Scripture: Phil 4:1-9

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-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 every situation, 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 and sisters, 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.

Context:

– Paul is writing from prison to the church in Philippi about what it means to walk the walk as followers of Jesus and to encourage them in what it looks like to live out their faith in real life!

• Paul speaks to the temptations that were facing the Philippians that would cause them to sink into the culture of their day rather than stand out from it.
• Paul speaks with honesty from his own experiences and discusses 6 key attributes that should be evident and obvious in the lives of those who follow Jesus.

You’ll stand out if you…..

1/ Stand firm

• don’t retreat or waver when opposition, trial and challenge comes
• resist running to old patterns and old comforts (anything that draws our attention and affection away from Jesus is idolatry)

2/ Seek unity

• be committed to resolving differences instead of holding grudges
• working together = increased effectiveness for the Gospel

3/ Be gentle with one another

– the literal meaning of the word ‘gentleness’ in this scripture translates as ‘sweet reasonableness’ – to be intentionally kind, compassionate and humble towards others especially when they’re facing struggles or difficulties.

• a strong hand with a soft touch (1 Thes 2:7 – gentle like a mother caring for her children)
• gentleness is not weakness

4/ Pray (Don’t be anxious)

– there were plenty of reasons for the Philippians to be anxious, discouraged and worried – Paul invites them to experience prayer as an active strategy against anxiety

• Paul shows them that prayer is a gateway to God’s supernatural peace
• God’s peace is not dependent on a perfect outcome – God’s peace is available to us in the midst of our circumstances
• being a person of peace in an anxious world stands out!

5/ Focus on what’s good

• Paul addresses the battlefield of the mind
• our thoughts are prone fix themselves on things are unhelpful and unhealthy but Paul also teaches us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind – Rom 12:2
• what we think about and focus on translates into our behaviour.
• This serves as a reminder to be wise about the content we engage with

6/ Walk the Walk

• moving from head knowledge to heart transformation
• discipleship is a journey not a destination – a journey of practicing the way of Jesus and becoming more like him

– When we encounter the grace of Jesus we can’t help but be changed – this change should become evident to others.

Invitations for us today:

• To stand out boldly in our culture rather than blend into it
• To be the hands and feet of Jesus to the world – faith in action
• To keep growing by practicing the way of Jesus
• To live a life worth following

Questions:

Q: How is God inviting me to stand out for him?

Q: Am I walking the walk or just talking the talk?

Q: Do my actions line up with my words?

Q: Am I the same person on Monday as I am at church on Sunday?

Q: Do people encounter the nature of Jesus in me?

Q: Am I becoming more like Jesus each year?