Saturday, August 08, 2026
Philippians 4
ife is full of anxiety-producing situations. We should be neither surprised nor dismayed by
this reality. But we should know how to handle them rather than be ruled by them.
I. The Problems.
A. Paul was in prison. 1:13
B. Society was in a mess. 2:15
C. Epaphroditus had been sick. 2:27
D. Opposition was increasing. 3:2
E. Commitment was shallow. 3:18f
F. Relationships were strained. 4:2-3
II. The Protocol.
A. “Rejoice in the Lord always.” v. 4
1. Recognize who He is. 3:20
2. Relate to what He does. 3:21
3. Rejoice that you’re “in Him.”
B. Develop a reputation for magnanimity. v. 5a
1. Rather than sticking to the letter of the law…
2. Show everyone some “sweet reasonableness.”
C. Recognize “the Lord is near.” v. 5b
1. Near in space.
2. Near in time.
D. Don’t be anxious about anything. v. 6
1. Legitimate concern. 2:20
2. Unwarranted worry.
3. Pray about everything.
a. Prayer.
b. Petitions.
c. Requests.
4. Pray with thanksgiving: you will be heard and answered.
E. Fix your mind on the right things. v. 8
F. Do what you know: you heard and you saw, now do. v. 9
III. The Promises.
A. The peace of God will guard you. v. 7
1. Peace of God: a divine attribute.
2. Beyond human calculation or invention.
3. Guarding both mind and heart.
B. The peace of God will be with you.
1. To supply you with strength for the task. Romans 16:20
2. To provide sufficiency for the day. Hebrews 13:20
Point to Ponder: Am I prone to panic or living at peace?
