Philippians 4:7; The Prince of Peace II

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Picking up where we left off last week; how does the peace of God guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus?  Let’s take a look.

When a challenging issue crops up, we have two choices: take it to God or don’t take it to God.  Let’s start with what happens when we deal with things apart from God.  You probably know this already, but when we face struggles, the enemy sees an opportunity to attack. It can go something like this:

“Wow, this area of your life is really tough, why not focus on other things for a while? School, friends, entertainment, anything will do.”  And you ignore the problem instead of dealing with it.

Then he says, “Hmmm…it isn’t getting better. Why isn’t anyone helping you?” You start to doubt your friends and family.  Anger walks in. 

And then he says, “No one is helping you because no one cares for you.”  Self-pity and fear creep in. 

And then he says, “It’s probably not going to get better and you know what?  Try this, it will actually make you feel better!”  And maybe you do – and maybe you do feel better for a short time, but the issue comes right back, worse than before.  Resignation enters and possibly addiction too. 

And then he says, “You are a mess!  No way God would ever love anyone like you.”  Despair sets in.  Your heart and mind have been compromised and peace is beyond comprehension.

Does that scenario sound familiar?  The enemy is more cunning than we can imagine and his goal is to DESTROY you!  He will not play fair or follow the rules.  That is why we so desperately need the peace of God to guard our hearts and minds.  What does that look like? 

How about this?  A challenge arises and you take it directly to God.  Whenever worry or anxiety or frustration comes in, you use it as a reminder to give that situation over to God.  And every time you do that, you thank God for His grace and faithfulness. You begin to realize that the more you focus on Jesus, the more at peace you feel. 

Your situation might not be any better, but YOU are better.  You have a sense that things are going to be okay, even if things are really tough.  And your heart and mind are protected because you are focused on Jesus which leaves no room for the enemy to attack.

Jesus says, “In this world you will have trouble.”  If trouble isn’t already here, it’s coming.  But He also says, “Take heart for I have overcome the world.”  Jesus doesn’t say that He will immediately fix all your troubles; it is often those very troubles that drive us to Him. 

And it is then that we learn how to live a faithful life in the midst of troubles which is where the peace that passes understanding resides.  And that is much more valuable than just having your troubles disappear.  Because like it or not, more troubles are coming – Jesus empowers us to overcome!

I won’t say that keeping your eyes on Jesus during a trial is easy, but it is the only way you will have peace consistently in your life.  And that is well worth the effort!

“God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there.  There is no such thing.” – CS Lewis

Philippians 4:6; Anxiety

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 

I realize I could say this about a lot of verses, but if we REALLY believed this truth AND lived our lives accordingly – the world would be a very different a place.  And if the world didn’t become a better place, at least we (as individuals and the church) would be much different and that would be miracle enough.  Let’s work from back to front with this verse. 

“…with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Because we can present our requests to God, we are thankful – or should be thankful.  Our prayers and requests are heard by an all-loving and all-powerful God who is heavily invested in each of us.  Not only does God hear us, but He is faithful to answer our prayers.  Not always the way we want Him to, but God always hears and He always answers our prayers.  And if He doesn’t answer the way you want Him to – it’s for your own good.  God knows best!

“…but in every situation, by prayer and petition…”

Not only can we pray to a loving God, but we can pray at any time in any situation. God doesn’t only listen to us when we are good and faithful.  He listens to us when we are angry, lost, and confused just as faithfully as when we are joyful, thankful and focused. “Every situation” also reminds us that nothing is too hard for God – whatever you are going through – He can handle it. (Note: unconfessed sin hinders prayers, as well as other sin issues, but that is a discussion for another day.)

“Do not be anxious about anything…”

We are thankful because our loving God hears our prayers and acts on our behalf in every situation.  What do we have to be anxious about?  Nothing!  Do not be anxious about anything.  That means ANY thing.  Worried about school?  Don’t be.  Anxious about terrorists?  God is in control.  Money troubles?  The cattle on a thousand hills are God’s and He loves to give good gifts!  Relationship concerns?  It’s okay – God is with you. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” 

Are you worried and anxious?  Christ came to take that away.  As we begin the Advent Season, what better message?  Emmanuel, God with us.  Give Him your burdens and He will give you His peace.  Just like most things in life, Jesus is the answer to your anxiety! 

“If God cares for you, why need you care too?  Can you trust Him for your soul and not your body?  He has never refused to bear your burdens; He has never fainted under their weight. Come, then, soul!  Have done with fretful care, and leave all thy concerns in the hand of a gracious God.” – Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Philippians 4:5

“Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.”

One of my favorite things about the Kingdom of God is how wonderfully different it is than anything else.  If you want to save your life…lose it.  If you want to be great…be a servant.  Someone hates you…pray for them.  In the eyes of the world, the priorities of the Kingdom of God must look totally bonkers!

There is no chapter in the latest leadership book that highlights gentleness.  In the eyes of the world, gentleness begins and ends with our mother, toilet paper, and the bedside manner of our doctor – that’s it.  Anywhere else, gentleness is a sign of weakness – something to be eradicated, not applauded.

So let’s look at gentleness for a moment.  Gentleness can also be translated as “meekness”; which doesn’t sound much better. “Meek as a mouse” is a common phrase that comes to mind.  Scared, timid, hiding in the corner – that is often how we think about meekness.  But the definition of meekness is “Might restrained”.  That is a very different picture.

To keep with our mouse illustration: the true picture of meekness is not a mouse, but a lion choosing to act like a mouse.  The lion is big and powerful, but is choosing to restrain its might so that it can be gentle.  Or more visibly, I saw this picture yesterday:

 

And I don’t think the lion is just checking to see if the fawn needs more salt.  This male lion (not know for gentleness and compassion) is restraining his natural tendencies to care for this tiny, fragile creature.  That is meekness.  Meekness is not weakness; it is restrained power for the benefit of another.

I have read this passage dozens of times.  But today is the first time I really noticed the second sentence, “For the Lord is near.”  Why does the Lord being near encourage us to be gentle?  I think for a couple of reasons:

1. The Lord is near: He is gentle with us so we should be gentle with others.
2. The Lord is near: He sees all that we do, so we need to be about His business.
3. The Lord is near: He will empower us to be gentle with others.

I like number three the best.  We can be gentle and caring for others because God give us the strength to do so.  Be kind and thoughtful to all you meet.  Consider others more important than yourself.  Forgive readily and be at peace with everyone.  God is near to encourage and empower you to live like Jesus.  Let you gentleness be evident to everyone! 

“The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender.” – William Booth

Philippians 4:7; The Prince of Peace

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When the angel appeared to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem, he began by saying, “Be not afraid.”  And when the choir arrived a few minutes later, they sang these words: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” 

Jesus’ birth announcement was “Courage and Peace!” Jesus came to earth to do lots of things – to obey His father, to be tempted as we are yet live a sinless life, to teach and demonstrate God’s love and justice, to show us God, to provide salvation, to conquer sin and death, to usher in the Holy Spirit, and many others – but His coming also brought peace.

And not just any old peace, but the “peace of God, which transcends all understanding.”  That is kind of a big deal.  Most would define peace as an absence of war or conflict.  But what happens when war or conflict arrives?  Peace flies out the window.  Not so with the peace of God. 

God’s peace not only remains in the face of conflict, but allows us to rise above or transcend the challenges around us. So we can be peaceful in the midst of war, sickness, death, or any circumstance.  Being peaceful in conflicted times doesn’t make sense; it transcends all understanding.  We can’t really explain it, but it’s true. 

Could there be a better a time for that message?  As our culture continues to marginalize Jesus and people move further away from the Gospel, fear has increased and peace has all but disappeared.  Which isn’t too surprising; when you deny the bringer of peace – peace is going to be a struggle.

The peace that you long for – that the world longs for – is found in only one place: in the redeeming work of Jesus. The more Jesus you have in your life, the more peace you will have in your life.  And the peace of God – knowing that He loves us and is in control – allows us to be not afraid.  Which makes us more peaceful…which gives us more courage…and on and on.

I have often overlooked the second half of this verse: “(the peace of God) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”.  Ponder that statement this week and we’ll discuss it next time…

“Peace is not the absence of affliction, but the presence of God.” – Unknown

Philippians 4:4; Rejoice

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

A fact of human nature: we don’t like to be told what to do. Case in point, when I was in high school, everyone told me I should ask out this girl. And by everyone, I mean EVERYONE!  I got so annoyed by it that I never asked her out.  And the most ridiculous part is – that I really kind of liked her. So I refused to ask out a girl I liked just because people said I should.  Brilliant.

I, at least, don’t like to be told what to do.  But why?  Many things that we are told to do are not only good for us, but enjoyable.  Especially biblical instructions: take my yoke upon you, let not your heart be troubled, don’t worry, let the little ones come to me, receive God’s power, and be born again to name a few.  All good, positive things!

And then there is this command: “rejoice!”  That sounds pretty awesome.  But why don’t I do it more?  Because my rejoicing is based almost solely on my circumstances.  My sports teams are winning – I’m jumping up and down.  The kids are doing well and getting along – I rejoice (or am at least relieved).  It’s a beautiful day – hurray! 

Oh no, it’s cold, windy and snowy – boo.  My team lost – stink.  The kids are destroying the house – I think I will go to bed.  My attitude and outlook on the day is often based on things I cannot control.  That isn’t a wise way to live…I am at the mercy of other people and the quirks of my environment. 

But the rejoicing Paul talks about is not circumstantial at all.  He is talking about a rock-solid foundational attitude we can have all the time.  How?  The phrase, “in the Lord” is the key.  We can always rejoice “in the Lord” because our relationship with our unchanging God is eternally secure.  Circumstances cannot touch that truth. Whether you lose your job, are sick in the hospital, or even mourning the death of a friend or family member – you can rejoice in the Lord because you are His.  Nothing can change that. 

To live like that we must change the way we think. If we want to be joyful, we have to train our minds to see the eternal truth, not the temporary situation.  We must gaze at God and glance at our circumstances instead of gazing at our circumstances and glancing at God. 

God loves you. He sent His Son to live a perfect life you can’t live, to die to pay the penalty for your sins that you couldn’t pay; He rose again to defeat sin and its consequences, and set you free to live in relationship with Him today and for all eternity.  No wonder Paul says: Rejoice!

“Do not grieve.  For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10b

Philippians 4:2-3; Unity

“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. ³ Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.”

In his final exhortations to the Philippian church, Paul pleaded with these two to work together in unity. These ladies were active in the gospel; serving side-by-side with Paul. They were true, devoted followers of Christ and critical cogs in the Philippian church. Yet for whatever reason, they couldn’t get along.  There was enough conflict that Paul heard about it all the way in a Roman prison.

It reminds me of Jesus’ last address to His disciples. In His last moments with the disciples, He prayed that they would be unified.  Unity is serious business!

Why don’t we play well with others?  There are probably many reasons, but I will mention two: Number one: because we are human.  As my pastor in Houston used to say: “We are like a bunch of porcupines huddling together to stay warm. The closer we get, the more we poke one another and get poked in return.”  We are prideful, petty, and prejudiced and that old human nature constantly battles against our recreated natures. 

And number two: because we have an enemy who desperately wants to keep us from working together.  The enemy constantly attacks us through our relationships – it is an effective tactic that takes our eyes off Christ and His work and causes us to judge others and turns our focus inward.

Here are three things to keep in mind to foster a spirit of unity:

1. Prayer: If we want unity like Jesus and the Father are unified, then we need the power of the Holy Spirit working on our behalf.  We need to actively pray for unity. Specifically that we will be agents of unity and not a roadblock to it.

2. Keep your eye on the prize: We have to remember that we are here for a purpose – to be the hands and feet of Jesus to everyone we come into contact with.  Remember that and all the things that bring conflict will roll off your back.

3. Consider others more important than yourself: Unity is built upon the foundation of self-denial and humility.  Our purpose in Christ is more important than getting our way or being in charge.  Our purpose in Christ is more important than minor theological differences or preferences in worship styles.  Selfishness and self-interest strangle unity.

There are many other things that could be added to that list, but if you focus on those three things, that will help you create a spirit of unity.  A word to remember: unity is almost always more important than the things that divide us. 

“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” – Augustine

Philippians 4:1; Heart Transplant

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!”

If you recall, last week we talked about as citizens of heaven, we should function differently than those who don’t follow Christ.  In his final exhortations, Paul shows us one way that we should stand out. 

What does the world value?  Money, influence, self-reliance, entertainment, the newest thing, the approval of others, etc.  What does the Kingdom of God value?  People. 

And why not?  People are the only “things” created in the image of God.  People are the only things that will continue for eternity.  When Jesus said, “I came to seek and to save the lost.” He wasn’t talking about the car keys – he was talking about people.  Your purpose, and mine, is to influence the people around us for Christ.  To do that, we must love people.

Paul obviously loved these people – look at the words he uses to describe his feelings toward them.  He calls the Philippians his brothers and sisters.  I don’t think he was using Sunday morning church-speak, these people were like his family.  He missed them and longed to be with them.  He called them his joy and his crown – those are terms I would not use for just anybody. 

As Paul ministered to the Philippians he poured his life into them – he held nothing back.  How does my life match up with that?  Not so great.  I like people.  I am concerned for people.  I try to help people…especially if it doesn’t require too much time, effort, or money.  I am ashamed to say that I am often more interested in me than I am in others (just like the world).

Paul would take me to task for that attitude, and rightfully so.  But how can I change?  How can I love people like Jesus did?  Try as I might, I cannot make myself love people better.  That can only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit transforming me into someone a lot more like Jesus. 

Pray that you would love people the way that God loves people.  Ask God to give you His heart for those around you. While the Spirit is doing His thing, start looking at those around you – how can you meet their needs?  As Christ transforms your heart and you take your eyes off yourself to notice those around you, your ability and desire to love people will grow!

“In the New Testament, love is more of a verb than a noun.  It has more to do with acting than with feeling.  The call to love is not so much a call to a certain state of feeling as it is to a quality of action.” – RC Sproul

Philippians 3:20-21; “Citizens” – 10.27.2015

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

I had a friend in college who spent every spare penny buying new paint, décor, window treatments, matching pillows, and would have taken out a wall or two if her lease would have allowed.  And then she spent every spare moment repainting, redecorating, and replanning her living space.  She was a bit obsessed – but her dorm room looked very nice!

Did I not mention that?  All this was happening in her FRESHMAN ONLY DORM ROOM!  By the time she got the room liked she wanted it, it was time to move out.  Not to mention all the fun of college life that she missed out on while creating her perfect space.  All that time…all that money…all that energy right down the drain.  It sounds a bit like Ecclesiastes doesn’t it?  Meaningless!  Vanity!  A chasing after the wind!  Why spend so much time and effort and resources fixing up such a temporary residence? 

Why indeed?  The Bible tells us that our life is a mist, a vapor, or a wildflower that is here one day and gone the next.  Why do we spend so much time, money, and energy seeking to maximize our time on earth when we know it will quickly pass away?  Why not spend our time, money, and energy building up our true home that we can enjoy forever?

Because we have believed one of the most effective lies of the enemy: that this world is our home.  Believing this one lie changes absolutely everything!

When we are fooled into believing that this world is our home, we fall in line with the culture around us.  Our lives become about MY rights, MY comfort, and what I want to do with MY life.  We chase homes, money, vacations, fashion, pleasure and popularity just like everybody else.  We function as neither salt nor light because we are the same as everyone around us.

All the while we are missing out on the abundant life that Christ promises.  We were created to love and worship God and to love and serve those around us.  We will never find purpose, contentment, or joy apart from those things.  We are eternal beings and we will never be satisfied with anything less than eternal work.  To experience true life, we need to be about God’s plan, not our plans.

Have you believed the lie that this world is your home?  I fall into it all the time.  From my considerable experience, might I suggest three things that will help you overcome your “world-itis”:

1. Repent – Agree with God that chasing after the world is contrary to His will.

2. Remind – Remind yourself daily that your home is in heaven.

3. Reengage – Get back to work in God’s Kingdom.  As you serve and share Christ with others, the things of this world become much less important.  Nothing changes your perspective like obeying Christ!

PS – I made up that story at the beginning, but it makes the point nicely.

“In my father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” – Jesus (John 14:2-3)

Philippians 3:20-21; “Believe – for real.”

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.”

Do you believe that your citizenship is in heaven and not on this earth?  Do you eagerly await the return of Jesus?  Do you believe that everything is in His control?  Do you believe that your lowly body will become like His? 

If you are like me, you give mental assent to these truths…but…your life may not reflect that belief.  In other words, I believe those statements are true, but that belief hasn’t changed my attitudes or how I live my life yet.  What would our lives look like if we really believed these four statements?

1.       Citizen of heaven: If we believed that, we wouldn’t chase money, prestige, power, and popularity because we wouldn’t care – this isn’t our home.  We wouldn’t want the biggest house or the fanciest clothes or a fat bank account.  We would be much more interested in storing up treasure in our true home of heaven – not acquiring and hoarding treasure here.  If we really believed our citizenship was in Heaven, we would not look so much like the world.

 

2.       Jesus is coming back:  If Jesus said, “I will return in 10 days,” how would you spend your time?  I would do everything I could to share Christ with my family and friends because if I didn’t, they would spend eternity separated from God beginning in 10 days.  And I wouldn’t really care what they thought about me because in 10 days, I would be with Christ.  If we really believed Jesus could return at any moment, we would be more concerned with God’s work and less concerned with what others thought of us for doing God’s work.

 

3.       Everything is in His control:  If we really believed this, we wouldn’t worry as much as we do…or at all.  My scholarship fell through – Jesus is in control.  My parents are sick – Jesus is in control.  I lost my job – Jesus is in control.  I have cancer – Jesus is in control.  There are plenty of things in this world to cause worry – believing that Jesus is in control allows you to function, and even prosper, in the midst of those uncertain times.  If we really believed Jesus was in control – we would have peace.

 

4.       We will be like Him: What incredible hope!  One day we will no longer struggle with sin or deal with the consequences of sin.  One day we will know and be known completely without fear or judgment.  One day we will leave these broken down, sin-soaked bodies for a new body that will last forever!  One day will leave this world and step into eternity. If we really believed this, we would celebrate that every day brings us closer to THAT day.

There are many more implications; I just focused on the first one that popped into my mind for each of those thoughts.  If you feel like the world is too much with you, meditate on this verse.  Memorize it.  Write it on your mirror and sticky note to your computer.  Allow the truth of these words change your attitudes and your actions will follow. 

If you want to look like Christ, the first thing you have to do is stop looking like the world.  The best way to do that is to turn your eyes off the world and focus on Jesus. 

Four truths that will change your life: We don’t belong to this world.  Jesus is coming back.  Jesus is in control.  We will be like Him.  That is the truth! 

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.” – 1 John 2:15-17