Week 2: The Challenges of Practicing Thankfulness
Theme: Overcoming Obstacles to Thankfulness
Key Scripture:
- Philippians:6-7 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Philippians 4:6-7 MSG [6-7] Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Sermon Outline: Finding Peace in God – Philippians 4:6-8
Introduction:
- Brief introduction to the context of Philippians, written by Paul while in prison, yet filled with themes of joy and peace.
I. The Command Against Anxiety (Philippians 4:6a)
Philippians 4:6 NIV [6] Do not be anxious about anything…
- Explanation: Discuss the biblical perspective on anxiety and worry.
- Cross References:
- Matthew 6:25-34 – Jesus’ teaching on worry.
- 1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your anxieties on Him, for He cares for you.
- 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV [6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
- Application: Practical steps to combat anxiety in daily life.
II. The Power of Prayer and Supplication (Philippians 4:6b)
Philippians 4:6b NIV [6] but in every situation, by prayer and petition
- Explanation: The importance of prayer and supplication in dealing with anxieties.
- Cross References:
- Jeremiah 29:12 – Call upon Me and pray to Me, and I will listen.
- James 5:13 – Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.
- Application: Encouraging a consistent and sincere prayer life.
III. The Role of Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6c)
Philippians 4:6c NIV [6] with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
- Explanation: How thanksgiving transforms our approach to challenges.
- Cross References:
- Colossians 3:17 – Whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God.
- Psalm 100:4 – Enter His gates with thanksgiving.
- Application: Cultivating an attitude of gratitude.
IV. The Promise of God’s Peace (Philippians 4:7)
Philippians 4:7 NIV [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
- Explanation: Understanding and embracing the peace of God that transcends understanding.
- Cross References:
- John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you.
- Isaiah 26:3 –You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast.
- Application: Learning to trust in God’s peace in various life situations.
V. The Focus of Our Minds (Philippians 4:8)
Philippians 4:8 NIV [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.
Philippians 4:8-9 MSG [8-9] Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
- Explanation: The importance of guarding our thoughts and focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.
- Cross References:
- Romans 12:2 – Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 – Take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
- Application: Strategies for renewing the mind according to biblical standards.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
- Overcoming Anxiety through Faith: Emphasizing reliance on God rather than being consumed by worry.
- The Necessity of Prayer and Supplication: Encouraging constant communication with God in times of need.
- The Power of Gratitude: How a thankful heart changes perspective.
- Embracing God’s Peace: Trusting in God’s peace to guard our hearts and minds.
- Guarding Our Thoughts: The importance of focusing on what aligns with God’s word.
Colossians 3:15 – Letting the peace of Christ rule in hearts and being thankful.
- Colossians 3:15-17 MSG [15-17] Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.