Philippians Part 5 – "4 Keys To Staying On Track” Series

Philippians part 5 – Chapter 4

“4 KEYS TO STAYING ON TRACK”

On The lighter side of life:

Burglar and an Elderly Woman

An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening of church services when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the man in the act of robbing her home of its valuables and yelled, "Stop! Acts 2:38!" (Repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven.)

The burglar stopped in his tracks. The woman calmly called the police and explained what she had done.

As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the burglar, "Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you."

"Scripture?" replied the burglar. "She said she had an ax and two 38’s!"

From: http://www.beliefnet.com

Thesis: We need to stay on track with the Lord by choosing to reconcile with others so that we can rejoice, by praying rather than worrying, by learning contentment in life and by giving like God gives.

Scripture Text: Philippians 4:1-23 (Play on CD to the church- have them follow along)

1Therefore, 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!

2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3Yes, 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.

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

8Finally, 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. 9Whatever 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.

10I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Introduction:

Last week we discussed how profit and loss plays into the mindset of each and every one of us. We can either choose to have a heavenly mindset or an earthly mindset. Our mindsets will determine how we view our lives in light of profit and loss. One mindset will call an item a profit but the other mindset will usually call it a loss. These two mindsets value things differently and they are in opposition to one another. It’s important for us to choice to live life through the heavenly mindset if we desire to gain eternal profit.

Today we are progressing on to chapter 3 of Philippians were it speaks to us about making sure that we stay on track with the Lord. These are Paul’s final instructions to the flock at Philippi. He instructs them on the importance of maintaining 4 key actions – and attitudes in their lives. If they fail to do any one of these 4 keys it would be very easy to be derailed in their race toward the goal of Jesus Christ. He continues with his emphasis on rejoicing and on pressing toward the goal.