Ancient-Future Church

Unspeakable Joy

Sunday June 14th, 2020 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui

Phillippians 4:4-8

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing...."(Phillippians 4:4-8 NKJV)

1. Rejoicing, Prayer, and Meditation are three practical ways to build unshakable and enduring faith so that you can rejoice even in trying times.
2. Your "Attitude, Character, and Actions" determine the outcome of each day.

THE CONTEXT

Paul founded the church in Philippi. Timothy was with Paul when the Philippian church was founded (Acts 16:1).

Paul wrote the letter to the Phillippians to:

• 1. Inform the church about his present condition in prison
• 2. Encourage the members of the church to be humble and to be unified in the face of discord and division
• 3. Beware of false teachers and their false teachings
• 4. Support Timothy in his ministry
• 5. Express gratitude for the gifts the church had given to him and to those serving with him

THE MESSAGE

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus." Phillippians 4:4-7

1. God Blesses Us With His Peace When We Pray And Rejoice In Christ
2. Rejoicing in Christ Safeguards Us From Anxiety
3. Rejoicing in Christ Safeguards Our Emotional Stability
4. Rejoicing in Christ Safeguards Our Psychological Stability

THE ACTION: MEDITATION

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things." Philippians 4:8

MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS TO BUILD YOUR FAITH

• 1. Whatever things are TRUE
  Whatever is true (real) emphasizes the living connection and the authentic unity between what is true and its source or origin
• 2. Whatever things are NOBLE
  A noble person is generous, magnanimous, and has a willing heart.
• 3. Whatever things are JUST
  To just describe what it means to be in conformity with God's own being and His will, and to practice His standards of righteousness.
• 4. Whatever things are PURE
  To be pure means to be unstained, either literally or ceremonially or spiritually; and to be guiltless, innocent, and upright.
• 5. Whatever things are LOVELY
  To be lovely means to be agreeable, delightful, pleasant, and sweet.
• 6. Whatever things are of GOOD REPORT
  A good report is a commendation and is expressed in the good language of praise.
• 7. If there is any VIRTUE
  A virtuous course is marked by virtuous thoughts, feelings, and actions. Virtue is moral goodness.
• 8. If there is anything PRAISEWORTHY
  That which is worthy of praise is good and excellent in both its nature and its characteristics.