Peace of God

Peace of God

Sermon by Jack Nazary at 16 different churches from 1984-2003

Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 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 comprehension, will guard (keep) your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. Philippians 4:1-11

Imagine a life where there is never worry, never upset, never loses his cool, do not get intimidated, always rejoice and are happy, nothing goes wrong. It's possible! The Bible says so!!

The conditions set forth in these passages of scripture need to be met which will result in Peace of God.

In Philippians 4:7, the KJV uses "Keep".  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Keep means to stabilize and keep it level - emotions and mind - to all be born again!

Ways to help receive the peace of God are to read the Word, pray, witness, give, attend church, love each other...

Christian’s need Consistency.  Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. Philippians 4:1

Consistency is met by continuing to be “steadfast in the apostles’ doctrine". "Steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" I Corinthians 15:58 

Vance Havner said, "Most of God's people are so subnormal that if they ever got normal, we think they are abnormal."

Christians tend to have a Roller Coaster lifestyle - devil and demons mess up our lives by getting us disobedient to the word of God.  Romans 8:37says that we are “More than conquerors.”

We can be consistent in our walk with the Lord, by being obedient and steadfast. 

Christian’s should have desire for Unity.  I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord  Philippians 4:2

Is there anyone that you don’t like?  Are you selfish in serving?  As a Christian, we must work together as one member of the body of Christ.  We are commanded to love others as yourself.  It is difficult at times to love others, but we must unite as one.  

"Do good unto all men, especially unto those of household of faith"

Christian’s should have a heart for Service. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:3

Go to work for God - use your spiritual gifts that have been given to you. God expects us to work, serve, and minister. Let's get up and go to work as long as we have life!

All men are hungering for God.  We are saved by good pleasure of God's will.

Christian’s should Praise.  Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4.

Do it whether you feel like it or not. God is not as interested in our sincerity as our                     obedience.

The steps of a righteous man are ordered of the Lord.

Christian’s need Moderation.  Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5

Moderation is avoidance of extremes or excesses.  As Christian’s, our temperament should be gentle, good, and kind.

What is your home like?  How are you treating others? 

Christian’s should have Thanksgiving. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

There is difference in giving thanks and being thankful. In everything give thanks, then you'll get thankful.

2 Corinthians 3:17 - "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty"

This liberty is freedom that we get when we have consistency, unity, service, praise, moderation, and thanksgiving in our walk with the Lord.  His Spirit is inside of us; therefore, we have liberty – freedom – peace!