Pathways to Peace: Philippians 4:4-9

Hello y'all:

I teach an Adult Bible Community at Thomas Road Baptist Church called the G.A.P. (for Graduates and Professionals), and each week I post the outlines and discussion questions from my lessons on the G.A.P. page on Facebook. A few weeks ago I started posting these notes on the blog too. So, here is the outline and questions for our meeting on December 13. The lesson is on Philippians 4:4-9 and is entitled "Pathways to Peace." If you have any questions or would like to add a comment or two, that would be great!

Pathways to Peace
Philippians 4:4-9

Introduction
Isaiah 9:6 & Luke 2:9-14
Jesus is described in these verses as the “Prince of Peace” and the one who will bring “peace on earth”

Questions
1. What comes to mind when you hear the word “peace”?
2. Describe a moment/time/situation in your life where “peace” would be the best description
3. When life is hectic, what tends to happen to “peace”?

The background to our passage in Philippians 4
1. The church had division (Euodia and Syntynche; Phil. 4:1-2)
2. Epaphroditus almost died (Phil. 2:25-30)
3. False teachers threatened the church (Phil. 3:2)
4. Paul was in prison (Phil. 1:12-14)
Yet Paul claimed to be content (Phil. 4 :11-14)

Philippians 4:4-9—Pathways to Peace: Praise, Prayer, and Practice

Peace follows Christ; he is the path

Pathway 1: A Proper Attitude of Praise
Philippians 4:4-5

Paul tells us that attention determines perspective.
a. In spite of the issues with which Paul and the Philippians are dealing, he tells them to rejoice, to practice praise
b. Praise focuses our attention off of our circumstances and on to God’s abilities
c. Praise helps us pay attention to the Prince of Peace as our foundation

When we focus on Jesus, we are better able to practice “graciousness” or “loving consideration” towards others as we learn to love and act as Christ loved and acted

An attitude of praise is the proper starting point for a life of peace

Peace follows Christ; praise focuses on him

Pathway 2: Prayer is an Antidote to Anxiety
Philippians 4:6-7

Paul tells us that attention can determine our peace
Anxiety is a thief to peace, it will rob us of peace and burden us
When we focus on anxiety, we usually find ourselves lacking peace

This passage commands (it is an imperative) to avoid anxiety by following Paul’s advice
a. Worry about nothing
b. Pray about everything
c. Thank God for anything

If we follow Paul’s path here, we will find ourselves under the guard of God’s peace
Just like Paul is currently under the garrison or guard of Roman soldiers, the Christian who learns to pray and praise in the presence of God can find protection in God’s peace

Peace is a strong place, a place of protection
It guards our hearts (seat of the emotions)
It guards our minds (seat of decision)

Peace follows Christ; Prayer points to him

Pathway 3: Proper Practice Leads to Peace
Philippians 4:8-9

Paul tells us that attention to what we think and do can lead to peace
Right thinking and right living create an environment for peace to invade our lives

Pay attention to these things
What is True
What is Honorable
What is Just
What is Pure
What is Lovely
What is Commendable
Things that contain moral excellence or lead to praise

Then do them!
Do what you have learned from God’s Word
Do what you have learned from others
If you do, God’s peace will follow

Peace follows Christ; do what he does to gain his peace

Quote from Wiersbe

Sow a thought, reap an action
Sow an action, reap a habit
Sow a habit, reap a character
Sow a character, reap a destiny

Peace follows Christ; his peace is our destiny

Application
1. Life has a way of stealing our joy. Yet Jesus and his love and grace never change. Therefore, we should rejoice even if things are difficult.
God has said that he will never leave us or forsake us, and that is the reason we can be joyful. Take the command to rejoice seriously! Spend time this week praising God.

2. If we truly want the peace of God, let us pray and bring our burdens, requests, and needs to him.
Spend time in prayer daily. Make a specific appointment for it. Do it as an expression of your desire to know God and to experience his peace.
As you pray, do it with a thankful heart. Thankfulness is central to the Christian faith. An attitude of gratitude can create an atmosphere of peace. Find specific things for which to give thanks to God.

3. In this season of Christmas, the idea of peace is on the minds of a lot of people. The war against terror, the problems with the economy, and the cares of everyday life cause many to look for a pathway of peace. Look for things you can do that will show the presence of Christ in your life.
Look for opportunities this week to share your experience with Jesus (the Prince of Peace) as the means for true peace in our world today
As you hear Christmas carols played, focus on the words that mention Christ’s role in bringing peace and find ways to be an instrument of peace to others
Focus on commendable things and things of moral excellence as a means to share the truth of Christ and his gospel with others

Discussion Questions
How can we have peace when we are not at peace with one another?

What relationships does God want to work on with you right now?

Do you focus on your demands, or on being patient and kind with people around you?

Can you trust God with the concerns of your life? If not, how can you start?

What is it in God’s character that makes him worthy of our praise and of our trust? How can you show your praise to him? How can you show trust?

Who in your realm of influence needs peace? What can you do to introduce them to the prince of peace?

What will the church look like if we do what Paul commands us in Philippians 4?
What will the world think if we did it?

How can you live a life of peace? Will you?

Thanks for reading!