WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.839 Before we open God's word together, let's just take a moment to ask the Lord's blessing. 00:00:06.379 --> 00:00:21.059 Lord, we come to you as people who are not perfect, people who are prone to worry, people who are prone to worry, people who are prone to worry, people who are prone to worry, people that can be anxious, people that can borrow trouble. 00:00:22.140 --> 00:00:24.800 Lord, we recognize our frailty. 00:00:25.900 --> 00:00:29.140 And more importantly, Lord, you recognize it even greater than we do. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:37.579 And Lord, you have not, in response to that, scolded us or shamed us. 00:00:37.939 --> 00:00:48.960 But rather, you have provided a way that we could have peace, a pathway to peace, that we could be less anxious people. 00:00:49.600 --> 00:00:56.159 We can be a blessing to others and point people towards your son who is the Prince of Peace. 00:00:56.159 --> 00:01:10.579 So Lord, as we open your word today, help us to be firstly real about who we are and our hangups, our struggles, our propensities towards worry and fear. 00:01:10.579 --> 00:01:16.980 But more importantly, let us dwell on and meditate upon and think about you. 00:01:17.879 --> 00:01:23.480 That you are the God of peace and the God who gives peace. 00:01:24.359 --> 00:01:25.819 You are the Prince of Peace. 00:01:27.099 --> 00:01:29.340 So Lord, we pray a blessing. 00:01:30.200 --> 00:01:31.680 We ask that you bless us this morning. 00:01:31.680 --> 00:01:38.620 We pray that we would grow in our trust in you, in prayer and in piety. 00:01:39.840 --> 00:01:41.280 And Lord, we ask for your help. 00:01:41.920 --> 00:01:43.120 We pray this in Christ's name. 00:01:43.920 --> 00:01:44.160 Amen. 00:01:45.740 --> 00:01:46.100 Amen. 00:01:46.460 --> 00:01:49.500 We're in our last section of Philippians. 00:01:49.760 --> 00:01:51.160 This is in the last section. 00:01:51.159 --> 00:02:01.899 Reverend George Sinclair was here last week and he wrapped up the text, preaching right to the end of verse 23 of chapter 4. 00:02:02.599 --> 00:02:05.340 But we have not touched on verses 4 to 9. 00:02:05.859 --> 00:02:07.719 And that's what we will be looking at this week. 00:02:07.759 --> 00:02:10.759 And this is what we'll wrap up our series in Philippians. 00:02:12.519 --> 00:02:14.460 I had myself a Wednesday this week. 00:02:14.919 --> 00:02:15.199 Okay? 00:02:15.280 --> 00:02:16.240 I had myself a Wednesday. 00:02:16.359 --> 00:02:16.919 What do I mean? 00:02:18.519 --> 00:02:19.519 Prayed about anxiety. 00:02:19.620 --> 00:02:20.659 We're going to be reading about anxiety. 00:02:20.659 --> 00:02:22.819 We had a day of anxiety. 00:02:24.379 --> 00:02:26.120 We were trying to sort out. 00:02:26.240 --> 00:02:30.680 It's been taking us a while to sign some stuff with our bank for our house. 00:02:30.680 --> 00:02:41.000 And I just had like a moment of like focus and energy, like a get stuff done kind of window. 00:02:41.419 --> 00:02:42.879 And I hammered it down. 00:02:43.680 --> 00:02:47.139 And then there was like an error on the computer. 00:02:47.439 --> 00:02:49.120 And I had to phone a call center. 00:02:49.120 --> 00:02:53.080 And after like 30 minutes, this lady's like, yeah, you're going to have to go to a teller. 00:02:54.039 --> 00:02:55.200 And I was not kind. 00:02:55.819 --> 00:02:57.719 I was rather rude. 00:02:58.140 --> 00:03:00.319 And I'm not justifying that at all. 00:03:00.420 --> 00:03:01.640 I think it was a horrible thing. 00:03:01.639 --> 00:03:03.219 And Christine, it was funny. 00:03:03.219 --> 00:03:03.219 00:03:03.219 --> 00:03:03.219 00:03:03.299 --> 00:03:05.259 She was sitting behind me. 00:03:05.799 --> 00:03:13.500 And after like I like thumped my chest and told this person what's up, I turned around expecting her to be like, that's my man. 00:03:13.739 --> 00:03:15.859 And like her head was down. 00:03:16.019 --> 00:03:17.259 And she was embarrassed. 00:03:17.259 --> 00:03:19.979 And I was like, that wasn't a good move on my part. 00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:28.299 Later on in the day, our sink or something with our powder room started leaking. 00:03:28.639 --> 00:03:32.459 And the fire alarm went off because we had like a drip into our bathroom ceiling. 00:03:32.599 --> 00:03:33.899 Anyways, I said it was a Wednesday. 00:03:34.019 --> 00:03:35.060 It was a Wednesday, right? 00:03:35.139 --> 00:03:36.840 It was an anxious day. 00:03:36.840 --> 00:03:36.879 Okay. 00:03:39.500 --> 00:03:41.759 In the grand scheme of things, it's small potatoes, okay? 00:03:42.060 --> 00:03:46.460 Like it's like 25 bucks or 30 bucks to rent a fan to dry up our ceiling. 00:03:47.259 --> 00:03:48.240 A quick fix. 00:03:48.599 --> 00:03:50.640 We go to the teller at Scotiabank. 00:03:50.719 --> 00:03:50.920 Whatever. 00:03:51.060 --> 00:03:51.379 It's fine. 00:03:51.480 --> 00:03:52.199 It's okay, right? 00:03:53.740 --> 00:03:59.099 But sometimes life isn't just full of anxiety and it's small potatoes. 00:03:59.219 --> 00:04:01.319 Sometimes it's real and heavy and difficult. 00:04:01.319 --> 00:04:09.599 A number of people this week, so this is all kind of, I just described my Wednesday, but 00:04:09.599 --> 00:04:16.680 a number of people that I'm connected to, none that go to this church, had themselves a week. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:26.300 Two different marriages I learned this week were facing very serious struggle. 00:04:26.300 --> 00:04:32.939 And potentially were on the road to a separation, maybe even a divorce. 00:04:34.960 --> 00:04:41.600 If you guys have read the news, last day of school in Almont was not a very great day for that small town in Almont. 00:04:41.860 --> 00:04:42.660 It was a horrendous day. 00:04:43.800 --> 00:04:53.379 I have family as well that have slept max two hours straight because sirens are going off because missiles are coming in. 00:04:53.379 --> 00:04:57.300 And it might land next to them, it might land on them. 00:04:58.779 --> 00:05:01.699 There's other real sources of anxiety in the world. 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:06.959 Nevertheless, whether they're small or large, we face anxieties. 00:05:08.839 --> 00:05:14.680 Difficult parts of life happen and there's no way around it. 00:05:14.680 --> 00:05:22.400 So whether it is a leaky ceiling or marriage trouble, we react the way we react. 00:05:22.900 --> 00:05:26.939 And we suffer from worry and anxiety and fear. 00:05:28.519 --> 00:05:30.019 Paul is about to finish his letter. 00:05:30.579 --> 00:05:32.500 Again, this isn't the last section. 00:05:32.720 --> 00:05:36.579 It's the second to the last section. 00:05:36.579 --> 00:05:44.939 And he is writing to this Philippian church, a church that he loves, a church that he has told a number of times, 00:05:45.319 --> 00:05:48.259 listen, have joy in the Lord. 00:05:48.899 --> 00:05:52.279 Be united to each other in Christ. 00:05:52.860 --> 00:05:54.699 Follow Christ's imitation. 00:05:55.339 --> 00:05:56.379 Live as Christians. 00:05:56.379 --> 00:06:04.139 He has emphasized the importance constantly of choosing joy. 00:06:05.259 --> 00:06:08.779 And now we get to a section where he speaks about anxiety. 00:06:09.420 --> 00:06:12.740 And he doesn't let off the gas in his message of joy, 00:06:12.839 --> 00:06:16.379 but rather he puts the foot even farther down on the pedal. 00:06:16.379 --> 00:06:27.699 Remember, one of these important details in Philippians is that Paul is in a very anxiety-inducing state himself. 00:06:28.659 --> 00:06:30.120 He is in a Roman prison. 00:06:30.759 --> 00:06:33.300 He's been there about three years, give or take. 00:06:33.819 --> 00:06:37.699 He has heavy iron shackles on his wrists and his ankles. 00:06:39.079 --> 00:06:42.159 He is pretty lonely. 00:06:42.159 --> 00:06:46.180 He has a bunch of close friends that have not visited him, although he has had some visitors. 00:06:46.379 --> 00:06:50.040 He is relying completely on the charity of others. 00:06:50.180 --> 00:06:54.100 He is in a very anxiety-inducing situation. 00:06:55.399 --> 00:07:04.740 And Paul is going to share with the Philippian church and to us this morning the pathway to peace. 00:07:05.579 --> 00:07:11.300 And this pathway to peace is deeply connected to joy. 00:07:11.300 --> 00:07:19.400 And it might just very well be a section of scripture that could potentially change your life. 00:07:21.180 --> 00:07:24.600 There's such wisdom in these six short and punchy verses. 00:07:24.600 --> 00:07:27.260 It's well worth our investigation. 00:07:27.720 --> 00:07:32.020 And really, we could break this up into multiple sermons because we could double-click on a lot of these words 00:07:32.020 --> 00:07:36.180 and do almost a word study and do a bit of a deep dive. 00:07:36.280 --> 00:07:39.760 But for this morning, we're going to tackle these six verses together. 00:07:40.640 --> 00:07:46.560 And Paul will show us that the pathway for peace comes through two ways, primarily. 00:07:46.560 --> 00:07:50.459 The first is through persistent prayer. 00:07:51.699 --> 00:07:53.939 We'll see that in verses four to seven. 00:07:54.680 --> 00:07:55.759 Really five to seven. 00:07:56.399 --> 00:07:59.560 And then the second pathway to peace is through a posture of piety. 00:08:00.019 --> 00:08:06.600 Trying for alliteration, memorability, persistent prayer, a posture of piety. 00:08:07.319 --> 00:08:09.000 We'll jump right into it this morning. 00:08:09.220 --> 00:08:09.959 Point one. 00:08:10.040 --> 00:08:12.060 Look with me at verse four. 00:08:12.399 --> 00:08:14.279 I think we still have a few more of these. 00:08:14.620 --> 00:08:15.560 They are the scripture journals. 00:08:15.560 --> 00:08:16.500 You can grab one. 00:08:16.920 --> 00:08:17.860 It's our gift to you. 00:08:18.959 --> 00:08:21.399 Verse four, chapter four is on page 16. 00:08:21.540 --> 00:08:22.339 And this is what it says. 00:08:23.720 --> 00:08:25.040 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:08:25.240 --> 00:08:26.720 Again, I will say rejoice. 00:08:28.480 --> 00:08:30.540 Once again, we see joy, right? 00:08:30.600 --> 00:08:34.320 This is the letter of joy in the New Testament. 00:08:35.519 --> 00:08:37.320 We read again about joy. 00:08:37.419 --> 00:08:41.120 And in this case, it's a double call to rejoice in the Lord. 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:45.440 And I think this is not, again, a nice thing that Paul is saying. 00:08:45.440 --> 00:08:51.380 But in fact, it's crucial for us to understand everything that follows from verse four. 00:08:51.600 --> 00:08:53.420 Everything from verse five to nine. 00:08:53.520 --> 00:08:55.480 And really, the entirety of the letter. 00:08:55.600 --> 00:08:58.180 And maybe even possibly the entirety of the Christian faith. 00:08:58.179 --> 00:09:01.599 It's about rejoicing in the Lord. 00:09:01.599 --> 00:09:08.000 And it's significant for us this morning because for some of us who are more prone to anxiety, 00:09:08.120 --> 00:09:09.419 I put myself in that camp, 00:09:10.120 --> 00:09:15.459 who are burdened by fear and worry. 00:09:15.460 --> 00:09:23.560 It reminds us that the Christian life is not primarily one of despair or lack or self-punishment, 00:09:23.720 --> 00:09:24.100 but joy. 00:09:24.820 --> 00:09:26.000 This is what the Christian life's about. 00:09:26.120 --> 00:09:26.680 It's about joy. 00:09:26.679 --> 00:09:36.279 But this can also be a bit of a tough thing for us to swallow who might be a bit on the pessimistic side. 00:09:37.599 --> 00:09:41.379 For when you hear something like, listen, you need to be happy. 00:09:41.599 --> 00:09:43.839 And maybe you're not hearing that, but maybe you are hearing that. 00:09:44.319 --> 00:09:45.219 Rejoice in the Lord. 00:09:45.620 --> 00:09:46.299 Have joy. 00:09:46.459 --> 00:09:47.079 Be happy. 00:09:47.080 --> 00:09:51.540 It can be another weight thrust upon your shoulders. 00:09:52.259 --> 00:09:58.139 Because one of the hardest things for you to maintain is happiness. 00:09:59.000 --> 00:10:00.020 Maybe anxiety. 00:10:00.220 --> 00:10:00.800 Maybe fear. 00:10:00.920 --> 00:10:01.700 Maybe difficulty. 00:10:02.460 --> 00:10:02.980 Maybe worry. 00:10:03.040 --> 00:10:04.200 That's your default. 00:10:05.280 --> 00:10:07.240 And for somebody to say, hey, listen, you need to be happy. 00:10:07.780 --> 00:10:09.940 It's kind of like, well, maybe you should scram. 00:10:10.080 --> 00:10:11.520 Like, don't tell me what to do. 00:10:11.640 --> 00:10:12.820 I'm not a happy person. 00:10:13.300 --> 00:10:15.120 I can't manufacture that. 00:10:15.120 --> 00:10:22.060 And by the way, when we see a fake happiness, it's just, it reeks of inauthenticity. 00:10:22.600 --> 00:10:23.560 We don't like that. 00:10:24.360 --> 00:10:26.840 If people are happy, if I'm happy, it's because I want to be happy. 00:10:26.899 --> 00:10:27.879 I don't want to put on a face. 00:10:29.360 --> 00:10:33.039 Still, Paul, double command here. 00:10:33.279 --> 00:10:34.899 Rejoice in the Lord always. 00:10:35.080 --> 00:10:36.000 Again, I say rejoice. 00:10:36.159 --> 00:10:41.340 And I will say that this command to rejoice in the Lord, it's just, it's deeply important 00:10:41.340 --> 00:10:44.720 in the pursuit of peace, in everything that follows. 00:10:45.120 --> 00:10:46.139 So what does it mean? 00:10:46.879 --> 00:10:53.980 Rejoicing in the Lord means to grow in our contentment, knowing that in Christ God has 00:10:53.980 --> 00:10:59.240 redeemed mankind from evil, and that he has done so not begrudgingly because he is a God 00:10:59.240 --> 00:11:06.659 of mercy and love, and that it is his delight, it is his delight to rescue and redeem. 00:11:06.659 --> 00:11:14.000 It means to grow in our contentment in the reality that God is sovereign over all creation, that 00:11:14.000 --> 00:11:20.199 he has created everything, and that when it is bent and broken and disfigured because of, 00:11:20.919 --> 00:11:26.839 in the Christian faith we call it sin, living not up to God's standards, missing the mark, 00:11:26.840 --> 00:11:36.580 engaging in a culture of evil and death rather than goodness and life, that he is not okay with that 00:11:36.580 --> 00:11:38.540 as the sovereign creator of all. 00:11:38.600 --> 00:11:39.200 So what does he do? 00:11:39.800 --> 00:11:40.940 He doesn't hit the reset button. 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:42.860 Instead, he looks to redeem and restore. 00:11:42.860 --> 00:11:49.019 So we grow in our contentment of the sovereignty of God over his creation. 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:52.820 We grow in the contentment that he knows our frame. 00:11:52.820 --> 00:12:05.660 The things we aspire to, the things we fail at, the things that we are ashamed of, the things 00:12:05.660 --> 00:12:12.100 that we like keeping buried in the closet, the hurt that we have endured, and also the hurt 00:12:12.100 --> 00:12:12.900 that we have caused. 00:12:14.360 --> 00:12:22.660 With such knowledge of us, even deeper than our own knowledge of ourselves, he still chooses 00:12:22.659 --> 00:12:24.959 to ransom and redeem. 00:12:26.179 --> 00:12:31.039 And to rejoice in the Lord is to be content with that and to grow in our contentment. 00:12:31.199 --> 00:12:37.480 In short, to rejoice in the Lord is to think about and dwell upon and praise God for who 00:12:37.480 --> 00:12:38.860 he is and what he has done. 00:12:40.799 --> 00:12:48.559 It is less of an emotion, although our emotions will inevitably follow suit if we are truly engaged 00:12:48.559 --> 00:12:49.879 in rejoicing the Lord. 00:12:49.879 --> 00:12:59.080 But it is less of an emotion and more of a choice that we are going to pursue joy in who 00:12:59.080 --> 00:13:01.659 God is, that he is unchanging and he is good. 00:13:02.980 --> 00:13:06.179 So in light of that, let's continue on in verse 5. 00:13:06.179 --> 00:13:10.139 Again, we're still on page 16. 00:13:10.699 --> 00:13:13.219 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. 00:13:13.759 --> 00:13:15.079 The Lord is at hand. 00:13:16.179 --> 00:13:21.639 If you recall from a few weeks ago, we read about an ongoing, I mean I briefly mentioned 00:13:21.639 --> 00:13:26.419 this, an ongoing conflict between Judea and Syntyche. 00:13:26.419 --> 00:13:30.819 It's chapter 4, verses 1 to 3. 00:13:30.899 --> 00:13:34.659 It's a section just immediately before our section this morning. 00:13:34.979 --> 00:13:37.439 We have no idea what the issue is, what the conflict is. 00:13:38.079 --> 00:13:43.479 These are two fellow workers in the faith, leaders in the church in Philippians, in Philippi 00:13:43.479 --> 00:13:43.740 rather. 00:13:44.799 --> 00:13:46.679 And there's some kind of issue at hand. 00:13:46.679 --> 00:13:55.179 And it's remarkable then that Paul, two verses later, he will speak of a reasonableness to 00:13:55.179 --> 00:13:56.859 be known amongst Christians. 00:13:57.379 --> 00:13:59.379 And a reasonableness is very important. 00:13:59.939 --> 00:14:04.299 It would be important for Judea and Syntyche and it would be important for us as well. 00:14:04.299 --> 00:14:11.740 Listen, we are part of communities, workplaces, families, neighborhoods, streets. 00:14:12.839 --> 00:14:17.240 And oftentimes these relationships will break down because offense is taken. 00:14:19.319 --> 00:14:22.579 We do not consider the feelings and thoughts or desires of others. 00:14:24.379 --> 00:14:28.219 We want peace, but we don't know where to find it. 00:14:28.220 --> 00:14:34.420 And rather, rather pursuing peace, we end up participating in a type of war. 00:14:37.240 --> 00:14:45.700 We ignore the reality that there is a pathway to peace that involves humility, but instead 00:14:45.700 --> 00:14:56.220 we are so centered on our own experience and frustrations that we can't take a step back 00:14:56.220 --> 00:15:00.040 and consider the other side. 00:15:01.420 --> 00:15:03.220 We have a hard time with perspective. 00:15:04.180 --> 00:15:05.940 We aren't as charitable as we ought to be. 00:15:07.340 --> 00:15:11.639 At the core of our conflicts, we see people as very large threats. 00:15:12.639 --> 00:15:19.200 And if we are Christians, oftentimes if we see people as threats or big problems as giant 00:15:19.200 --> 00:15:22.000 threats, we see God as tiny. 00:15:22.000 --> 00:15:24.259 We don't see him as mighty. 00:15:24.440 --> 00:15:26.019 We don't see him as sovereign. 00:15:26.200 --> 00:15:29.980 We don't see him as able or capable of helping us in our time of need. 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:31.799 We see him as small. 00:15:32.620 --> 00:15:34.179 People big, God small. 00:15:35.539 --> 00:15:42.720 The reality is, and this is a key part of being reasonable, it's to see reality in a real 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:43.059 way. 00:15:43.059 --> 00:15:52.339 It's about using the reason God has given us, the intellect God has given us, to embrace 00:15:52.339 --> 00:15:54.539 truth, and truth according to God's word. 00:15:56.019 --> 00:15:58.500 And at the core of that, it's the opposite. 00:15:58.659 --> 00:15:59.539 It's actually God. 00:16:00.159 --> 00:16:01.159 He is the big one. 00:16:01.759 --> 00:16:02.799 And people are small. 00:16:03.399 --> 00:16:04.019 They are small. 00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:07.739 And I don't mean people are small as in like we disregard them. 00:16:07.740 --> 00:16:10.460 But what can somebody do to you? 00:16:10.700 --> 00:16:12.440 And I mean, the answer is quite a lot. 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:13.860 But eternally. 00:16:15.419 --> 00:16:17.299 God is the creator of all things. 00:16:17.419 --> 00:16:18.860 We are creation. 00:16:19.080 --> 00:16:27.060 And this is the ongoing problem with human evil and human frailty is we want to elevate 00:16:27.060 --> 00:16:29.279 ourselves into the place of creator. 00:16:29.279 --> 00:16:37.720 Whatever happens to God, I mean, whether he gets bumped off the throne or we kind of ignore 00:16:37.720 --> 00:16:39.220 him, it's besides the point. 00:16:39.299 --> 00:16:40.199 We want to be creator. 00:16:40.339 --> 00:16:41.199 We want to be elevated. 00:16:41.339 --> 00:16:42.279 We want to be on the throne. 00:16:43.679 --> 00:16:48.720 But thinking reasonably means to embrace truth. 00:16:49.519 --> 00:16:52.959 And the truth is that there is a creator and we are his creation. 00:16:52.960 --> 00:16:59.560 And that as I talked about in terms of rejoicing in the Lord, this creator desires to redeem 00:16:59.560 --> 00:17:01.660 and to help and to restore. 00:17:04.160 --> 00:17:08.160 Reasonableness is therefore crucial for relationships and communities to flourish. 00:17:09.360 --> 00:17:12.620 And it is only heightened when we rejoice in the Lord. 00:17:13.100 --> 00:17:17.079 And this next part, right, in verse 5, the second part of it, the Lord is at hand. 00:17:17.440 --> 00:17:19.100 It is to say that the Lord is near. 00:17:20.460 --> 00:17:22.000 That there is a big God. 00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:23.039 He is a creator of all things. 00:17:23.119 --> 00:17:30.039 But he is not some giant, huge deity, but eons away, inaccessible. 00:17:30.160 --> 00:17:30.940 But he is close. 00:17:31.480 --> 00:17:32.279 He is near. 00:17:34.480 --> 00:17:40.839 God's posture is always to come towards us as his children. 00:17:41.359 --> 00:17:44.240 To extend love towards us. 00:17:44.240 --> 00:17:50.859 To do what he has always claimed to do. 00:17:50.859 --> 00:17:53.160 To be amongst his people. 00:17:53.779 --> 00:17:58.019 To have his people come into his presence. 00:17:58.700 --> 00:18:01.839 It is the opening scene in Genesis chapter 1. 00:18:02.319 --> 00:18:06.839 It is the closing scene at the end of Revelation that God is near. 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:09.059 And he desires to be with his people. 00:18:11.459 --> 00:18:13.099 The Lord is near. 00:18:13.439 --> 00:18:14.159 He is close. 00:18:15.019 --> 00:18:19.519 So the reasonableness Paul refers to recognizes that God is big. 00:18:19.959 --> 00:18:22.039 And problems and people are small. 00:18:22.819 --> 00:18:28.679 And that help is available to us. 00:18:28.680 --> 00:18:36.700 This means we have a divine, supernatural strength to avoid slander. 00:18:37.700 --> 00:18:38.900 And harshness. 00:18:39.620 --> 00:18:41.960 And to fight against selfishness. 00:18:43.640 --> 00:18:46.860 To fight against thoughts and acts of violence and revenge. 00:18:46.859 --> 00:18:51.699 To engage in stalemates and cold wars. 00:18:56.019 --> 00:19:02.159 Instead, we embrace a posture of peace, loving, justice, mercy, thoughtfulness, 00:19:02.279 --> 00:19:04.659 and the pursuit of understanding others. 00:19:04.799 --> 00:19:06.939 Putting ourselves in other people's shoes. 00:19:07.219 --> 00:19:09.759 It requires us to think well and to act well. 00:19:10.519 --> 00:19:15.439 And Paul is saying that we are to be known by this as God's people. 00:19:15.440 --> 00:19:18.920 Yet, yet, we are still mortals. 00:19:19.900 --> 00:19:24.660 And although this reality is ours in Christ Jesus, 00:19:25.279 --> 00:19:27.000 we are people who tend to forget. 00:19:27.860 --> 00:19:31.460 Again, forgetting that God is big and people and situations are small. 00:19:33.160 --> 00:19:36.279 So therefore, anxieties come and wash over us. 00:19:36.320 --> 00:19:37.200 And they stay with us. 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:41.180 They make a home with us. 00:19:41.820 --> 00:19:43.220 And peace is not easily found. 00:19:43.220 --> 00:19:46.319 So what comes next in verses 6 and 7 00:19:46.319 --> 00:19:51.539 isn't a set of just practical fixes for anxiety causing problems. 00:19:51.680 --> 00:19:55.400 But it is God's pathway to peace 00:19:55.400 --> 00:20:01.660 that goes beyond the reasons for our worries entirely. 00:20:01.660 --> 00:20:04.300 Let me read verses 6 and 7. 00:20:04.300 --> 00:20:07.160 Do not be anxious about anything. 00:20:08.120 --> 00:20:11.080 But in everything by prayer and supplication, 00:20:11.580 --> 00:20:16.040 with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 00:20:16.680 --> 00:20:19.519 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 00:20:20.160 --> 00:20:22.900 will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 00:20:22.900 --> 00:20:30.720 Paul is not referring to some kind of call to a Zen-like calm 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:34.320 where we empty our minds, suspend our reason. 00:20:34.860 --> 00:20:37.960 It's very clear here and elsewhere in the Bible 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:42.180 that God has given us minds and reason, 00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:44.460 and we ought to use them. 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:47.080 They are not an impediment, but a gift. 00:20:47.079 --> 00:20:52.299 Our reason and intellect are valuable qualities to be embraced. 00:20:53.639 --> 00:20:55.659 He also does not suggest that the church 00:20:55.659 --> 00:20:58.699 should never have concerns or worries full stop. 00:21:00.579 --> 00:21:03.359 Earlier in Philippians, in chapter 2, verse 20, 00:21:03.919 --> 00:21:07.859 Paul uses the same word that he uses here for anxiety 00:21:07.859 --> 00:21:12.139 to express his concern for the Philippian church. 00:21:12.140 --> 00:21:16.640 So it's not that we ought not to ever have concerns 00:21:16.640 --> 00:21:21.380 or worries, again, full stop. 00:21:22.160 --> 00:21:24.780 Instead, it refers to an unnecessary worry 00:21:24.780 --> 00:21:27.160 that can leave us crippled and paralyzed. 00:21:28.680 --> 00:21:30.640 Involves letting fear take hold 00:21:30.640 --> 00:21:33.720 and living with a sense of impending doom. 00:21:36.560 --> 00:21:38.860 In our house, we call it borrowing trouble. 00:21:38.859 --> 00:21:43.859 I found... 00:21:43.859 --> 00:21:46.399 You will have your own example. 00:21:46.500 --> 00:21:47.899 This is an example from my life 00:21:47.899 --> 00:21:50.219 of how I borrow trouble. 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:54.179 If you're anything like me, 00:21:54.579 --> 00:21:56.859 and maybe you have... 00:21:56.859 --> 00:21:59.959 Sometimes you're afraid that people won't like you. 00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:01.359 Maybe it's low self-esteem. 00:22:01.539 --> 00:22:02.779 Maybe it's being people-pleasing. 00:22:03.279 --> 00:22:04.939 Maybe it's all wrapped up into that. 00:22:04.940 --> 00:22:09.200 What you can often do is hold people at arm's length 00:22:09.200 --> 00:22:13.140 because you're assuming that soon, 00:22:13.779 --> 00:22:17.259 today, next week, later on, 00:22:17.759 --> 00:22:20.500 you will be rejected in some kind of way. 00:22:21.460 --> 00:22:23.220 So you hold somebody at arm's length, 00:22:23.680 --> 00:22:26.279 but you hold somebody at arm's length long enough, 00:22:27.420 --> 00:22:29.259 they're your friend or you're connected to them, 00:22:29.259 --> 00:22:32.779 they're going to have an adverse reaction to that 00:22:32.779 --> 00:22:35.680 and might very well act in a way 00:22:35.680 --> 00:22:37.900 that makes you feel like you're rejected. 00:22:38.559 --> 00:22:39.359 And all of a sudden, 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:41.420 there's a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy 00:22:41.420 --> 00:22:45.259 where my worry has... 00:22:46.259 --> 00:22:49.279 is extended out into my relationships 00:22:49.279 --> 00:22:52.819 that has caused more worry and more anxiety 00:22:52.819 --> 00:22:55.099 that will inevitably spill over 00:22:55.099 --> 00:22:56.640 and all of a sudden, I'm spiraling. 00:22:56.640 --> 00:23:01.860 This is the worry that Paul is pointing to. 00:23:02.600 --> 00:23:04.280 A worry and a concern 00:23:04.280 --> 00:23:06.580 that is not rooted in care, 00:23:07.040 --> 00:23:09.200 but it is rooted in fear 00:23:09.200 --> 00:23:15.200 that it is not full of faith 00:23:15.200 --> 00:23:17.160 that causes us to be crippled 00:23:17.160 --> 00:23:20.440 and paralyzed in our relationships. 00:23:20.440 --> 00:23:28.480 The reality is, for many of us, 00:23:28.600 --> 00:23:29.980 anxiety is just a part of life. 00:23:31.100 --> 00:23:32.880 We deal with it as best we can, 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:37.320 but at best, we deal with symptoms. 00:23:38.200 --> 00:23:40.460 We soothe the pain, 00:23:40.559 --> 00:23:42.100 but never deal with the problem. 00:23:43.980 --> 00:23:44.500 And oftentimes, 00:23:44.960 --> 00:23:47.700 the ways in which we deal with the symptoms 00:23:47.700 --> 00:23:51.000 can be even more destructive. 00:23:51.420 --> 00:23:52.220 In my case, 00:23:53.160 --> 00:23:54.380 the example I used, 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:56.799 keeping people at arm's length, 00:23:56.940 --> 00:23:57.880 not trusting people 00:23:57.880 --> 00:23:59.580 in the way that maybe I should, 00:23:59.700 --> 00:24:02.340 not being as vulnerable as I need to be, 00:24:02.559 --> 00:24:07.000 or just being afraid of rejection. 00:24:07.660 --> 00:24:07.880 Right? 00:24:08.059 --> 00:24:09.759 I deal with it in an adverse way 00:24:09.759 --> 00:24:11.880 that has never solved my problem 00:24:11.880 --> 00:24:13.740 and has always perpetuated it. 00:24:15.460 --> 00:24:17.160 This text encourages us 00:24:17.160 --> 00:24:18.780 to consider trying another solution. 00:24:20.100 --> 00:24:21.900 It encourages me to try another solution, 00:24:22.080 --> 00:24:23.280 and here's what it is. 00:24:24.220 --> 00:24:26.280 God's peace is a better source of help 00:24:26.280 --> 00:24:27.980 in the face of anxiety 00:24:27.980 --> 00:24:30.220 compared to anything we can develop or use. 00:24:30.480 --> 00:24:31.080 So when it says, 00:24:31.200 --> 00:24:32.640 the peace that passes understanding, 00:24:33.620 --> 00:24:34.860 it is not to say that 00:24:34.860 --> 00:24:37.180 it's this kind of mysterious peace 00:24:37.180 --> 00:24:38.280 that falls upon us. 00:24:38.360 --> 00:24:38.940 We wake up, 00:24:39.040 --> 00:24:40.260 and all of a sudden, 00:24:40.400 --> 00:24:41.540 the gray clouds are gone, 00:24:41.539 --> 00:24:42.440 and the sun is shining, 00:24:42.920 --> 00:24:43.519 but rather, 00:24:43.920 --> 00:24:45.460 it speaks to 00:24:45.460 --> 00:24:49.319 a type of peace 00:24:49.319 --> 00:24:52.779 that is brought about 00:24:52.779 --> 00:24:54.819 with a pattern of life 00:24:54.819 --> 00:24:58.740 and a way forward 00:24:58.740 --> 00:25:01.240 that far exceeds anything 00:25:01.240 --> 00:25:02.779 that we could figure out on our own. 00:25:07.599 --> 00:25:10.299 It promises a transcendence of circumstances, 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:13.539 and a deep rest from our worries, 00:25:14.220 --> 00:25:17.659 but never promises to eliminate our worries completely, 00:25:17.899 --> 00:25:18.819 the source of our worries. 00:25:19.700 --> 00:25:20.940 Nowhere does Paul promise 00:25:20.940 --> 00:25:23.099 that the immediate source of anxiety 00:25:23.099 --> 00:25:24.159 will cease to exist. 00:25:24.819 --> 00:25:26.079 I mean, it may very well stop. 00:25:26.180 --> 00:25:26.579 For Paul, 00:25:27.220 --> 00:25:29.240 church history tells us that it did stop. 00:25:29.319 --> 00:25:29.980 He was freed, 00:25:30.399 --> 00:25:31.539 but two years later, 00:25:31.639 --> 00:25:33.879 he is put back in a Roman prison, 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.639 and then eventually, 00:25:34.779 --> 00:25:35.599 he will be beheaded. 00:25:35.599 --> 00:25:39.419 So the problems may very well stop, 00:25:39.459 --> 00:25:40.179 but they might not. 00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:43.500 Instead, this peace addresses 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:45.899 not just anxiety-inducing situations, 00:25:46.139 --> 00:25:50.279 but an anxiety-ridden heart and mind. 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.339 In God's peace, 00:25:51.559 --> 00:25:52.359 what does it do? 00:25:52.399 --> 00:25:53.679 It transforms our hearts. 00:25:54.319 --> 00:25:56.819 It gives us a godly, divine perspective. 00:25:57.379 --> 00:25:59.539 If you remember back in chapter 3, 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:04.440 Paul is talking about false teachers to avoid, 00:26:04.579 --> 00:26:05.579 and he says of them 00:26:05.579 --> 00:26:07.460 that their god is their belly, 00:26:08.019 --> 00:26:10.639 that they have their minds set on earthly things, 00:26:10.720 --> 00:26:12.599 and then immediately after, 00:26:12.700 --> 00:26:13.019 he says, 00:26:13.420 --> 00:26:14.740 but we are citizens of heaven. 00:26:17.559 --> 00:26:19.220 The peace that God gives us 00:26:19.220 --> 00:26:23.019 helps us to live as citizens of heaven 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:24.579 with a culture of heaven 00:26:24.579 --> 00:26:26.799 while we are still mortals here on earth. 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:31.419 God's peace transforms our hearts. 00:26:32.220 --> 00:26:33.619 We learn to converse with him, 00:26:33.740 --> 00:26:34.799 to praise him, 00:26:35.359 --> 00:26:38.259 to enjoy his goodness and love, 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:39.559 and when anxieties come, 00:26:40.119 --> 00:26:40.779 we don't say, 00:26:40.939 --> 00:26:42.299 how do I figure this out myself, 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:45.240 or how do I retreat back to Fort Daniel 00:26:45.240 --> 00:26:48.899 and set up all sorts of defense mechanisms? 00:26:49.159 --> 00:26:50.359 Rather, I go to the Lord, 00:26:51.299 --> 00:26:54.240 and I don't give him the solution that I want, 00:26:54.839 --> 00:26:56.059 we cast our cares upon him. 00:26:57.059 --> 00:26:58.859 We thank him for who he is 00:26:58.859 --> 00:26:59.980 and what he has done. 00:27:00.299 --> 00:27:02.160 We rejoice in the Lord again. 00:27:02.720 --> 00:27:03.359 We rejoice. 00:27:06.279 --> 00:27:08.500 God's peace acts as a powerful sentry, 00:27:08.599 --> 00:27:11.019 then, guarding us from spiritual collapse. 00:27:12.180 --> 00:27:12.920 And then all of a sudden, 00:27:13.059 --> 00:27:14.259 we can face things 00:27:14.259 --> 00:27:15.980 that we never thought we could face before. 00:27:18.200 --> 00:27:19.940 Today on the Christian calendar, 00:27:19.940 --> 00:27:22.819 we are recognizing and remembering 00:27:22.819 --> 00:27:26.419 the martyrs throughout church history. 00:27:27.419 --> 00:27:29.659 A couple weeks ago in the Sunday follow-up, 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:33.419 I included a link to just a summary of Polycarp. 00:27:33.919 --> 00:27:37.119 Polycarp was the disciple of John, the apostle. 00:27:37.119 --> 00:27:40.139 He was a bishop of Smyrna, 00:27:40.599 --> 00:27:42.099 and in his old age, 00:27:42.319 --> 00:27:43.699 a persecution hit the church, 00:27:44.579 --> 00:27:47.979 and he was convinced just to go to the countryside 00:27:47.979 --> 00:27:49.399 and pray. 00:27:50.519 --> 00:27:54.219 News of his presence in the countryside 00:27:54.219 --> 00:27:55.979 came to the Roman authorities, 00:27:55.980 --> 00:28:01.160 and a garrison of Roman troops 00:28:01.160 --> 00:28:02.360 were sent out to take him back 00:28:02.360 --> 00:28:04.160 so that he could either recant or be martyred. 00:28:05.819 --> 00:28:08.440 And he went with them. 00:28:09.500 --> 00:28:13.220 There's a few absolutely dynamite details in there, 00:28:13.259 --> 00:28:14.160 but for the sake of time, 00:28:14.900 --> 00:28:17.200 he is brought back to Smyrna. 00:28:17.860 --> 00:28:20.740 He stands before the prefect or the governor 00:28:20.740 --> 00:28:23.380 or the pro-council, whoever it was, 00:28:24.319 --> 00:28:28.039 and this officer implored him 00:28:28.039 --> 00:28:30.359 to just deny Christ, 00:28:31.339 --> 00:28:32.900 to deny being an atheist. 00:28:33.059 --> 00:28:35.059 An atheist was somebody who was against the gods, 00:28:35.180 --> 00:28:36.400 not an atheist as we know them. 00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:40.920 To reject atheism and embrace the gods. 00:28:40.920 --> 00:28:42.840 And he says, 00:28:43.960 --> 00:28:45.140 after much prayer, 00:28:45.840 --> 00:28:47.320 this is what he was doing in the countryside, 00:28:47.820 --> 00:28:49.120 he says to this pro-council, 00:28:49.960 --> 00:28:53.660 Christ has been faithful my entire life. 00:28:54.200 --> 00:28:56.000 I will not be unfaithful to him now. 00:28:59.380 --> 00:29:02.420 He would face a burning at the stake, 00:29:02.519 --> 00:29:03.080 and he says, 00:29:04.140 --> 00:29:05.900 my body will burn for an hour. 00:29:06.220 --> 00:29:09.960 To those that were lighting up the pyre, 00:29:09.960 --> 00:29:11.100 he said, 00:29:11.519 --> 00:29:12.600 but where you are going, 00:29:13.100 --> 00:29:15.000 the flames will rage for eternity. 00:29:15.380 --> 00:29:17.220 I'm not suggesting saying that, by the way, 00:29:17.680 --> 00:29:18.960 to people that are giving you a hard time. 00:29:20.340 --> 00:29:21.779 But just to say that 00:29:21.779 --> 00:29:24.740 the bravery of a man in his 80s, 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:27.920 that bravery in the face of difficulty 00:29:27.920 --> 00:29:30.960 and very anxiety-inducing situation 00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:32.019 that he was facing, 00:29:32.420 --> 00:29:34.059 it did not come from himself. 00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:36.620 It wasn't that he dug deep 00:29:36.620 --> 00:29:39.500 and just found that he could muster up the strength 00:29:39.500 --> 00:29:43.539 to die a faithful witness of Christ. 00:29:43.759 --> 00:29:44.180 No. 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:46.859 But through prayer and supplication, 00:29:46.940 --> 00:29:47.859 with thanksgiving, 00:29:48.319 --> 00:29:50.119 he made his request known to God. 00:29:50.180 --> 00:29:50.700 And what happened? 00:29:51.119 --> 00:29:53.759 The peace of God that passes all understanding, 00:29:53.859 --> 00:29:54.779 it guarded his heart 00:29:54.779 --> 00:29:57.079 and his mind in Christ Jesus. 00:29:57.640 --> 00:30:00.440 His body was killed. 00:30:01.480 --> 00:30:02.160 He was a martyr. 00:30:03.039 --> 00:30:05.039 But this is the strength that's available for us. 00:30:05.039 --> 00:30:05.559 And by the way, 00:30:05.700 --> 00:30:07.940 this is a very freeing thing 00:30:07.940 --> 00:30:09.180 because it means that 00:30:09.180 --> 00:30:10.859 we don't have to worry about tomorrow, 00:30:10.980 --> 00:30:11.839 but when tomorrow comes, 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:12.639 we give it to God 00:30:12.639 --> 00:30:14.339 and he will supply us with what we need 00:30:14.339 --> 00:30:15.740 in the time of need. 00:30:19.339 --> 00:30:22.659 It's an absolutely wonderful testimony 00:30:22.659 --> 00:30:26.319 of God's strength through prayer. 00:30:27.480 --> 00:30:28.659 So this is what Paul means 00:30:28.659 --> 00:30:29.579 when he talks about peace 00:30:29.579 --> 00:30:30.920 that surpasses all understanding. 00:30:30.920 --> 00:30:37.320 It is a peace that is designed by God 00:30:37.320 --> 00:30:40.360 and given to us by his spirit. 00:30:41.560 --> 00:30:42.900 It's a pathway to peace 00:30:42.900 --> 00:30:47.340 that will completely dwarf our very best efforts. 00:30:48.539 --> 00:30:49.120 God is near. 00:30:50.140 --> 00:30:52.920 So pray to him and worship him 00:30:52.920 --> 00:30:54.259 and rejoice in him 00:30:54.259 --> 00:30:56.340 and expect that he will give you peace 00:30:56.340 --> 00:30:58.620 that far surpasses any peace 00:30:58.619 --> 00:31:00.119 that you think you can get. 00:31:00.659 --> 00:31:02.719 It will be a gift to you from God himself. 00:31:05.000 --> 00:31:06.019 This peace will begin 00:31:06.019 --> 00:31:09.219 to help us to think and act in a pious way. 00:31:09.299 --> 00:31:10.619 It will transform our lives 00:31:10.619 --> 00:31:12.659 because it will transform our minds 00:31:12.659 --> 00:31:13.879 and our thinkings. 00:31:13.959 --> 00:31:15.979 It will guide us to imitate Christ 00:31:15.979 --> 00:31:18.819 and to live these reasonable, peaceable lives. 00:31:19.179 --> 00:31:21.099 And this is what we see in the second section, 00:31:21.219 --> 00:31:22.539 verses 8 and 9. 00:31:23.559 --> 00:31:25.659 A peace that comes through a posture of piety. 00:31:25.939 --> 00:31:27.079 Read with me verses 8. 00:31:27.079 --> 00:31:28.899 Just 8 for now. 00:31:28.980 --> 00:31:30.419 We'll get to 9 shortly. 00:31:30.740 --> 00:31:31.259 Verse 8. 00:31:32.199 --> 00:31:33.419 Finally, brothers and sisters, 00:31:33.619 --> 00:31:35.019 whatever is true, 00:31:35.679 --> 00:31:37.059 whatever is honorable, 00:31:37.279 --> 00:31:38.039 whatever is just, 00:31:38.179 --> 00:31:39.000 whatever is pure, 00:31:39.539 --> 00:31:40.599 whatever is lovely, 00:31:40.799 --> 00:31:41.759 whatever is commendable, 00:31:41.859 --> 00:31:43.179 if there is any excellence, 00:31:43.679 --> 00:31:46.079 if there is anything worthy of praise, 00:31:46.379 --> 00:31:48.179 think about these things. 00:31:50.359 --> 00:31:51.759 You know, the term piety 00:31:51.759 --> 00:31:56.099 can oftentimes have a negative reputation, 00:31:56.099 --> 00:31:59.099 this idea of a false religiosity 00:31:59.099 --> 00:32:02.420 or a holier-than-thou attitude. 00:32:03.160 --> 00:32:06.119 You see this in terms like puritanical, 00:32:06.180 --> 00:32:07.960 when somebody's being puritanical. 00:32:08.099 --> 00:32:09.220 It's not exactly a compliment. 00:32:09.920 --> 00:32:10.579 I will say, 00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:12.160 the writings of the Puritan, 00:32:12.160 --> 00:32:13.339 this is an aside, 00:32:13.680 --> 00:32:14.319 a little freebie, 00:32:14.980 --> 00:32:16.279 the writings of the Puritans, 00:32:16.279 --> 00:32:19.859 it's worth getting a copy of something. 00:32:19.980 --> 00:32:22.420 A bruised read is an excellent short read 00:32:22.420 --> 00:32:23.359 if you want to jump into 00:32:23.359 --> 00:32:26.519 some Puritan writings. 00:32:26.940 --> 00:32:28.660 It's a giant side note. 00:32:29.599 --> 00:32:31.460 However, I use the term piety 00:32:31.460 --> 00:32:34.039 intentionally. 00:32:34.720 --> 00:32:35.819 When I say piety, 00:32:36.019 --> 00:32:37.819 it is an embracing of the things 00:32:37.819 --> 00:32:39.000 that God has called good. 00:32:39.940 --> 00:32:41.220 And as we think well, 00:32:41.220 --> 00:32:42.960 we will act well. 00:32:43.579 --> 00:32:44.460 And all of this, again, 00:32:44.539 --> 00:32:45.840 in light of God's strength 00:32:45.840 --> 00:32:46.860 and God's goodness 00:32:46.860 --> 00:32:50.660 and God who is giving us peace. 00:32:52.559 --> 00:32:55.299 This section has seven or eight, 00:32:55.360 --> 00:32:56.880 however you look at it, 00:32:57.440 --> 00:33:00.440 whatever's to think about 00:33:00.440 --> 00:33:01.460 and to dwell upon 00:33:01.460 --> 00:33:02.460 and to meditate upon. 00:33:03.240 --> 00:33:04.720 But just in case you think 00:33:04.720 --> 00:33:05.640 there's something missing, 00:33:06.160 --> 00:33:07.380 what does Paul say here? 00:33:07.380 --> 00:33:09.779 If there is anything worthy of praise, 00:33:09.840 --> 00:33:10.840 a bit of a catch-all there, 00:33:10.839 --> 00:33:13.879 think about these things. 00:33:15.159 --> 00:33:16.759 Paul here will really, 00:33:17.359 --> 00:33:19.500 God, through the Holy Spirit, 00:33:20.359 --> 00:33:23.099 is giving us a grid 00:33:23.099 --> 00:33:24.399 by which we can determine 00:33:24.399 --> 00:33:25.639 which values and goals 00:33:25.639 --> 00:33:26.659 are worth pursuing. 00:33:27.799 --> 00:33:29.519 It encourages us to celebrate 00:33:29.519 --> 00:33:31.319 good and true and beautiful things 00:33:31.319 --> 00:33:33.839 wherever we find them. 00:33:34.000 --> 00:33:35.699 Since all goodness, truth, 00:33:35.700 --> 00:33:36.580 and beauty, 00:33:36.680 --> 00:33:37.799 it points towards 00:33:37.799 --> 00:33:38.860 and finds its genesis 00:33:38.860 --> 00:33:40.920 in God the Father, 00:33:41.080 --> 00:33:41.519 God the Son, 00:33:41.559 --> 00:33:42.400 and God the Holy Spirit. 00:33:44.240 --> 00:33:47.080 And this is just an excellent list 00:33:47.080 --> 00:33:47.740 to think about. 00:33:48.220 --> 00:33:48.559 And again, 00:33:48.700 --> 00:33:49.960 when I said we could double-click 00:33:49.960 --> 00:33:51.080 on parts of the sermon, 00:33:51.160 --> 00:33:52.319 this is the section, 00:33:52.500 --> 00:33:53.080 you can double-click 00:33:53.080 --> 00:33:53.819 on all these words, 00:33:54.580 --> 00:33:55.819 do a bit of a deep dive yourself. 00:33:55.819 --> 00:34:00.939 But the embrace of these virtues, 00:34:01.279 --> 00:34:03.619 it serves as an incredible antidote 00:34:03.619 --> 00:34:07.099 to jealousy and corruption and slander. 00:34:07.919 --> 00:34:10.059 And it helps us to not fear things 00:34:10.059 --> 00:34:13.659 that are not truly worth our concern or worry. 00:34:15.360 --> 00:34:17.539 It helps us to have disciplined thinking. 00:34:18.239 --> 00:34:20.019 And disciplined thinking is an antidote 00:34:20.019 --> 00:34:22.400 to anxious thoughts and behaviors. 00:34:22.400 --> 00:34:25.480 Again, this isn't an overnight thing, right? 00:34:25.519 --> 00:34:26.920 This is something we grow into. 00:34:27.660 --> 00:34:30.180 We learn a disciple is somebody 00:34:30.180 --> 00:34:31.920 who is on the way, right? 00:34:32.000 --> 00:34:33.220 It is a process. 00:34:33.440 --> 00:34:35.740 But we begin this process. 00:34:35.900 --> 00:34:37.079 We continue with this process. 00:34:37.240 --> 00:34:38.960 We grow in this process. 00:34:40.280 --> 00:34:41.900 This is how our values and virtues 00:34:41.900 --> 00:34:43.639 start to be transformed. 00:34:44.940 --> 00:34:46.320 And also our actions, 00:34:46.460 --> 00:34:48.320 for our actions are always downstream 00:34:48.320 --> 00:34:50.720 from our thinking and our values. 00:34:50.719 --> 00:34:54.179 Easier said than done, though, is it not? 00:34:55.379 --> 00:34:56.719 We need help and instruction. 00:34:58.259 --> 00:35:00.459 And again, the wisdom of this passage 00:35:00.459 --> 00:35:02.639 for growing in peace and joy, 00:35:03.319 --> 00:35:05.639 it is rooted in the life of the church. 00:35:06.019 --> 00:35:07.919 I mean, how God uses the church, 00:35:08.099 --> 00:35:09.719 but what it is not rooted in 00:35:09.719 --> 00:35:14.019 is a by-myself, lone-wolf type of Christianity, 00:35:14.199 --> 00:35:16.939 which isn't really a biblical Christianity at all. 00:35:17.519 --> 00:35:18.779 Read with me verse 9, 00:35:18.839 --> 00:35:19.839 and this is the last section. 00:35:20.719 --> 00:35:21.599 It says this, 00:35:22.019 --> 00:35:23.679 what you have learned and received 00:35:23.679 --> 00:35:25.659 and heard and seen in me, 00:35:25.719 --> 00:35:26.659 that is the Apostle Paul, 00:35:27.179 --> 00:35:28.219 practice these things, 00:35:28.879 --> 00:35:30.679 and the God of peace will be with you. 00:35:31.319 --> 00:35:32.679 Once again, Paul is highlighting 00:35:32.679 --> 00:35:35.119 the significance of the body of Christ. 00:35:36.019 --> 00:35:37.959 We come to church to learn 00:35:37.959 --> 00:35:40.199 and to receive and to hear and to see. 00:35:40.779 --> 00:35:43.839 We have mentors. 00:35:43.840 --> 00:35:46.700 We have people that we look to imitate. 00:35:46.700 --> 00:35:49.500 I mean, one of the beautiful things 00:35:49.500 --> 00:35:51.460 about considering the stories of the martyrs 00:35:51.460 --> 00:35:53.680 is that we have this wonderful example 00:35:53.680 --> 00:35:57.539 of men and women who have lived 00:35:57.539 --> 00:35:59.720 not a perfect life, 00:35:59.820 --> 00:36:01.539 but a life of faithfulness to the end 00:36:01.539 --> 00:36:02.500 that we can imitate. 00:36:02.720 --> 00:36:02.940 Why? 00:36:03.460 --> 00:36:04.220 Because they're special. 00:36:04.340 --> 00:36:05.800 No, because they're imitating Christ. 00:36:05.800 --> 00:36:11.820 Week after week, 00:36:11.960 --> 00:36:12.680 month after month, 00:36:12.800 --> 00:36:13.500 year after year, 00:36:13.640 --> 00:36:14.740 decade after decade, 00:36:15.140 --> 00:36:17.200 this reality washes over you 00:36:17.200 --> 00:36:18.560 and your values 00:36:18.560 --> 00:36:20.900 and the virtues that you cling to, 00:36:21.300 --> 00:36:22.539 they begin to transform 00:36:22.539 --> 00:36:24.120 and you let go of things 00:36:24.120 --> 00:36:25.060 that don't really matter 00:36:25.060 --> 00:36:27.100 or are selfish or slanderous 00:36:27.099 --> 00:36:28.860 or not peace loving 00:36:28.860 --> 00:36:30.960 and not giving of life 00:36:30.960 --> 00:36:34.279 and do not bring hope and joy 00:36:34.279 --> 00:36:38.000 and true including of the other. 00:36:41.719 --> 00:36:43.759 And instead, it turns all that around. 00:36:46.039 --> 00:36:48.539 This is the body of Christ at work, 00:36:48.639 --> 00:36:49.059 the church. 00:36:50.000 --> 00:36:51.759 We observe the example 00:36:51.759 --> 00:36:55.639 throughout the body 00:36:55.639 --> 00:36:57.359 through time 00:36:57.359 --> 00:36:58.359 and through space 00:36:58.359 --> 00:37:00.420 and it is a model to follow 00:37:00.420 --> 00:37:01.719 but only in that 00:37:01.719 --> 00:37:04.400 the church seeks to imitate Christ. 00:37:07.239 --> 00:37:09.179 I think I mentioned this a few weeks back 00:37:09.179 --> 00:37:10.699 but it's worth mentioning again. 00:37:11.159 --> 00:37:12.440 You will imitate something. 00:37:12.699 --> 00:37:13.039 You will. 00:37:15.319 --> 00:37:17.199 You are not as original as you think. 00:37:18.019 --> 00:37:18.920 You're just not. 00:37:19.799 --> 00:37:20.619 And that's not a put down. 00:37:20.759 --> 00:37:21.980 It's just the reality of it. 00:37:22.019 --> 00:37:23.059 If you're being honest with yourself, 00:37:23.139 --> 00:37:24.259 you're not as original as you think. 00:37:24.260 --> 00:37:25.720 You will imitate something. 00:37:26.440 --> 00:37:28.520 You'll have this ideal in your mind, 00:37:28.840 --> 00:37:31.080 online, whatever, 00:37:31.260 --> 00:37:32.460 and you want to slowly 00:37:32.460 --> 00:37:33.420 or maybe not slowly 00:37:33.420 --> 00:37:35.020 curate your life 00:37:35.020 --> 00:37:36.580 and your fashion 00:37:36.580 --> 00:37:39.180 and kind of the way you live 00:37:39.180 --> 00:37:42.000 to imitate what you value. 00:37:42.000 --> 00:37:46.619 Are you copying those 00:37:46.619 --> 00:37:48.420 who are experiencing the peace of God? 00:37:49.179 --> 00:37:51.440 Are you looking to imitate others 00:37:51.440 --> 00:37:53.239 that are embracing 00:37:53.239 --> 00:37:55.840 joy in Christ? 00:37:56.880 --> 00:37:58.440 Are you feeling more peace 00:37:58.440 --> 00:38:02.019 in the things that you seek to imitate 00:38:02.019 --> 00:38:02.900 or more anxiety? 00:38:04.039 --> 00:38:05.960 What are you choosing to embrace, church? 00:38:05.960 --> 00:38:11.139 What are you embracing? 00:38:11.800 --> 00:38:12.960 We'll wrap up with this. 00:38:14.059 --> 00:38:16.099 These verses could possibly change your life 00:38:16.099 --> 00:38:18.820 and I think they will. 00:38:21.420 --> 00:38:22.760 They're worth memorizing, 00:38:24.079 --> 00:38:25.840 worth recalling, 00:38:26.300 --> 00:38:27.440 worth thinking about often. 00:38:28.079 --> 00:38:28.840 Like I mentioned, 00:38:29.199 --> 00:38:30.039 verse 8 to 9 00:38:30.039 --> 00:38:31.760 can become a wonderful 00:38:31.760 --> 00:38:33.040 and helpful 00:38:33.040 --> 00:38:34.120 and life-giving grid 00:38:34.120 --> 00:38:35.880 by which you discern life through. 00:38:37.720 --> 00:38:38.740 They serve, 00:38:38.880 --> 00:38:39.780 these verses serve 00:38:39.780 --> 00:38:40.620 as an antidote 00:38:40.620 --> 00:38:42.260 for many of our negative reactions 00:38:42.260 --> 00:38:44.620 to real and perceived anxieties of life. 00:38:46.220 --> 00:38:47.480 They are an expression 00:38:47.480 --> 00:38:49.160 of the Lord's deep care 00:38:49.160 --> 00:38:49.820 and love 00:38:49.820 --> 00:38:51.180 for us, 00:38:51.660 --> 00:38:52.800 for those He loves, 00:38:53.500 --> 00:38:55.480 those who are called by Him 00:38:55.480 --> 00:38:56.039 and those 00:38:56.039 --> 00:38:58.460 for whom Jesus Christ has died. 00:38:58.559 --> 00:38:58.880 However, 00:38:59.059 --> 00:39:00.659 there is a condition 00:39:00.659 --> 00:39:02.099 with this section. 00:39:03.460 --> 00:39:04.619 A condition attached 00:39:04.619 --> 00:39:05.340 to this joy 00:39:05.340 --> 00:39:07.019 and this pathway for peace. 00:39:07.460 --> 00:39:08.059 And we see it 00:39:08.059 --> 00:39:09.460 at the very end of verse 7 00:39:09.460 --> 00:39:10.840 and it's implied also 00:39:10.840 --> 00:39:12.659 at the very end of verse 9. 00:39:13.079 --> 00:39:14.159 Verse 7 at the end, 00:39:14.219 --> 00:39:15.159 we'll read the full section. 00:39:15.559 --> 00:39:16.340 And the peace of God 00:39:16.340 --> 00:39:17.940 which surpasses all understanding 00:39:17.940 --> 00:39:19.079 will guard your hearts 00:39:19.079 --> 00:39:20.760 and your minds 00:39:20.760 --> 00:39:22.519 in Christ Jesus. 00:39:22.519 --> 00:39:25.920 verse 9, 00:39:26.920 --> 00:39:27.759 what you have learned 00:39:27.759 --> 00:39:28.280 and received 00:39:28.280 --> 00:39:28.699 and heard 00:39:28.699 --> 00:39:29.320 and seen in me, 00:39:29.420 --> 00:39:30.239 practice these things 00:39:30.239 --> 00:39:31.019 and the God of peace 00:39:31.019 --> 00:39:32.780 will be with you. 00:39:34.039 --> 00:39:34.860 Throughout Philippians, 00:39:35.000 --> 00:39:36.699 Paul talks about union with Christ, 00:39:37.320 --> 00:39:39.579 which is a reality 00:39:39.579 --> 00:39:41.099 for those who respond to His call. 00:39:41.840 --> 00:39:44.139 So when Christ saves us by grace 00:39:44.139 --> 00:39:45.519 and we respond by faith, 00:39:46.059 --> 00:39:47.440 we are united to Him. 00:39:48.679 --> 00:39:49.719 He is the head, 00:39:50.460 --> 00:39:51.920 the church is the body, 00:39:52.519 --> 00:39:55.719 we are united to Christ 00:39:55.719 --> 00:39:57.119 so that we are His body. 00:39:57.300 --> 00:39:58.500 It's not a nice little 00:39:58.500 --> 00:39:59.539 wonderful thing 00:39:59.539 --> 00:40:01.679 that kind of comes up as 00:40:01.679 --> 00:40:06.679 something that makes us feel good. 00:40:07.099 --> 00:40:08.119 It's a reality 00:40:08.119 --> 00:40:09.320 that describes 00:40:09.320 --> 00:40:10.840 a mystical union 00:40:10.840 --> 00:40:13.000 that God initiates 00:40:13.000 --> 00:40:14.179 that we simply receive 00:40:14.179 --> 00:40:15.960 where we become united to Him. 00:40:16.500 --> 00:40:17.219 It's remarkable 00:40:17.219 --> 00:40:18.619 so that where Christ goes, 00:40:18.759 --> 00:40:19.980 we too will go with Him. 00:40:19.980 --> 00:40:24.980 So if you are in Christ, 00:40:25.980 --> 00:40:26.980 it means that there will 00:40:26.980 --> 00:40:28.300 never be a time 00:40:28.300 --> 00:40:29.699 from now until eternity 00:40:29.699 --> 00:40:31.059 when God is not with you. 00:40:32.679 --> 00:40:33.820 And He has done this 00:40:33.820 --> 00:40:35.960 because on the cross of Calvary 00:40:35.960 --> 00:40:37.139 He bore the very root 00:40:37.139 --> 00:40:38.579 of what causes our anxieties, 00:40:39.039 --> 00:40:39.599 our pains, 00:40:39.760 --> 00:40:40.240 our guilts, 00:40:40.360 --> 00:40:41.139 our hatreds, 00:40:41.320 --> 00:40:42.099 our regret, 00:40:42.599 --> 00:40:43.960 anything that may cause us 00:40:43.960 --> 00:40:44.820 worry or concern. 00:40:45.320 --> 00:40:46.820 So really an important question 00:40:46.820 --> 00:40:48.300 to ask is, 00:40:48.460 --> 00:40:49.420 are you in Christ? 00:40:50.180 --> 00:40:51.140 Have you responded 00:40:51.140 --> 00:40:52.140 to Him by faith? 00:40:53.440 --> 00:40:54.640 If you have not, 00:40:55.900 --> 00:40:58.519 it is a wonderful gift 00:40:58.519 --> 00:41:00.420 and it is the beginning 00:41:00.420 --> 00:41:01.800 of a life of joy, 00:41:02.240 --> 00:41:03.340 not ease, 00:41:04.519 --> 00:41:04.800 okay, 00:41:04.920 --> 00:41:05.680 not ease, 00:41:05.679 --> 00:41:07.599 but joy 00:41:07.599 --> 00:41:09.239 and peace 00:41:09.239 --> 00:41:10.359 and love 00:41:10.359 --> 00:41:11.480 and hope. 00:41:15.679 --> 00:41:16.980 And it is for you today. 00:41:17.159 --> 00:41:19.000 If you are hearing God's Word, 00:41:20.000 --> 00:41:21.899 you can respond right now 00:41:21.899 --> 00:41:23.599 and He will help you to respond. 00:41:23.599 --> 00:41:27.860 And if you are somebody 00:41:27.860 --> 00:41:30.279 who has confessed faith in Christ, 00:41:30.380 --> 00:41:31.500 if you are united to Christ, 00:41:32.279 --> 00:41:34.239 but you have forgotten 00:41:34.239 --> 00:41:35.000 what it means 00:41:35.000 --> 00:41:37.860 to embrace this Prince of Peace 00:41:37.860 --> 00:41:39.539 who we call Jesus Christ, 00:41:39.659 --> 00:41:40.440 our Lord and Savior, 00:41:41.619 --> 00:41:42.319 if you have forgotten 00:41:42.319 --> 00:41:43.079 what this is 00:41:43.079 --> 00:41:44.659 or if you are overcome 00:41:44.659 --> 00:41:45.679 with anxieties, 00:41:46.239 --> 00:41:48.579 if you are riddled with doubt, 00:41:48.659 --> 00:41:49.880 if you have borrowed trouble, 00:41:51.880 --> 00:41:52.339 then friends, 00:41:52.340 --> 00:41:53.440 remember afresh 00:41:53.440 --> 00:41:54.700 the command 00:41:54.700 --> 00:41:55.900 to rejoice in the Lord. 00:41:56.059 --> 00:41:56.400 Again, 00:41:57.840 --> 00:41:59.019 Paul says to rejoice 00:41:59.019 --> 00:42:01.160 and to pray to Him 00:42:01.160 --> 00:42:02.260 and to seek His face 00:42:02.260 --> 00:42:03.840 and to give Him 00:42:03.840 --> 00:42:04.380 your worries 00:42:04.380 --> 00:42:05.559 and your anxieties 00:42:05.559 --> 00:42:06.840 and trust that 00:42:06.840 --> 00:42:07.820 in His timing, 00:42:08.220 --> 00:42:09.300 in His way, 00:42:10.800 --> 00:42:12.440 the peace of God 00:42:12.440 --> 00:42:13.680 from the God of peace 00:42:13.680 --> 00:42:14.300 will be yours 00:42:14.300 --> 00:42:15.079 in Christ Jesus. 00:42:15.420 --> 00:42:16.100 It's yours. 00:42:16.940 --> 00:42:17.460 And this is why 00:42:17.460 --> 00:42:19.400 this section 00:42:19.400 --> 00:42:20.460 can transform your life. 00:42:21.640 --> 00:42:22.240 It can transform 00:42:22.239 --> 00:42:22.599 your life. 00:42:22.759 --> 00:42:24.979 It can be the start 00:42:24.979 --> 00:42:25.719 of remembering 00:42:25.719 --> 00:42:27.759 that you are in Christ 00:42:27.759 --> 00:42:29.179 and you can live 00:42:29.179 --> 00:42:30.539 as a citizen of heaven 00:42:30.539 --> 00:42:31.519 while you're still here 00:42:31.519 --> 00:42:31.899 on earth. 00:42:34.339 --> 00:42:34.779 Friends, 00:42:34.839 --> 00:42:35.359 let us rejoice 00:42:35.359 --> 00:42:36.039 in this truth. 00:42:37.019 --> 00:42:37.759 Let us take joy 00:42:37.759 --> 00:42:38.639 that Christ has made 00:42:38.639 --> 00:42:39.699 a pathway for peace 00:42:39.699 --> 00:42:40.139 for us 00:42:40.139 --> 00:42:41.859 and let us rejoice 00:42:41.859 --> 00:42:42.279 in Him 00:42:42.279 --> 00:42:45.139 all the living days 00:42:45.139 --> 00:42:45.639 of our life. 00:42:45.719 --> 00:42:46.119 Let's pray. 00:42:47.359 --> 00:42:47.719 Father, 00:42:47.819 --> 00:42:48.279 we thank you 00:42:48.279 --> 00:42:49.259 for the truth 00:42:49.259 --> 00:42:49.839 of your word. 00:42:49.840 --> 00:42:49.880 Lord, 00:42:49.880 --> 00:42:50.320 we thank you 00:42:50.320 --> 00:42:51.079 for the promise 00:42:51.079 --> 00:42:51.660 of peace 00:42:51.660 --> 00:42:52.400 and we thank you 00:42:52.400 --> 00:42:53.500 that the invitation 00:42:53.500 --> 00:42:54.240 to receive it 00:42:54.240 --> 00:42:54.880 is very simple, 00:42:54.960 --> 00:42:55.680 to respond 00:42:55.680 --> 00:42:56.740 to what Christ 00:42:56.740 --> 00:42:57.100 has done 00:42:57.100 --> 00:42:57.600 on the cross 00:42:57.600 --> 00:42:58.140 of Calvary. 00:42:58.240 --> 00:42:58.400 Lord, 00:42:58.840 --> 00:42:59.940 help us by your spirit 00:42:59.940 --> 00:43:00.800 to be people 00:43:00.800 --> 00:43:02.380 that embrace joy 00:43:02.380 --> 00:43:03.740 and are given peace 00:43:03.740 --> 00:43:05.039 and know what it means 00:43:05.039 --> 00:43:06.579 to live in union 00:43:06.579 --> 00:43:07.640 with Christ Jesus 00:43:07.640 --> 00:43:08.600 from now 00:43:08.600 --> 00:43:10.240 to eternity. 00:43:10.800 --> 00:43:11.100 And Lord, 00:43:11.200 --> 00:43:12.460 as we will 00:43:12.460 --> 00:43:13.780 inevitably face 00:43:13.780 --> 00:43:15.700 anxious days ahead, 00:43:15.699 --> 00:43:17.179 remind us 00:43:17.179 --> 00:43:18.179 that you are near 00:43:18.179 --> 00:43:19.639 and that you love 00:43:19.639 --> 00:43:20.159 to listen 00:43:20.159 --> 00:43:21.679 and that you desire 00:43:21.679 --> 00:43:22.739 to redeem 00:43:22.739 --> 00:43:24.500 and to rescue 00:43:24.500 --> 00:43:26.259 and to fix 00:43:26.259 --> 00:43:28.759 and to give peace 00:43:28.759 --> 00:43:29.579 in our time of need. 00:43:31.659 --> 00:43:33.119 Pray this in Christ Jesus. 00:43:33.500 --> 00:43:33.719 Amen. 00:43:33.719 --> 00:43:33.819 Amen. 00:43:33.819 --> 00:43:33.819 00:43:33.819 --> 00:43:33.819 00:43:33.819 --> 00:43:33.819 00:43:33.819 --> 00:43:33.819 00:43:33.819 --> 00:43:33.819 00:43:33.819 --> 00:43:33.819