7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

PEACE 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 Absence of war, violence, but not necessarily enemies or threat This peace is more than that Tranquility of spirit based on reconciliation to God No more condemnation…Rom 8.1 But even more than that…its root meaning is “to be joined” We are joined to Christ in obedience to the faith – Col 3.26-27

OF GOD John 14.27; Eph 2.8-10 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 John 14.27 Between us and God – Rom 5.1 Made possible by God – Eph 2.8-10 Proceeds from Him

SURPASSES All UNDERSTANDING 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 Paul writing to the Philippian brethren Lydia, our brother the jailor, others Phil 4.2 Some of these had witnessed the chaos of Paul’s first visit – Acts 16.11ff Paul once again in prison, now in Rome – Phil 1.12-18 Makes no sense to the world, especially amid chaos and persecution

WILL GUARD 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 Guard – same word used 2 Cor 11.32 (governor of Damascus guarding gates of city to capture Paul) Made up of two Greek words – pro (before) and horao (to stare) To be a watcher in advance To mount guard as a sentinel Keep with a garrison How? Verses before & after – Phil 4.6, 8-9 1 Cor 10.13; Warns of enemies Gives description of them Tells us what to do when we see them Flee (fornication) Kill (deeds of the flesh, clearly described) Takes care of the mess when an enemy gets through defenses

IN CHRIST 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7