Pastor Burke Lindvall January 3, 2016

The Secret of Peace  What is peace?  How do we develop peace in our lives?  What is the secret of peace?

Philippians 4:4-12 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 every situation, 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 and sisters, 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.

9 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. 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.

Indeed, you were 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.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

What is the Peace of God?

 Completely independent of circumstance

What is the Peace of God?  Completely independent of circumstance  Provides an inner calmness, poise, and equilibrium that is centered on Christ

What is the Peace of God?  Completely independent of circumstance  Provides an inner calmness, poise, and equilibrium that is centered on Christ  Peace of God guards us

Developing Peace in Our Lives

4 Disciplines of Peace

Developing Peace in Our Lives 4 Disciplines of Peace  Thankfulness

Philippians 4:6-- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God

Developing Peace in Our Lives 4 Disciplines of Peace  Thankfulness  Thinking Right

Philippians 4:8-- Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.

John 14:27—Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Developing Peace in Our Lives 4 Disciplines of Peace  Thankfulness  Thinking Right  Loving Right

Philippians 4:7-8–“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, 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.”

“If you love anything more than you love God, it causes anxiety and fear of losing those things. If you want to experience peace, ask the question: what do you love?” --Timothy Keller

Developing Peace in Our Lives 4 Disciplines of Peace  Thankfulness  Thinking Right  Loving Right  Gentleness

Philippians 4:5– Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

The word επιεικες is of very extensive signification; it means the same as επιεικεια, mildness, patience, yieldingness, gentleness, clemency, moderation, unwillingness to litigate or contend; but moderation is expressive enough as a general term.

"Moderation," says Dr. Macknight, "means meekness under provocation, readiness to forgive injuries, equity in the management of business, candour in judging of the characters and actions of others,

sweetness of disposition, and the entire government of the passions. --Dr. James MacKnight

What is the Secret of Peace? Philippians 4:11-12–“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

Peace Comes through Prayer in every situation, 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.

Peace comes through Practice 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.

“Acquire inner peace and a multitude will find their salvation near you.” -- Catherine Doherty