Text: Philippians 4: 6-7 (CSB) – “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
So far in our study, we have viewed the Philosophy that Paul is teaching – “To live Christ.” And the Pattern that Paul says we should live by – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:” And next, the Prize that Paul says we should seek – “God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Now, in Chapter 4 Paul shows you the Power in the Christian Life we lead.
Remember that this little book of Philippians is a real “Rubber hits the Road” description of Christianity. Paul in this section calls us to Rejoice – even in adverse circumstances.
A Christian from days gone by, Principal Rainey, of whom a young child once remarked that she believed he went to heaven every night because he was so happy every day, once used a fine metaphor about a Christian’s joy – “Joy is the flag which is flown from the castle of the heart when the King is in residence there.”
Which flag is flying over your life? What banner is there for all the world to see?
· The banner of the State of Anxiety?
· The flag of the Nation of Worry?
· The banner of Fear?
· Or, the banner of Joy?
Too many Christians are as the late Dr. B.R. Lakin said, “Look like they were weaned with a dill pickle.” Paul is really getting down to brass tacks in this last chapter. In fact, we might feel like he is meddlin’.
He is writing to challenge us to have Joy and hope in the midst of tribulation. Now in these 4 verses, he challenges – really commands us to have joy in our Savior. He calls us to Rejoice; and to Rejoice by the Power of Prayer. We will jump in and come away with the truth of God burning in our hearts – and in our lives today.
Paul starts us on this journey by saying in verse 4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Paul commands us to “Rejoice!” Moreover, if it is not clear enough, he repeats it!
The Christian life is not to be gloomy – but glorious! We are called to be Gloomy Gus’s, but Joyous Joy’s. This is a FRUIT of the Spirit. This is the RESULT of peace with God.
The Greek word used here is a verb – CHAIRO – to be “cheerful”, or full of cheer. It occurs 74 times in the N.T. and means to be calmly happy – or well off. It is a greeting, used as “May you be cheerful.”
Be CALMLY happy. Not a wild show of emotions. Nehemiah stated – “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10). Notice also, it is “in the Lord” – This is what gives us our power.
Look at the world’s way –
· Great expense to try to buy happiness
· Comedians
· “Happy Hours”
· Many people are trying hard to compensate for their inadequacies in their lives.
· The “Attitude Adjustment” – if I just do this or do that…
- Poor self-image and low self-esteem based on their ways
While we know God’s way –
· Joy – because we are living in union with Jesus
Remember the old song we would sing – “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart…”
This joy is produced by what Paul teaches in verses 6 and 7.
So, today, think about where you find your Joy. Is it a solid foundation or on shifting sand? Is it permanent or is it temporary?
Tomorrow, we will see how to rejoice in the power of prayer.
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