Philippians 4:1-7
1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

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

I. Joy resources your unity (vv. 1-3)
• Joy, faith, hope, and love are

resources of heaven. (Ps. 19, 1Pt. 1:7, 1Cor. 13:13, Gal. 5:22-23)
• The joy of the Lord resources our love and longing for

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to

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in others we don’t agree with. (Heb. 12:2)
• The joy of the Lord resources our spirit of fight for unity with those we have

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with.
• The joy of the Lord resources us to regularly affirm others with

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and

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. (2Cor. 5:21)
• Unity requires diversity that prevents

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and compromise that prevents

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or

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. (1Cor. 6:7)
II. Joy resources your gentleness (vv. 4-5)
• Worship in

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and

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will resource our demeanor with needed joy. (Neh. 8:10)
• Supernatural joy is the evidence of the

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presence. (Rom. 14:17)
• Mature Christians change the environment around them by instilling

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and

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during conflict.
• Stubbornness surrendered to God displays

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, but to sin becomes

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or

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claims. (1Pt. 2:23)
III. Prayer resources your joy and peace (vv. 6-7)
• Anxiousness is evidence of having

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in something other than God.
• The responsibility of Christians caretakers is to

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,

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, and

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which make eternal differences.
• Underdeveloped worship and prayer will leave you

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or

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.
• If we are anxious or angry after prayer and worship it is because we did not

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or

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. (Isa. 29:13)
• The peace of God is a supernatural resource that protects our

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and

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from anxiety and anger.

TAKE OFF
What is one thing in your day-to-day life that brings you joy? What are you grateful for today?
TEXT
Philippians 4:1-7
1. What thoughts or feelings did you have during this week’s sermon?
2. What specific instructions does the apostle Paul give the Philippians in verses 1 and 2? How can we act the same way in our relationships with other Christians?
3. In what circumstances and why does the apostle exhort us to “rejoice” (vv. 4-5)? Are there any circumstances in your life that make rejoicing difficult? Discuss practical ways we can rejoice during hardship and when facing adversity.
4. What strategies do you use to cope when you feel anxious? How does prayer help us fight for peace (vv. 6-7)? Share about a time when you experienced the peace of God in a difficult situation.

TAKE AWAY
Take time over this next week to reflect upon things that you are thankful for. How can you incorporate thanksgiving and joy into your daily life?