November 18, 2007

Sheepfold Ministries – Pastor Phil Roland

FOUNDATIONS OF THANKFULNESS

Philippians 4:1-9

"Philippians 4 is the mental health chapter of the Bible. Paul outlines the foundations of thankfulness that will lead you to God’s peace.”            Pastor Phil

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

1 Thes. 5:18

SIX FOUNDATIONS FOR THANKFULNESS:

I.   LOVING FROM THE HEART – v. 1

“Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!”

            A. No “Chip on the Shoulder” withholding of love

            B. No conditional love, but wholehearted loving

II.  RECONCILIATION IN THE MIDST OF CONFLICT – vs. 2

“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.”

            A. Agree with your adversaries quickly – Matthew 5:20-26

            "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder, and

whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.'  "But I say to you that

whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the

judgment. And whoever says to his brother, 'Raca!' shall be in danger of the

council. But whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of hell fire. "Therefore if

you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has

something against you, "leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way.

First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. "Agree with

your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary

deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be

thrown into prison. "Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there

till you have paid the last penny.”

B. If there is contention, let it be for the Gospel – v. 3a

“Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at

my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow

workers, whose names are in the book of life.” 

III. STRIVE TO MAKE PEACE – v. 3b

          “Help these women. . .”

                   A. Early church had contention

            B. Peacemakers were invaluable

                        1. Barnabus in Book of Acts – “Son of Consolation”

                        2. Even Paul had his stubborn moments

            C. Jesus extolled the Peacemakers – Matt. 5:9

            “Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.”

                        1. Conflict resolution members of the Body of Christ

                        2. Building bridges of Peace and Love

IV. REJOICE IN YOUR SALVATION – v. 4

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

            A. Rejoice  in what God has done in your life – Luke 10:20

            “However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your

names are written in heaven.

B. Rejoice in God for Himself – Psalm 64:10

“Let the righteous rejoice in the LORD and take refuge in him; let all the upright in

heart praise him!”

V. ALLOW GENTLENESS TO RULE IN YOUR LIFE – v. 5

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

          A. Eighth Fruit of the Holy Spirit is Gentleness – Gal. 5:23

            B. The Holy Spirit’s Presence is marked by Peace and Gentleness

VI.  GIVE UP ANXIETY AND PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING – v. 6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

            A. Preface all Prayers with Thanksgiving

                        1. Remember you are requesting and not demanding

                        2. God has the last word: “Yes,” “No,” or, “Wait Awhile”

            B. Be Instant in Prayer and Instant in Thanksgiving

FOUNDATIONS OF THANKFULNESS: Text:

Philippians 4:1-9

Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

2  I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord.

3  Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

5  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

6  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

7  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8  Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

9  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

For This We Give Thee Thanks

For hands that reach and touch our own,
For baby's laughter in our home,
For shoulders that in grief are loaned,
Dear Lord, we give You thanks.

For lips that brave the tender words,
For eyes that speak what can't be heard,
For God's own precious Holy Word,
Dear Lord, we give You thanks.

For open doors and welcomings,
For friends who laugh and sometimes sing,
For everything each season brings,
Dear Lord, we give You thanks.

For large or small, the gifts You give,
For just the privilege to live,
For all we've had and yet You give,
Dear Lord, we give You thanks.

For promises that soon shall be,
Because He hung upon the tree,
For Love that lasts eternally,
Most of all, Lord, thanks, oh, thanks!



© by Joan Clifton Costner

Courtesy of Sheepfold Ministries, Sharon, PA