Sunday, 09/20/20

Book of Philippians - Part 14

The Joy of Standing Firm (Philippians 4:1-9)

The Big Idea – Stand Firm in the Lord! (v. 1)

Text begins with “Therefore…” – conjunction joining Paul’s thoughts to what he has already said…

- Phil 1:6 – What God starts He finishes!

- Phil 3:20 – We are citizens of heaven!

“…In the Lord” – That’s where our strength comes from

No middle ground! – you are either in the Lord or in the World

Stand Firm – to persevere, persist, to remain steadfast; to hold onto, to be immovable, to not lose ground, to not give up

- Philippians 1:27 (Unity)

- Galatians 5:1 (Freedom)

- 1 Corinthians 16:13 (As a Soldier)

- 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (Strong Grip)

HOW TO STAND FIRM:

1. SETTLE DISAGREEMENTS (v. 2-3)

• Must have Unity in the Body of Christ!
• You can disagree with someone and still love them!

2. REJOICE IN THE LORD (v. 4)

• Not based on feelings or circumstances; based on Jesus Christ and what He has done for you
• The Romans Road – 3:23, 6:23 (NEED); 5:8 (PROVISION); 10:9 (RECEIVE); 5:1, 8:1 (RESULT); 8:38-39 (PROMISE)

3. BE GENTLE (v. 5)

• Gentle = kind, considerate, tender-hearted, compassionate, reasonable, even tempered
• Why be gentle? Because the Lord is at hand [near]

4. PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING (v. 6-7)

• Worry = poison, Prayer = antidote
• Nothing too big or too small (1 Pet 5:7)
• Ephesians 3:20
• Memorize Matthew 6:33!
• Giving thanks (v. 6) melts away fear, worry, doubt & disarms the enemy

5. FIX YOUR THOUGHTS (v. 8)

• Battlefield of the mind - Focus on Jesus!

6. PUT IT INTO PRACTICE (v. 9)

• Call to action; James 1:22

Additional Notes: