Well today's sermon was just for me. Funny how God does things like that!
Philippian 4:4-13
English Standard Version (ESV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
(As a side note: Biblegateway.com does not have the NIV 1984 version anymore. Mike sent a note to them for which they have not yet replied.) The following are notes from our sermon and ABC class.
Our sermon series is: Illusion: The Devil's Deceptions Revealed. Today's topic-Stress
Stress affects us mentally, physically, spiritually. Two illusions of stress is that all stress is bad and there is nothing you can do about stress. There is good stress (eustress). It is the zone where stress causes good performance. Too little and we slack, too much and we get distressed.
Background: Paul is in Caesar's jail, which was like maximum security prison. He was waiting for his trial to be in front of Emperor Nero. Paul was under stress. The Philippian's at this time were not under stress. They were experiencing an economic boom, there was lots of agriculture, they were living the easy life. Why would Paul want to write them a letter about stress? Because a day would come and they would be stressed.
Seven stress relievers from Philippians 4:
1. It begins with attitude. "Rejoice". It is a command--it is about perspective. We could lose everything here on earth, but we still have the Lord--and eternal life. Rejoice is also present tense in the greek language--rejoice right now. In the greek, rejoice is plural--it is like us saying "y'all rejoice".
2. Slow down. Let your gentleness be evident (in the NIV 1984 it does say gentleness). Pastor had us touch our eye. He noted that nobody went at it full force, but did it gently. The faster we go, the less gentle we become. I do like the word reasonableness in ESV.
3. Pray. That is the antidote for stress. Prayer is a gift from God. "Present" our requests to God. In ABC the illustration was about re-gifting--present.
4. Take control of your thoughts. "guard your hearts and minds" Guard-phroureo-a detachment of Roman soldiers. The Philippians had soldiers stationed around the city. They felt safe. Be in God's Word.
5. Solve problems, don't marinate in them. In verse 8-9 Paul list's some gifts: whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy...think about such things. It was brought to my attention that this list is not stress free. In our culture standing up for truth can be stressful. Living a pure lifestyle goes against our cultural beliefs. Who are we going to stand up before on the final judgment day? The world or God? (uhmm....that would be God).
6. Practice contentment. The Philippian's were people who cared and prayed for Paul. V18 states that he received the gifts they sent and was amply supplied. When I am stressed, is there someone who helps? Yes, my husband, my sister, my friends, my church family, even counselors if need be.
7. I belong to God. I need Christ's strength. There is this philosophy called Stoic Philosophy that people believe "I can do it on my own". Been there, done that. It never ends up pretty.
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
(As a side note: Biblegateway.com does not have the NIV 1984 version anymore. Mike sent a note to them for which they have not yet replied.) The following are notes from our sermon and ABC class.
Our sermon series is: Illusion: The Devil's Deceptions Revealed. Today's topic-Stress
Stress affects us mentally, physically, spiritually. Two illusions of stress is that all stress is bad and there is nothing you can do about stress. There is good stress (eustress). It is the zone where stress causes good performance. Too little and we slack, too much and we get distressed.
Background: Paul is in Caesar's jail, which was like maximum security prison. He was waiting for his trial to be in front of Emperor Nero. Paul was under stress. The Philippian's at this time were not under stress. They were experiencing an economic boom, there was lots of agriculture, they were living the easy life. Why would Paul want to write them a letter about stress? Because a day would come and they would be stressed.
Seven stress relievers from Philippians 4:
1. It begins with attitude. "Rejoice". It is a command--it is about perspective. We could lose everything here on earth, but we still have the Lord--and eternal life. Rejoice is also present tense in the greek language--rejoice right now. In the greek, rejoice is plural--it is like us saying "y'all rejoice".
2. Slow down. Let your gentleness be evident (in the NIV 1984 it does say gentleness). Pastor had us touch our eye. He noted that nobody went at it full force, but did it gently. The faster we go, the less gentle we become. I do like the word reasonableness in ESV.
3. Pray. That is the antidote for stress. Prayer is a gift from God. "Present" our requests to God. In ABC the illustration was about re-gifting--present.
4. Take control of your thoughts. "guard your hearts and minds" Guard-phroureo-a detachment of Roman soldiers. The Philippians had soldiers stationed around the city. They felt safe. Be in God's Word.
5. Solve problems, don't marinate in them. In verse 8-9 Paul list's some gifts: whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy...think about such things. It was brought to my attention that this list is not stress free. In our culture standing up for truth can be stressful. Living a pure lifestyle goes against our cultural beliefs. Who are we going to stand up before on the final judgment day? The world or God? (uhmm....that would be God).
6. Practice contentment. The Philippian's were people who cared and prayed for Paul. V18 states that he received the gifts they sent and was amply supplied. When I am stressed, is there someone who helps? Yes, my husband, my sister, my friends, my church family, even counselors if need be.
7. I belong to God. I need Christ's strength. There is this philosophy called Stoic Philosophy that people believe "I can do it on my own". Been there, done that. It never ends up pretty.
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
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