I. Introduction
II. Peace in the church can be elusive.
- Paul faced such a situation in the Philippian church (4:2)
- Euodia and Synthche fell out with one another
- Tension between members affects the church’s well-being
III. We are all to help bring peace in the church (4:3)
IV. In unsettling times, we are to stop worrying but to rejoice, forbear and pray with thanksgiving (4:4-6,8)
- Again rejoice in the Lord always
- Let your reasonableness be known
- Pray, supplicate, request and give thanks
V. God promises us peace and safeguard us from anxieties when we in Christ practice what we learned. (4:7,9)
- God promises His peace to keep out anxieties
- Peace of God and peace with God
- Practice what we learned
VI. Conclusion
- In unsettling times, the Apostle is saying to us. Stop worrying. Instead rejoice in the Lord always. Don’t be drag down by the situation. In gentleness, forbear. Finally, pray with thanksgiving.
- But importantly, practise what you have received and the God of peace will be with us.
- All of us have a part to play to bring pieces together and peace to the church.