Philippians 4:4-9
Preached Sunday Morning, September 16, 2012
Introduction:
Do you struggle with anxiety and depression? Do you find it hard to sleep? Are thoughts of worry and guilt invading every aspect of your life? If you are suffering that kind of anguish this morning, you are not alone. But thanks be to God, there is hope. There is a path to peace of mind!
Living in our sin cursed world brings us much pain and anguish in our minds. We can look at the state of affairs in the world and the apparent impending chaos in the economic and political world and our hearts tremble. Many of us carry the weight of regret and sadness over past choices we have made or choices we have seen our loved ones make. More and more people struggle with depression and anxiety, peace of mind seems like an impossible illusion.
This morning we are going to discover the wonderful truth that peace of mind is possible if you follow the disciplined Biblical path that is outlined in our text verses. You see, God has given us weapons with which we can battle the forces of darkness and recapture our renegade thoughts and bring them into compliance with God’s will and way.
2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (AV)
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
We have heard messages about the power of the weapons of prayer, Bible study, and fellowship, to control our thoughts. This morning we are going to see the exact discipline of thoughts and the exact path we can follow in order to find blessed peace of mind.
I. Rejoice on Purpose
Philippians 4:4 (AV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
A. In spite of changing circumstances
B. Because of God’s work in your heart
Psalm 32:11 – Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
II. Pursue sweet reasonableness.
Philippians 4:5 – Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
A. Moderation = a spirit of gentle reasonableness – justice tempered with mercy
B. Not just an inward quality, but also an external reputation
III. Put your care where it belongs.
Philippians 4:6 – Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
A. Careful in the King James simply means full of care
B. To be prayerful is the alternative
Psalm 34:4 – I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
1. Supplication = express a wanting need
2. Thankfulness
IV. Let the right stuff in and keep the wrong stuff out.
Philippians 4:8 – Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
A. True = unconcealed, openly revealed
B. Honest = free from deception, genuine
C. Just = a state of being right or righteous
D. Pure = uncontaminated
E. Lovely = pleasing, agreeable
F. Of good report = euphemia = good language – to say something nicely
G. Virtue = moral goodness
Conclusion:
The path to peace of mind is not a mystical or unattainable goal. We can use the weapons of our warfare to control every thought. We must take control and think on purpose. Peace of mind will be achieved when we make correct choices as a matter of habit. We must choose to rejoice. Rather than finding something to complain about, find something to praise. When asked for an opinion on something, find the good. When someone asks how you are, rejoice! Don’t use that opportunity to complain and thus darken someone else’s mind too. Rejoice in everything always!
The path to peace is the opposite of strife therefore let everyone know how sweetly reasonable you are. Do not insist on having your way or always getting what you want. Be pliable. When the cares of this world invade your tranquility, cast those cares on someone who can do something about it. You will never solve one problem by worrying about what is or what might be, cast your cares on Him! If you want peace of mind you must go on a brain diet. You must follow verses 8-9 in order to keep your mind so full of good, the bad has no room in your head. If you follow these simple but profound disciplines, you will find the path to peace of mind.