1. 1 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Cultivating harmony in the Church Maintaining a spirit of joy Learning to be content Resting on a confident faith Reacting to problems w/ thankful prayer Thinking on Godly virtues Obeying God’s standard

2. 2 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Cultivating harmony in the Church  The Church should be a place where people support each other, hold each other accountable, and care for each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:14  This can only happen in an atmosphere of harmony.

3. 3 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Cultivating harmony in the Church  Hints of discord Phil. 1:27 Phil. 1:27 Phil. 2:2 Phil. 2:2 Phil. 2:14 Phil. 2:14

4. 4 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Cultivating harmony in the Church  What we know about Euodia & Syntyche  Church members not outsiders  Not a doctrinal dispute  Well respected prominent women  They were co-laborers of Paul

5. 5 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Cultivating harmony in the Church  Paul’s solution is simple Live in harmony in the Lord – of same mind Live in harmony in the Lord – of same mind 1 Corinthians 1:10 1 Corinthians 1:10 1 Peter 3:8 1 Peter 3:8 Sphere which you find harmony – The Lord! Sphere which you find harmony – The Lord! Suzugos – yokefellow ; common burden Suzugos – yokefellow ; common burden

6. 6 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Application #1 Are you the cause of any lack of harmony at PBC or in the Church? Are you willing to live in harmony in the Lord ?

7. 7 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Maintaining a Spirit of Joy  Stated twice for emphasis  “Rejoice” – continual, habitual practice  Joy – a deep down confidence that God is in control for our good & His glory  “in the Lord” – Spiritual stability is directly related to how a person thinks about God.

8. 8 Practical Principles that lead to Spiritual Stability Part 1 Application #2 Are you able to rejoice in all things because of your confidence in God’s control of all things?