Philippians For Times Like These #1 – Just Give Me Some Peace Of Mind

Another Disturbing Week Another shooting at another college Divisions in our nation over abortion rights in the face of disturbing videos Guatemalan Mudslide kills dozens How do things get so out of control?

Great Challenge For Christians How do we remain joyful when the world is so ugly and sad? Should we be joyful? Should we be rejoicing? Is it possible?

An Apostle behind bars (sort of) Philippians 1:7 --For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. DESMOS = Shackles

Imprisonment For Christ Philippians 1:13 – “…so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else….”

Poured Out Like A Drink offering Philippians 2:17– “But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all….”

Unfairly imprisoned Philippians 1:17– “…the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment….”

Influencing Caesar’s Household Philippians 4:22 -- All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

Can I Buy a little peace of mind? The spirit of this epistle is peace, joy and rejoicing. Some call it a glimpse into the heart of Paul. Paul has peace even in his imprisonment.

Can I Buy a little peace of mind? Philippians 1:12 – “Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel….”

Even While Facing Martyrdom Philippians 2:17-18 --But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me.

Finding God’s Peace Philippians 4:4-7 --Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

I’ve Got The Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Joy is the key concept of this epistle. Philippians 1:3-4 -- I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all…

Joy That The Gospel Is Preached Philippians 1:18 -- What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.

Joy In The Faith 1:25 -- Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith….

Joy in church unity and polity 2:2 – “…make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose….”

Joy in Christian fellowship 4:1 -- Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.

Joy in the lord 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!