Rebooting… a user’s guide to resetting your attitude for the new year

Philippians 4:4–9 (NLT) 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Philippians 4:4–9 (NLT) 6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4–9 (NLT) 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:4–9 (NLT) 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

REJOICE Step One:

Key Statement: 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! “In the Lord” not always “in the world” but certainly, “in the Lord”

Rejoice “In the Lord” I have been… – chosen to be without blame – predestined us to be adopted – freely given grace – set free – forgiven – shown the mystery of his will – given a purpose: to live to make Christ famous – included – given the Holy Spirit Ephesians 1:3-14

BE CONSIDERATE Step 2:

Be Considerate 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. “Considerate” – gracious/yielding as opposed to self- asserting and self-seeking – My Attitudes Phil 2:3-5 – Nothing from selfish ambition, look to interests of others, attitude like Christ’s – My Words Col 4:6 – Gracious speech seasoned with salt – My Actions 1 Thes 2:7 – Gentle like a mother caring for newborn

STOP BEING ANXIOUS Step 3:

Philippians 4:5-6 Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything…

Lots of Reasons to Be Anxious Families Education Politics Economy

Worry Living today as if all that could go wrong tomorrow already has.

Emmanuel “God is near” Goes with verse 7 – the basis for the command to stop worrying Isaiah 41:10 (NCV) 10 So don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.

PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING Step 4:

Philippians 4:5-6 Remember, the Lord is coming soon. 6 Don’t worry about anything… instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Replace Worry Prayer – talk to God about your life Petition – urgent appeal for what we need Transparency – lay out your life before God, make it known With thanksgiving – the default attitude of believers is a thankful heart regardless of our circumstances

– God’s Name will be Honored – God’s Rule will be Established – God’s Will is Accomplished – our needs will be met – we will be forgiven as we forgive – for spiritual protection and deliverance Matthew 6:10-13 pray that…

With Prayer Comes Peace What kind of peace – Peace of God (shalom) producing wholeness and well being because God is among us – Transcendent – far above, more powerful and therefore able to control or govern – Guarding our hearts (values/motives/center of life) and minds (thinking) “Above all else, guard your heart, it is the wellspring of life,” (Prov 4:23)

CHANGE YOUR FOCUS Step 5:

Philippians 4:4–9 (NLT) 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Change Your Focus – “Fix” Your Thoughts – Ponder, dwell on (middle voice – you do it, you benefit from it) – – Middle voice – act done on behalf of oneself – Give yourself a gift this year – a new attitude

– True – Does it fit the facts? – Honorable – Is it appropriate, benefitting, worthy of respect? – Right – Is it consistent with the character of God? – Pure – Is it morally pure or untainted by evil? – Lovely – Does it produce admiration or praise? – Admirable – Does it result in a good reputation? – Excellent – Is there a quality of moral excellence in it? – Worthy of Praise – Is it something people should praise or admire? Thought Filter

PRACTICE WHAT YOU KNOW Step 6:

Philippians 4:4–9 (NLT) 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Whatever you have: Learned Received Heard Seen We are masters of information and novices at application

Promise – God is with You! With obedience comes God’s peace “And/Then” (the logical connector) the God of peace will be with you