099 will restore 00:21:44.099 --> 00:21:45.819 joy and peace 00:21:45.819 --> 00:21:47.079 into your heart 00:21:47.079 --> 00:21:47.980 in his timing. 00:21:47.980 --> 00:21:48.720 And you're going 00:21:48.720 --> 00:21:49.259 to come back 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:50.120 again and again 00:21:50.120 --> 00:21:51.259 and that's the fight. 00:21:51.640 --> 00:21:52.440 That's the fight 00:21:52.440 --> 00:21:53.140 for joy. 00:21:54.299 --> 00:21:55.099 Some Christians 00:21:55.099 --> 00:21:55.660 think joy 00:21:55.660 --> 00:21:56.180 should just be 00:21:56.180 --> 00:21:56.599 this kind of 00:21:56.599 --> 00:21:57.960 automatic thing. 00:21:58.860 --> 00:21:59.620 They think it's 00:21:59.620 --> 00:22:00.160 just gift 00:22:00.160 --> 00:22:01.180 but no fight. 00:22:02.039 --> 00:22:02.759 But God says, 00:22:02.880 --> 00:22:02.980 no, 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:03.799 it needs both 00:22:03.799 --> 00:22:04.480 of those things 00:22:04.480 --> 00:22:04.980 together. 00:22:07.559 --> 00:22:08.500 So what do we 00:22:08.500 --> 00:22:09.200 fight with? 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:10.839 How do we fight? 00:22:11.120 --> 00:22:11.599 What are we 00:22:11.599 --> 00:22:12.279 rejoicing? 00:22:13.579 --> 00:22:14.019 Well, 00:22:14.079 --> 00:22:14.740 here's what we 00:22:14.740 --> 00:22:15.220 need to do. 00:22:15.299 --> 00:22:15.799 We need to get 00:22:15.799 --> 00:22:16.559 out our gospel 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:17.079 shotgun. 00:22:17.079 --> 00:22:18.439 And we need 00:22:18.439 --> 00:22:19.059 to fire the 00:22:19.059 --> 00:22:20.199 promises of God 00:22:20.199 --> 00:22:21.980 in our circumstances. 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:22.539 Here's what we 00:22:22.539 --> 00:22:23.000 rejoice in. 00:22:23.379 --> 00:22:23.859 First, 00:22:23.960 --> 00:22:24.619 we rejoice in 00:22:24.619 --> 00:22:25.220 grace. 00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:27.359 Philippians 3, 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:28.240 20 says, 00:22:28.500 --> 00:22:29.339 our citizenship 00:22:29.339 --> 00:22:31.500 is in heaven. 00:22:32.159 --> 00:22:33.439 So we rejoice 00:22:33.439 --> 00:22:35.339 in whose we are. 00:22:36.139 --> 00:22:36.439 You know, 00:22:36.599 --> 00:22:37.159 our citizenship 00:22:37.159 --> 00:22:37.720 is in heaven. 00:22:37.919 --> 00:22:38.439 You could have 00:22:38.439 --> 00:22:39.399 just been treated 00:22:39.399 --> 00:22:41.039 really unfairly 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:41.460 at work 00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:42.039 and you're feeling 00:22:42.039 --> 00:22:42.539 miserable, 00:22:42.839 --> 00:22:43.159 angry, 00:22:43.359 --> 00:22:44.059 frustrated. 00:22:44.919 --> 00:22:45.759 Peace is gone. 00:22:47.079 --> 00:22:48.099 But when you 00:22:48.099 --> 00:22:48.619 remember, 00:22:49.339 --> 00:22:50.919 Jesus died for me 00:22:50.919 --> 00:22:51.799 when I never 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:52.659 deserved it. 00:22:52.799 --> 00:22:53.639 He's treated me 00:22:53.639 --> 00:22:54.359 so much better 00:22:54.359 --> 00:22:55.119 than I deserve. 00:22:55.419 --> 00:22:56.220 In Christ, 00:22:56.639 --> 00:22:57.839 they can mistreat me 00:22:57.839 --> 00:22:58.480 but I have a 00:22:58.480 --> 00:22:59.599 savior who loves me, 00:22:59.819 --> 00:23:00.819 who holds me. 00:23:00.980 --> 00:23:01.799 I'm safe, 00:23:01.919 --> 00:23:02.559 I'm held, 00:23:02.759 --> 00:23:03.379 I'm secure. 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:04.679 No one can ever 00:23:04.679 --> 00:23:05.579 take away what I 00:23:05.579 --> 00:23:06.299 have in Jesus. 00:23:07.799 --> 00:23:08.919 We can rejoice. 00:23:09.659 --> 00:23:10.980 We rejoice in grace. 00:23:11.299 --> 00:23:12.679 We rejoice in power. 00:23:12.680 --> 00:23:15.140 You wake up 00:23:15.140 --> 00:23:15.700 and you feel like 00:23:15.700 --> 00:23:16.340 you've got just 00:23:16.340 --> 00:23:17.480 to face a whole 00:23:17.480 --> 00:23:18.140 load of people 00:23:18.140 --> 00:23:18.920 or situations 00:23:18.920 --> 00:23:19.740 you just don't 00:23:19.740 --> 00:23:20.480 know how to face 00:23:20.480 --> 00:23:20.920 or you just 00:23:20.920 --> 00:23:21.680 don't want to. 00:23:22.420 --> 00:23:23.380 Anyone ever like that? 00:23:25.380 --> 00:23:26.400 Pull that gospel 00:23:26.400 --> 00:23:27.380 trigger which says, 00:23:27.580 --> 00:23:28.900 I can do all things 00:23:28.900 --> 00:23:29.720 through Christ 00:23:29.720 --> 00:23:31.160 who gives me strength. 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:32.860 His resurrection power 00:23:32.860 --> 00:23:33.759 is at work in me 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.400 right now. 00:23:34.660 --> 00:23:35.279 He's the Lord 00:23:35.279 --> 00:23:36.700 and he has this situation 00:23:36.700 --> 00:23:37.820 in his hands. 00:23:37.900 --> 00:23:38.759 He's changing me 00:23:38.759 --> 00:23:39.759 by his spirit 00:23:39.759 --> 00:23:40.759 so I can be more 00:23:40.759 --> 00:23:41.599 than a conqueror 00:23:41.599 --> 00:23:42.720 today through him. 00:23:43.200 --> 00:23:43.640 Jesus, 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:44.460 let's go together 00:23:44.460 --> 00:23:45.400 and face this. 00:23:46.240 --> 00:23:47.319 I rejoice in power. 00:23:47.539 --> 00:23:48.680 I rejoice in grace. 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:50.379 We rejoice in hope. 00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:52.619 You failed again. 00:23:52.960 --> 00:23:54.059 You feel the shame 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:55.019 and stress 00:23:55.019 --> 00:23:56.019 of just constantly 00:23:56.019 --> 00:23:56.819 messing up 00:23:56.819 --> 00:23:57.859 or you're waiting. 00:23:58.000 --> 00:23:58.319 You're seeing 00:23:58.319 --> 00:23:59.740 other people's mess ups 00:23:59.740 --> 00:24:00.519 and you're waiting. 00:24:00.940 --> 00:24:01.400 You're longing 00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:02.740 for them to change. 00:24:06.039 --> 00:24:07.279 32021 says, 00:24:07.480 --> 00:24:08.460 we await a savior, 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:09.400 Jesus. 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:10.859 Who will transform 00:24:10.859 --> 00:24:12.200 our lowly body 00:24:12.200 --> 00:24:13.579 into his, 00:24:14.160 --> 00:24:16.059 to be like his glorious body. 00:24:16.940 --> 00:24:17.259 You say, 00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:17.619 shame, 00:24:17.680 --> 00:24:18.319 I'm not going to live 00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:19.319 under you any longer. 00:24:19.660 --> 00:24:20.420 I have a savior 00:24:20.420 --> 00:24:21.220 who is bigger, 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:22.480 who is more glorious, 00:24:22.799 --> 00:24:23.779 who loves me. 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:25.680 His love is deeper. 00:24:26.079 --> 00:24:27.160 His power is greater 00:24:27.160 --> 00:24:28.200 than any failure. 00:24:29.539 --> 00:24:31.900 And he can work right now 00:24:31.900 --> 00:24:33.160 in my life 00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:34.339 and in the life 00:24:34.339 --> 00:24:35.960 of the people around me 00:24:35.960 --> 00:24:36.819 because he's going 00:24:36.819 --> 00:24:37.700 to take today, 00:24:37.859 --> 00:24:39.400 he's going to transform it 00:24:39.400 --> 00:24:40.200 for his glory 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:41.440 because he is near, 00:24:41.620 --> 00:24:42.840 he's coming back again 00:24:42.840 --> 00:24:43.660 and he's going to do 00:24:43.660 --> 00:24:44.940 a restoration work 00:24:44.940 --> 00:24:46.900 and he's going to work 00:24:46.900 --> 00:24:47.980 even right now 00:24:47.980 --> 00:24:48.380 for his, 00:24:48.500 --> 00:24:49.860 for redemptive glory. 00:24:51.220 --> 00:24:52.440 We can rejoice 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:53.200 in grace, 00:24:53.440 --> 00:24:54.540 in power, 00:24:54.740 --> 00:24:55.780 in hope. 00:24:55.779 --> 00:24:58.379 this ain't all there is. 00:24:58.779 --> 00:25:00.099 Our savior is returning. 00:25:01.059 --> 00:25:02.079 The Lord is near. 00:25:03.660 --> 00:25:04.680 And as we learn 00:25:04.680 --> 00:25:05.759 how to fight in that 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:06.879 and pray for the spirit 00:25:06.879 --> 00:25:07.819 to work in our life, 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:08.619 Jesus becomes 00:25:08.619 --> 00:25:09.859 more precious to us. 00:25:11.119 --> 00:25:12.160 The word of God, 00:25:12.420 --> 00:25:13.619 the spirit takes his word 00:25:13.619 --> 00:25:14.920 and just warms your heart. 00:25:14.920 --> 00:25:18.420 some of us 00:25:18.420 --> 00:25:19.259 don't experience 00:25:19.259 --> 00:25:20.000 that joy 00:25:20.000 --> 00:25:20.940 or that peace 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:21.779 that joy 00:25:21.779 --> 00:25:23.200 is like a 00:25:23.200 --> 00:25:24.220 playmate with 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:25.980 because our focus 00:25:25.980 --> 00:25:27.100 is so cluttered 00:25:27.100 --> 00:25:28.539 on so many other things. 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:30.080 Our minds 00:25:30.080 --> 00:25:30.900 are so focused 00:25:30.900 --> 00:25:32.220 on our own plans 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:34.279 that we often 00:25:34.279 --> 00:25:35.800 count following Christ 00:25:35.800 --> 00:25:36.820 as loss 00:25:36.820 --> 00:25:37.720 compared 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:39.080 to the surpassing 00:25:39.080 --> 00:25:39.960 worth of everything 00:25:39.960 --> 00:25:40.680 else we want 00:25:40.680 --> 00:25:41.440 in our lives. 00:25:41.440 --> 00:25:44.019 but the path 00:25:44.019 --> 00:25:45.580 to the fortress 00:25:45.580 --> 00:25:47.180 of peace 00:25:47.180 --> 00:25:48.740 goes by the gateway 00:25:48.740 --> 00:25:50.620 of walking together 00:25:50.620 --> 00:25:52.420 and of rejoicing 00:25:52.420 --> 00:25:54.080 in Christ together. 00:25:55.100 --> 00:25:56.640 I want to just stop here 00:25:56.640 --> 00:25:58.380 and pause. 00:25:58.880 --> 00:25:59.940 We're going to come on 00:25:59.940 --> 00:26:00.740 to the last couple of points 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:01.200 in a minute 00:26:01.200 --> 00:26:02.100 but I want you to stop 00:26:02.100 --> 00:26:03.440 and either with the person 00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:04.180 next to you 00:26:04.180 --> 00:26:05.460 or if you're on your own 00:26:05.460 --> 00:26:06.820 I've got a couple of questions 00:26:06.820 --> 00:26:08.580 that I want you just to reflect on 00:26:08.580 --> 00:26:09.799 to talk about together. 00:26:10.620 --> 00:26:11.380 What gives you 00:26:11.380 --> 00:26:12.460 the greatest joy? 00:26:13.360 --> 00:26:14.260 Does that lead 00:26:14.260 --> 00:26:15.500 to peace in God? 00:26:16.640 --> 00:26:17.640 How are you fighting 00:26:17.640 --> 00:26:18.300 for joy 00:26:18.300 --> 00:26:19.040 and peace 00:26:19.040 --> 00:26:19.640 in Jesus 00:26:19.640 --> 00:26:20.660 right now 00:26:20.660 --> 00:26:23.000 in your present circumstances? 00:26:23.260 --> 00:26:24.240 So take a couple of minutes 00:26:24.240 --> 00:26:25.720 and then we'll come back 00:26:25.720 --> 00:26:27.380 and we'll carry on 00:26:27.380 --> 00:26:28.060 with the next part. 00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:29.039 we'll see you once again. 00:26:29.039 --> 00:26:30.099 Amen. 00:26:30.099 --> 00:26:30.259 Amen. 00:26:30.839 --> 00:26:31.099 Amen. 00:26:31.099 --> 00:26:33.099 Amen. 00:27:01.099 --> 00:27:03.099 Amen. 00:27:31.099 --> 00:27:33.099 Amen. 00:28:01.099 --> 00:28:03.099 Amen. 00:28:31.099 --> 00:28:33.099 Amen. 00:28:45.659 --> 00:28:46.500 Okay. 00:28:47.240 --> 00:28:54.639 So we've looked at the pathway to peace, that fortress, which means we don't walk alone. 00:28:54.740 --> 00:28:55.379 We do it together. 00:28:55.379 --> 00:28:59.159 We rejoice always in all circumstances. 00:28:59.160 --> 00:29:04.180 But then thirdly, the passage says, pray thankfully. 00:29:04.340 --> 00:29:07.400 Here's what it says in verse six. 00:29:07.880 --> 00:29:14.000 Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, 00:29:14.300 --> 00:29:17.560 let your requests be known to God. 00:29:18.360 --> 00:29:22.100 You see, the Philippians have got good reason to be anxious. 00:29:22.900 --> 00:29:28.180 Paul is in prison and potentially about to die, and they may even be next. 00:29:28.180 --> 00:29:29.480 They don't know. 00:29:30.019 --> 00:29:32.779 Paul's not saying at this point, just be zen. 00:29:33.259 --> 00:29:35.620 You know, don't be concerned about anything. 00:29:36.259 --> 00:29:44.480 You see, if my 11-month-old son went missing for 24 hours and I was not concerned, that would be a lack of love. 00:29:44.480 --> 00:29:55.220 The reason we get anxious and we worry is because we love things, because we care about things which seem to be under threat or out of our control. 00:29:55.900 --> 00:30:02.599 Whether it's our health, whether it's our kids, whether it's our love life, whether it's our job, whatever it is in our relationships. 00:30:02.599 --> 00:30:13.599 But Paul is saying when anxiety knocks on the door, if you want the security guards of God's peace-filled presence to be with you, 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:19.919 stop clinging with clenched fists to what you care about most. 00:30:20.279 --> 00:30:22.219 Just like my son with his favorite toy. 00:30:22.220 --> 00:30:32.100 Surrender them open-handedly to the feet of Jesus to entrust them to him in prayer and supplication. 00:30:32.880 --> 00:30:41.600 And what he's saying is in prayer, and he's talking general prayer, that regular routine of opening your life up to relate to God, 00:30:41.779 --> 00:30:43.980 for him to come into all of your life. 00:30:44.259 --> 00:30:45.299 That's time with God. 00:30:45.299 --> 00:30:53.240 If you don't spend time with God regularly in scripture, in seeking his face, to enjoy him, 00:30:53.299 --> 00:30:56.899 don't be surprised if you discover a restlessness in your own soul, 00:30:57.039 --> 00:31:01.180 because you've already fired the security guards of God's peace. 00:31:03.579 --> 00:31:08.799 Worry and relational tension can just walk right in if you're not doing that regularly. 00:31:09.159 --> 00:31:13.480 But then he doesn't just say general prayer, he also says supplication and request. 00:31:13.480 --> 00:31:16.720 That's specific requests for help. 00:31:17.200 --> 00:31:19.200 And he says, in everything. 00:31:19.900 --> 00:31:22.599 That means not just spiritual stuff. 00:31:23.279 --> 00:31:24.519 It's in everything. 00:31:24.680 --> 00:31:29.039 Big stuff, little stuff, the things you think God might not even be concerned about. 00:31:29.480 --> 00:31:31.099 You know, I remember it was late. 00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:34.700 I was walking back late night from Kowloon somewhere. 00:31:35.519 --> 00:31:38.740 And I was walking back and I was feeling tired. 00:31:38.860 --> 00:31:39.759 I was feeling miserable. 00:31:40.019 --> 00:31:40.980 I was feeling hungry. 00:31:41.160 --> 00:31:42.920 But it was late night, so I didn't want to eat very much. 00:31:42.920 --> 00:31:43.920 I wanted just a snack. 00:31:44.380 --> 00:31:49.140 But if you know me, I have some food intolerances and snacks I can never find anywhere that I can eat. 00:31:50.100 --> 00:31:55.259 And that all just made me feel like, oh, a little pity party of how unfair life was at that moment. 00:31:55.720 --> 00:31:58.400 But then I stopped to say to myself, 00:31:59.100 --> 00:32:05.600 God, and I prayed, God, I know that you promised to provide for me. 00:32:06.000 --> 00:32:09.800 And God, I just give you this stupid little moment to you. 00:32:10.779 --> 00:32:14.399 And I walked around the corner and there was a sushi shop. 00:32:14.799 --> 00:32:16.980 And sushi is one of the few snacks that I can eat. 00:32:17.059 --> 00:32:19.599 And I wasn't in an area where I thought there was any sushi around. 00:32:19.759 --> 00:32:20.480 It was so late. 00:32:20.639 --> 00:32:21.599 I thought everything was shut. 00:32:21.720 --> 00:32:24.659 And I rejoiced in the Lord at that moment. 00:32:24.660 --> 00:32:28.580 But that sushi shop was actually always there. 00:32:29.259 --> 00:32:32.540 It wasn't a miraculous event in one sense. 00:32:33.180 --> 00:32:42.560 But I saw God in the ordinary everydayness, his gracious hand, because I had entrusted my care to him. 00:32:42.559 --> 00:32:47.099 And I saw, like, if I hadn't prayed, I would have just felt entitled. 00:32:47.579 --> 00:32:52.139 And I would have just not even stopped for a second thought at that moment. 00:32:53.019 --> 00:33:03.919 But instead, thankfulness filled my heart, because I saw grace, evidence, in the little things, as well as the big things. 00:33:03.920 --> 00:33:12.080 And when we have that constant attitude of prayer, we will see the glory and grace of Jesus. 00:33:12.539 --> 00:33:15.420 And it will cause us to rejoice more in him. 00:33:15.840 --> 00:33:17.279 You know, the hymn says, 00:33:17.279 --> 00:33:19.359 Oh, what peace we often forfeit. 00:33:19.680 --> 00:33:21.660 Oh, what needless pain we bear. 00:33:21.879 --> 00:33:23.799 All because we do not carry. 00:33:24.160 --> 00:33:25.960 Everything to God in prayer. 00:33:27.779 --> 00:33:29.019 Whatever it is. 00:33:29.500 --> 00:33:31.000 Your kid's temper tantrum. 00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:32.839 That car park space. 00:33:33.339 --> 00:33:34.359 Your work issues. 00:33:35.059 --> 00:33:39.119 We pray, not with demanding clenched fists that God's got to answer in our way. 00:33:39.119 --> 00:33:48.539 But with open hands, entrusting the things we care about to the God who cares more about us than we care even about him. 00:33:48.919 --> 00:33:51.419 And we do that again and again and again. 00:33:52.259 --> 00:33:56.399 Gordon Fee, who Kevin referenced last week, he's got this great quote. 00:33:56.519 --> 00:33:56.799 He says, 00:33:56.799 --> 00:34:02.539 Peace comes because prayer is an expression of trust. 00:34:02.539 --> 00:34:11.920 Did you hear that? 00:34:12.279 --> 00:34:12.679 He said, 00:34:12.679 --> 00:34:21.179 Sometimes we need to wait. 00:34:22.119 --> 00:34:27.639 But actually, even in the waiting, we can thank God and see his goodness to us in Christ. 00:34:28.219 --> 00:34:29.059 We walk together. 00:34:29.400 --> 00:34:30.940 We rejoice always. 00:34:30.940 --> 00:34:32.079 We pray thankfully. 00:34:32.220 --> 00:34:35.179 And the final thing is we focus on grace. 00:34:36.579 --> 00:34:40.420 Have you ever been talking to a very attractive looking person? 00:34:41.179 --> 00:34:44.579 And they had a big spot or piece of food on their face. 00:34:45.380 --> 00:34:49.340 And all you can do is fixate on that spot or that food. 00:34:49.679 --> 00:34:51.079 You can't see the person. 00:34:52.420 --> 00:34:54.740 That's what we're like in relational conflict. 00:34:55.300 --> 00:34:57.780 That's what we're like when we're under stress. 00:34:57.780 --> 00:35:00.599 All we see is everything that's wrong. 00:35:00.940 --> 00:35:03.220 In the other person or in our circumstances. 00:35:03.220 --> 00:35:13.139 And we miss peace because like I said before, we don't see the gracious hand of God at work in our lives, in the people around us, and in the world around us. 00:35:13.139 --> 00:35:14.420 That's why Paul says, 00:35:14.420 --> 00:35:14.639 That's why Paul says, 00:35:14.639 --> 00:35:33.099 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, if anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about these things. 00:35:33.099 --> 00:35:35.099 He's saying, 00:35:35.099 --> 00:35:35.380 He's saying, 00:35:35.380 --> 00:35:40.119 The person you have issues with, look for signs of grace. 00:35:40.779 --> 00:35:43.039 That tough situation you're in. 00:35:43.579 --> 00:35:44.839 See where it's beautiful. 00:35:45.019 --> 00:35:46.179 See where there is truthness. 00:35:46.299 --> 00:35:48.980 See where there's something worthy of praise. 00:35:48.980 --> 00:35:58.139 And you'll see tiny reflections of a gracious, beautiful, truthful, just, pure, praiseworthy God. 00:35:59.420 --> 00:36:01.940 And make that your focus. 00:36:02.599 --> 00:36:06.000 We don't ignore issues, but we dwell on grace. 00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:20.900 And as we do these four things, we will see that we will become a kind of community that Hong Kong desperately needs. 00:36:21.860 --> 00:36:25.199 Hong Kong needs a community of peace and joy. 00:36:25.760 --> 00:36:27.159 We can't do it by ourselves. 00:36:27.579 --> 00:36:29.079 We've got to rejoice in Jesus. 00:36:29.239 --> 00:36:30.659 We've got to pray continually. 00:36:31.000 --> 00:36:33.300 We've got to fix our eyes on the right things. 00:36:33.300 --> 00:36:43.860 But if we're to be a people of that calm confidence and reconciled relationships in this sea of fear and hostility, 00:36:44.340 --> 00:36:46.800 we need to make space for it. 00:36:48.039 --> 00:36:49.100 Can I be honest? 00:36:49.700 --> 00:36:51.000 I'm going to finish with this. 00:36:52.100 --> 00:36:54.760 Many of us are restless. 00:36:55.920 --> 00:36:58.220 Many of us are anxious. 00:36:59.240 --> 00:37:01.800 Many of us are intense relationships. 00:37:01.800 --> 00:37:08.700 Because we have an unguarded fortress in our hearts and our minds. 00:37:09.940 --> 00:37:20.100 The reason is we just haven't made space in our minds, in our hearts, and in our schedules for the rejoicing in God. 00:37:20.480 --> 00:37:24.700 And for other people to invite others in to walk with us in our issues. 00:37:24.699 --> 00:37:32.480 You know, anxious people cram their days full to try and be as efficient as possible. 00:37:33.219 --> 00:37:35.659 Anxious people are always on their phones. 00:37:36.699 --> 00:37:40.719 Anxious people are always listening to other anxious people. 00:37:40.980 --> 00:37:44.759 And always engaging with anxious news all the time. 00:37:44.859 --> 00:37:46.359 And that's what fills your mind. 00:37:46.360 --> 00:37:52.360 This church doesn't need more headless, chicken, hurried people. 00:37:52.820 --> 00:37:57.099 It needs a people who are pursuing the God of peace. 00:37:57.260 --> 00:38:02.880 So much that we're going to make radical decisions to make space to rejoice in him. 00:38:03.519 --> 00:38:04.500 What does that mean? 00:38:05.920 --> 00:38:06.559 Well, just think. 00:38:06.640 --> 00:38:10.519 Do you plan in your week for time to rejoice in Jesus? 00:38:10.519 --> 00:38:10.679 Jesus. 00:38:12.460 --> 00:38:15.360 Every day, switch off your phone for 30 minutes. 00:38:16.340 --> 00:38:18.259 And focus on Christ and his word. 00:38:19.440 --> 00:38:20.539 Pick up the phone. 00:38:20.980 --> 00:38:21.619 Text someone. 00:38:21.920 --> 00:38:24.039 Invite them into your issues right now. 00:38:24.900 --> 00:38:28.980 Set aside a day or half a day, if you can only do that, to Sabbath. 00:38:29.599 --> 00:38:31.480 With your family or in community. 00:38:32.280 --> 00:38:33.619 And don't just think about it. 00:38:33.679 --> 00:38:34.679 You've actually got to do it. 00:38:34.719 --> 00:38:35.579 You've got to plan it. 00:38:35.800 --> 00:38:36.860 You've got to put it in there. 00:38:36.860 --> 00:38:39.340 Because your joy and your peace is at stake. 00:38:40.519 --> 00:38:46.480 Are we willing to take the steps to deal with relational conflict? 00:38:47.880 --> 00:38:51.559 Realizing that Jesus died to make us this kind of people. 00:38:52.739 --> 00:38:57.139 And the peace of God, which surpasses all your great thinking, 00:38:58.059 --> 00:39:04.119 will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus. 00:39:04.579 --> 00:39:07.860 And the God of peace will be with us. 00:39:08.199 --> 00:39:09.259 Do we want that? 00:39:09.260 --> 00:39:11.200 Do we want that? 00:39:11.600 --> 00:39:12.500 Let me pray. 00:39:22.760 --> 00:39:25.480 Maybe you just actually want to do business with God right now. 00:39:25.700 --> 00:39:28.680 Just feeling, is there a restlessness in your soul? 00:39:28.679 --> 00:39:37.079 Maybe you're actually just feeling just a bit out of sorts with God at the moment. 00:39:38.159 --> 00:39:41.839 And the idea of joy in him seems a million miles away. 00:39:43.460 --> 00:39:46.599 Maybe you've actually been pressing into God. 00:39:47.259 --> 00:39:49.980 But it feels like it's just been hard. 00:39:49.980 --> 00:39:56.599 Wherever you are, I just want you to bring where you are to God right now. 00:39:59.000 --> 00:40:00.900 I want you to be real with him. 00:40:00.900 --> 00:40:13.380 And I want you to ask him for a supernatural work of his spirit to fill you with the joy of seeing Jesus in the gospel, 00:40:13.840 --> 00:40:15.680 in everything around you, 00:40:16.240 --> 00:40:19.880 in hope, in grace, in power, 00:40:19.880 --> 00:40:23.220 to realize that he's what you need. 00:40:24.220 --> 00:40:25.340 Father, I pray, 00:40:26.180 --> 00:40:29.220 make us a people of peace and joy. 00:40:29.219 --> 00:40:32.079 I pray, Lord, 00:40:32.119 --> 00:40:34.139 where there is tensions in our relationships, 00:40:34.279 --> 00:40:35.599 don't let us go another day, 00:40:36.159 --> 00:40:37.539 just letting that drift. 00:40:38.899 --> 00:40:39.739 Lord, I pray 00:40:39.739 --> 00:40:43.059 that we would come to you, 00:40:43.479 --> 00:40:44.519 the God of peace, 00:40:45.619 --> 00:40:46.859 and find mercy, 00:40:47.399 --> 00:40:48.439 find grace, 00:40:48.959 --> 00:40:51.719 find reconciliation and power to live 00:40:51.719 --> 00:40:53.479 a joy-filled life. 00:40:53.559 --> 00:40:55.979 Let us be more consumed with you 00:40:55.979 --> 00:40:58.019 than with all the things that we chase after, 00:40:58.939 --> 00:41:00.839 realizing to become more like you 00:41:00.839 --> 00:41:03.759 is the greatest joy we can have 00:41:03.759 --> 00:41:07.619 because you are the greatest joy there is in the world. 00:41:07.619 --> 00:41:11.480 Fill us more with that joy, 00:41:11.599 --> 00:41:12.039 I pray. 00:41:12.500 --> 00:41:13.559 In Jesus' name, 00:41:14.619 --> 00:41:14.960 Amen.