The Door to Peace | Craig Curtis

Philippians 4:4-9 NIV

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. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, 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. 9 Whatever 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.

   

3 Ways to Press On:

I. Rejoice Always

Choose where you focus.

   

Philippians 4:4 NIV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

  

Joy grows when my focus shifts from what is happening around me to who is with me.

  

James 1:2-4 NIV

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

  

II. Be Gracious

Choose how you respond.

  

Philippians 4:5 NIV

5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

  

• (NIV) Gentleness — not harsh or abrasive; strength used to with-strain  

• (CSB) Graciousness — extending grace in how you treat people 

• (ESV) Reasonableness — willing to listen and respond fairly; opposite of harshness 

  

Philippians 4:2-3 NIV

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.

  

People should experience the grace of Jesus through the way they experience me.

   

Philippians 4:5 NIV

5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

  

III. Don't Worry

Choose what to do with your anxiety.

  

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

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.

    

Questions for Each Thought

1. Is it TRUE?

Verse: "Finally, brothers and sisters, 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." Philippians 4:8 NIV

Truth: Don't believe everything you think.

Ask: "Do I know this is true, or am I assuming it's true?"

  

2. What is GROWING?

Verse: "Finally, brothers and sisters, 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." Philippians 4:8 NIV

Truth: What you dwell on grows in you.

Ask: "Is this thought growing peace or anxiety?  Grace or anger?  Gratitude or discontentment?  Faith or fear?"

  

3. Where is it LEADING?

Verse: "Finally, brothers and sisters, 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." Philippians 4:8 NIV

Truth: Your thoughts eventually become your direction.

Ask: "If I keep thinking this way, where will it take me?  Is it leading me toward the person Jesus is calling me to become?"