1. Peace starts with thanksgiving!

2. Thanksgiving starts with God!

3. Philippians 3:17-18 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

4. Philippians 3:19-21 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

5. Philippians 3:19-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

6. Phil. 3:20 The Bible tells us that we are “aliens” on this earth.

7. …no, not that kind…

8. Phil. 3:20 The reality is that we are citizens of heaven. …and we are to act like it!

9. Phil. 3:20 But, while we currently have a “dual-citizenship”, we are supposed to be good citizens here. Rom. 13:1-4; 1 Pet. 2:11-17

10. Phil. 3:20 For false teachers, this is their home. They “set their minds on earthly things”.

11. Phil. 3:20 They pay a price for their focus. Their end is destruction or ruin They are ruled by their desires What they consider important they should be ashamed of

12. Phil. 3:20 The reason for their shameful, fleshly lives that end in destruction is the focus of the book: Their perspective is earthly! But, we will be changed!

13. Phil. 3:21 The reality that Christ can come at any time does matter! And, when He comes, we go home! We will be rescued! 1 Thess. 5:1-10

14. Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

15. Phil. 4:1 The reality of our future should cause us to stand in Him.

16. Philippians 4:2-3 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

17. Phil. 4:2-3 Our future together should impact our present together! …and be like-minded.

18. Philippians 4:4-5 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

19. Phil. 4:4 The reality of our lives now and our future together with Christ should create the reality of joy in everything.

20. Phil. 4:4 “in the Lord” We have a future together He is in control He cares about every detail of our lives He hears and cares about every prayer

21. Phil. 4:5 The reality of our future together with Christ should create the reality of kindness toward others.

22. Philippians 4:6-7 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

23. Phil. 4:6-7 The reality of what our relationship with Christ involves should remove anxiety.

24. Phil. 4:6-7 Reality: God is sovereign – Ps. 2; 103:19 God cares about the smallest details of my life – Mt. 10:30 God cares about every prayer – Mt. 7:7-11 I will be with Him forever

25. Two words: “with thanksgiving” What does it mean when I thank someone for whatever they decide to do before they decide whether to give it?

26. Two words: “with thanksgiving” It takes: Trust in their wisdom Trust in their power Trust in their love for me Trust that they will make the best decision It takes faith!

27. Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and ifthere is anything praiseworthy— meditate on these things.

28. Phil. 4:8 True – making sure our concerns are not fantasy and our minds are based on the Word, not simply perception Noble – Worth your time, worthy of respect. What are you trying to prove and who are you trying to prove it to? Just - conforming to God’s standard

29. Phil. 4:8 Pure – Impure thoughts lead to impure lives Lovely – Causes pleasure, delight Good report - things that are tried and true from others, earn their recommendation; who recommends the television and movies you watch? Music? Books?

30. Phil. 4:8 Virtue – Uncommon character, excellence of character Worthy of praise – Yep; that

31. Philippians 4:9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

32. Phil. 4:9 “I cared enough about my Lord and you to live in such a way as to help you see it.”

33. Phil. 4:9 Peace does not come to those who will not live in reality instead of our perceptions.

34. Phil. 4:9 The only real reality is the one that includes the real truths about the only real God.

35. Peace starts with thanksgiving!

36. Thanksgiving starts with God!