Endangered yet Encouraged
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In the height of WWII the racist and fascist regime and political party known as the Nazis led by Adolph Hitler ruled Germany with little to no resistance. Millions of people died because they did not meet the criteria of Hitlers “master race”. The Nazis would round up Jews by the thousands put them in concentrations camps and kill them with execution expertise that is only rivaled by the Roman cross and the American noose. But as true to form and God’s tract record there was a remnant of a pastor who stood up to the Nazi regime and preached the gospel.
Always room to Rejoice
Always room to Rejoice
Rejoice in the Lord! Again, Paul is writing from prison, (what we would call a halfway house) to a church under some type of persecution and suffering, who is living in a city that has been colonized by Rome and yet he has the never to tell them to rejoice. And not only does he tell them to rejoice, he repeats himself. Here’s why, the blessing of knowing Jesus is that no matter what is going on around you there is always a reason rejoice; that if you are in Christ Jesus you posses a certain joy that comes from knowing Him, and knowing what He comes with.
First you can rejoice because of what He has already done for you. Paul is writing from jail but its not his first rodeo, in fact, Paul was once in jail in Philippi. (Story of Paul and Silas in jail)
Also, you can rejoice in the Lord because of what he is doing. Although this church is suffering, and Paul addresses that at the end of chapter 1 he also lets them know that the suffering they are enduring is temporary. In fact he sets the foundation of the letter based on it. He lets them know that God is not finished with you yet (quote 1:6). (I can rejoice when…because He’s still working RUN)
Then, you can rejoice in the Lord because what what he promised. (v.10-11)
Anxiety is reduced upon Requests
Anxiety is reduced upon Requests
Being anxious is a serious condition to be in. When you are anxious it is uncomfortable because it facilitates the unholy marriage of worrying and waiting. When we worry and wait to the point of anxiety it because dangerous. When we are anxious we can develop physical effects that can hinder our quality of life. We might develop ulcers, stress, hypertension, danger to others, or even danger to ourselves. And sometimes we might have medical conditions and can’t control our anxiety and for that I say seek help. God approves and we support. But, here in this text Paul is addressing anxiety that we can control; worrying about the things going on around us. So, we are to get down on our knees, go into our prayer closet, pull the cover over your head, or whatever you do and ask God to deal with whatever is dealing with us. And just see how much better you feel when you give it to God. Yeah, its still awkward because its out of your control and out of your hands but at least you know that God is yet in control and its in his hand. (Elaborate on Prayer) It was prayer that got Paul free from the Philippian jail in the first place.(Elaborate) (Kept Praying Run)
Now don’t forget that while you are praying and giving it over to God, there must be in some fashion and attitude of gratitude. You need to go to the throne of Grace with thanksgiving. Because God didn’t have to arrange for us to be able to come to Him in the first place. But also because the thanksgiving is also anticipatory. You can thank God for how he answers your prayer before you see the end result.
Apprehension of Peace that’s incomprehensible
Apprehension of Peace that’s incomprehensible
Accessible Peace that’s beyond Reason
Accessible Peace that’s beyond Reason
The “peace of God” are some serious words of comfort. Peace is the opposite of conflict. it is important the to understand that the peace of God is only available to those who have dealt with the conflict between man and God and has made peace with God. So, when dealing with conflict and warring of the soul only the peace of God can end the conflict that is inside of you. And when you are at peace inside of you then things around you can’t shake you.
The peace of God shows up in times when we need it most, but also it show up after we spend time with God and ask for help. And when you have peace it will be in such a way that the people around you won’t understand it (elaborate), and it will be so great that you won’t even understand it (elaborate).
(exegete v.7c)
Prince of Peace