Philippians 4:1-9 Joybusters

“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! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 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. Philippians 4:1-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:1-9

8 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. 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.” Philippians 4:1-9

The Formula For Joy J esus O thers Y ourself Our default setting is self-centeredness. Our default setting is self-centeredness. “in humility consider others better than yourselves.” “in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 Philippians 2:3

Joybuster #1: Division Respond with respect. Respond with respect. “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.” Philippians 4:2

Joybuster #1: Division Respond with respect. Respond with respect. The solution is to agree in the Lord. The solution is to agree in the Lord. “then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Philippians 2:2

Joybuster #2: Worry “Do not be anxious about anything...” Philippians 4:6

Joybuster #2: Worry The antidote is prayer. The antidote is prayer. Prayer should be constant. Prayer should be constant. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Joybuster #2: Worry The antidote is prayer. The antidote is prayer. Prayer should be constant. Prayer should be constant. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

Joybuster #2: Worry The antidote is prayer. The antidote is prayer. Prayer should be constant. Prayer should be constant. Thanksgiving should flavor our praying. Thanksgiving should flavor our praying. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 Philippians 4:6

Joybuster #3: Pessimism “whatever is false, whatever is despicable, whatever is wrong, whatever is corrupt, whatever is sickening, whatever is nasty—if anything is second-rate or mundane—think about such things.”

Joybuster #3: Pessimism “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 Focus on the good. Focus on the good.

Joybuster #3: Pessimism Focus on the good. Focus on the good. The result will be peace. The result will be peace. “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 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7