READ Philippians 4:5-7

This morning Paul gives a formula for peace that, if followed, will revolutionize your life. Note:

1. FAIRNESS AND GENTLENESS ARE PART OF THE FORMULA FOR PEACE – “Let your moderation be known unto all men.  The Lord is at hand.”

The word “moderation” speaks of fairness, gentleness, and reasonableness.  Many will never experience peace because they are neither fair, gentle, nor reasonable.  Exercising a gentle disposition will go a long way to keeping peace.  Don’t forget, “The Lord is a hand.” It matters not if this statement is speaking about the all-seeing eyes of God, who is present everywhere, or if Paul is reminding us that the Lord’s return is soon.  Make sure to treat people with fairness, gentleness, and reasonableness.

2.  PRAYERFULNESS IS PART OF THE FORMULA FOR PEACE – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” 

Verse six begins with a command, “Be careful for nothing.”  This is a command against being anxious.  Again, it is a command, not an option.  Undue care is a violation as one moves into an arena that belongs to God.  What I cannot control belongs in the hands of our sovereign God who loves us without reservation. Peace is stolen when we become anxious.

Paul follows his command against anxiety by imploring us to pray about everything.  Prayer is the antidote for anxiety, and nothing is off-limits in our prayer life.  Prayer is a broad word that refers to all our communication (prayers) with God, while supplication refers to our directly asking God to do something.

Finally, we are to live and pray with thanksgiving in our hearts.  Thanksgiving guards against us having a whining and complaining spirit. 

3.  THE PRODUCT OF FOLLOWING THIS FORMULA – “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

This promise of peace is something you can count upon.  It is peace that surpasses understanding, and it will guard both your heart and mind.  Praise His Name!

Your Friend and His,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  People often suffer from the overpowering tactics of others.  They are intimidated either physically, intellectually, emotionally, or spiritually.  What can you do in your life to become gentler?

2.  What kinds of things do you find yourself worrying about?

3.  When was the last time you solved a problem or found peace through worry?

4.  How faithful are you in your prayer life?  What do you pray about most?

5.  Are you more thankful or complaining? Why?

6.  What does God’s promise of peace mean to you?