Peace starts with
thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving starts with
God!
Philippians 3:17-18Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told
you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the
cross of Christ:
Philippians 3:19-21whose end is destruction, whose god is
their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
Philippians 3:19-21For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly
body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is
able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Phil. 3:20The Bible tells us that we are
“aliens” on this earth.
…no, not that kind…
Phil. 3:20The reality is that we are citizens
of heaven.
…and we are to act like it!
Phil. 3:20But, while we currently have a
“dual-citizenship”, we are supposed to be good citizens
here.Rom. 13:1-4; 1 Pet. 2:11-17
Phil. 3:20For false teachers, this is their
home.
They “set their minds on earthly things”.
Phil. 3:20They pay a price for their focus.
• Their end is destruction or ruin• They are ruled by their desires• What they consider important
they should be ashamed of
Phil. 3:20The reason for their shameful,
fleshly lives that end in destruction is the focus of the
book: Their perspective is earthly!
But, we will be changed!
Phil. 3:21The reality that Christ can come
at any time does matter!
And, when He comes, we go home!
We will be rescued!1 Thess. 5:1-10
Philippians 4:1Therefore, my beloved and longed-for
brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
Phil. 4:1The reality of our future should
cause us to stand in Him.
Philippians 4:2-3I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you
also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement
also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Phil. 4:2-3Our future together should
impact our present together!
…and be like-minded.
Philippians 4:4-5Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say,
rejoice!Let your gentleness be known to all men. The
Lord is at hand.
Phil. 4:4The reality of our lives now and our future together with Christ
should create the reality of joy in everything.
Phil. 4:4“in the Lord”
• We have a future together• He is in control• He cares about every detail of
our lives• He hears and cares about
every prayer
Phil. 4:5The reality of our future together
with Christ should create the reality of kindness toward others.
Philippians 4:6-7Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:6-7The reality of what our
relationship with Christ involves should remove anxiety.
Phil. 4:6-7Reality:
• God is sovereign – Ps. 2; 103:19
• God cares about the smallest details of my life – Mt. 10:30
• God cares about every prayer – Mt. 7:7-11
• I will be with Him forever
Two words: “with thanksgiving”What does it mean when I thank
someone for whatever they decide to do before they decide
whether to give it?
Two words: “with thanksgiving”It takes:
• Trust in their wisdom• Trust in their power• Trust in their love for me• Trust that they will make the
best decision
It takes faith!
Philippians 4:8Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,
whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any
virtue and ifthere is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Phil. 4:8• True – making sure our
concerns are not fantasy and our minds are based on the Word, not simply perception
• Noble – Worth your time, worthy of respect. What are you trying to prove and who are you trying to prove it to?
• Just - conforming to God’s standard
Phil. 4:8• Pure – Impure thoughts lead
to impure lives• Lovely – Causes pleasure,
delight• Good report - things that are
tried and true from others, earn their recommendation; who recommends the television and movies you watch? Music? Books?
Phil. 4:8• Virtue – Uncommon character,
excellence of character• Worthy of praise – Yep; that
Philippians 4:9The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the
God of peace will be with you.
Phil. 4:9“I cared enough about my Lord and you to live in such a way as
to help you see it.”
Phil. 4:9Peace does not come to those
who will not live in reality instead of our perceptions.
Phil. 4:9The only real reality is the one
that includes the real truths about the only real God.
Peace starts with
thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving starts with
God!