Joy in Chains: Joy in Anxious Times
Pastor Bill West
November 14, 2021
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:1–11
Dealing with Anxious Times
Pray with Thanksgiving.
Live with Purpose.
Worry Comes from Listening to Your Heart,
Peace Comes from Talking to Your Heart!
November 14, 2021
Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:1–11
Dealing with Anxious Times
Pray with Thanksgiving.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:5–7
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:27
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Think with Intention.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Philippians 4:2–5
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:9
Peace Comes from Talking to Your Heart!
Small Groups Talk About It
Watch the Message Summary:
- On a scale of 1-10 where is the stress level in your life today? What are the kinds of things that raise your stress level?
- Read Philippians 4:1: What does Paul want his readers to know? Why does he want them to know it?
- Read Philippians4: 5-9: What are some reasons that people worry or become anxious? What do you find yourself worrying about that belongs in the 85% (things that will never happen)? Read Matthew 6:27
- Pray with thanksgiving. Why would Paul recommend pray as the antidote to worry? Why are we to be thankful as we pray? We are we to thank God for? What promise does Paul give?
- Read Philippians 4:8: How does what you think about affect your day? What on Paul's list do you need to think about more? How do you think this would help change you? When worry takes over what kinds of things do we think about? How can we be intentional about our thoughts?
- Read Philippians 4:9: Paul talks about God's peace for our lives as we do these things. Does it strike you as odd that Paul never says your circumstances will change only that you will? Is that helpful for you or not?
- Read Philippians4:2-3: What was the problem they all faced? How does disunity cause stress and anxiety in our relationships?
- Read and discuss John 13:33 & 1 Peter 5:7: How do these verses help with anxiety?
- Where in your life do you need to experience God's peace this week? What action or steps do you need to take? Where do you need help to deal with your worry and anxiety? Pray for each other...
Worry Comes from Listening to Your Heart, Peace Comes from Talking to Your Heart!