OUTLINE
The Way of Joy
Philippians Chapter 4
Steele Creek Church, Eastfield – Dr. Tom Bartlett
March 22, 2020
Philippians 4:1-23 (ESV)
“Right-Thinking”
“. . .think about these things. . .”
Right thinking people understand. . .
THE PRINCIPLE OF UNITY
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Vs. 1-3)
They choose coming together over falling apart
THE PRINCIPLE OF THANKFULNESS
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. (Vs. 4-7)
They exchange anxiety with thankful prayer
THE PRINCIPLE OF REFLECTION
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Vs. 8-9)
They replace harmful thinking with peace
THE PRINCIPLE OF CONTENTMENT
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Vs. 10-13)
They understand contentment is learned
THE PRINCIPLE OF PARTNERSHIP
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Vs. 14-20)
They know that God will meet their needs
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. (Vs. 21-22)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Vs. 23)
MANUSCRIPT
(Note) this series got shifted during corono-virus. The manuscript is not fully complete. When I finish it, I'll add to this here.
The Way of Joy
Philippians Chapter 4
Steele Creek Church, Eastfield – Dr. Tom Bartlett
March 22, 2020
Philippians 4:1-23 (ESV)
“Right-Thinking”
“. . .think about these things. . .”
People are going crazy, they must be out of their minds, the whole world has lost it, the world is ending, never thought I’d say this or see this. . .
These are some of the stories, headlines, and statements we’ve all heard over the past week. It’s quite revealing to see what upsets or even draws an over-reacting emotional response from people. For years pastors have said, “if your hope is in anything that can be taken away, it’s misplaced.”
Now, I’m not downplaying the real threat to our way of life or even the difficulties some are having these days, my point is that there’s a better way to think and a better place to put our trust.
Throughout time God has used circumstances in our world to cause people to seek Him. Famine, war, disease and plagues have been the catalyst for a resurgence of focus on the things of God and what truly matters most.
As a Christ follower I should view all things through the lens of God’s plan because not matter what it is, God will use it. Remember the goal is Christ likeness in the life of a believer and anything outside of that is misplaced thinking.
So, what is the right way to think when issues, problems and even a pandemic comes?
“If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for this present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this.” CS Lewis.
I can say this will certainly, the biggest changes in my life and your life are directly related to an ability to choose by the power of the Holy Spirit the ability to choose what to think about.
In light of all that is going on, we’re in a timely series of messages in Philippians. Now Philippi was located in a region called Macedonia. It’s such a strategic place that I can say with confidence that Philippi in the region of Macedonia played such a role that without it and the gospel going Westward, the message would have not reached us in North America.
Paul originally went to Macedonia because of a night vision described for us in Acts 16:9. In it Paul saw a man of Macedonia standing and asking that he come over to help them. Paul responded and so the gospel went triumphantly westward beginning in Philippi as the first city to be evangelized in Europe.
It was at Philippi that Paul cast out a demon from a young girl that resulted in Paul’s imprisonment and eventual miraculous escape. It was Philippi where Paul’s greatest support came from as he met key influencers. YET IT WAS HERE AT PHILIPPI, THIS STRATEGIC PLACE THAT SATAN WOULD USE DIVISION TO TRY AND BRING DOWN THIS STRONGHOLD.
Imagine this, a vision from God to go to Macedonia leads Paul there, the establishment of a church on Greek soil in the midst of Romans and Greeks and few Jews, Paul’s arrest and miraculous delivery, the salvation of many, and the support that came form this special place – NOW IN TURMOIL BECAUSE OF IMPROPER THINKING!
That’s right the whole purpose of the letter might be for exactly what we will view today, a scuffle a disagreement between two believing leaders in the church. If there’s ever and improper thought, it’s forgetting who the true enemy is and focus on each other in what’s been called friendly fire.
If we’re not careful to keep our perspective, we could find ourselves with improper thinking too. In the midst of crisis or tough times it’s imperative watch out for improper thinking.
Right thinking people understand. . .
THE PRINCIPLE OF UNITY
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. (Vs. 1-3)
While we’re in tough times can we all agree that Christ is Lord of all? There are times when differences in thinking or preferences arise to a loss of friendship and relationship. That’s not smart.
Imagine fighting over which ice cream states better, Oreo or Rocky road! Forget it and just eat them both!
They choose coming together over falling apart
THE PRINCIPLE OF THANKFULNESS
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. (Vs. 4-7)
They exchange anxiety with thankful prayer
“Faith tells me that no matter what lays ahead, God is already there.”
THE PRINCIPLE OF REFLECTION
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Vs. 8-9)
They replace harmful thinking with peace
THE PRINCIPLE OF CONTENTMENT
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Vs. 10-13)
They understand contentment is learned
THE PRINCIPLE OF PARTNERSHIP
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Vs. 14-20)
They know that God will meet their needs
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. (Vs. 21-22)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. (Vs. 23)
“To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.” ? G.K. Chesterton
You are Free to Choose but You are NOT Free From the Consequences of Your Choice.
“Being kind to someone, only to look kind to others, defeats the purpose of being kind.”
? Shannon L. Alder
“I’m very comfortable being right,” she admitted.
“We all are. But sometimes it’s a lonely place.”
? Susan Mallery, Sweet Trouble
“The more a person needs to be right, the less certain he is.”
? Meir Ezra
