Finding Purpose and Peace in Christ

Summary

Life’s purpose is not found in what we do, but in who we belong to—Jesus. When our identity and purpose are rooted in Him, our lives become unshakable, no matter the circumstances. This truth is at the heart of Paul’s words in Philippians 4:4-9, where we are called to rejoice always, to let our gentleness be evident, and to bring every anxiety to God in prayer. Rejoicing is not a reaction to good circumstances, but a deliberate choice—a spiritual discipline that testifies to God’s presence even in pain. The world may be volatile and anxious, but we are invited to be thermostats, not thermometers: people who set the spiritual climate with gentleness and peace, rather than simply reacting to the chaos around us.

Gentleness, as Paul describes, is strength under control. It’s the ability to respond with calm assurance because the Lord is near. In moments of stress or anxiety, we are given a simple but profound invitation: to pause, breathe, and remember God’s nearness. When anxiety knocks, we are not left to carry our burdens alone. Instead, we are called to trade our anxiety for God’s peace by bringing every concern to Him with thanksgiving. This act of surrender is not passive; it’s an active trust that God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds, like a fortress against the worries that seek to invade.

Paul’s list of “whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy” is not just a checklist, but a call to fix our minds on the things of God. When we focus on these things, we experience not only the peace of God, but the God of peace Himself. This is a peace that transcends understanding—a wholeness and presence that cannot be explained by circumstances. In every season, we are invited to surrender our burdens, receive His peace, and live as people marked by joy, gentleness, and unwavering trust in Christ.

Key Takeaways

- Purpose is rooted in Christ, not in our achievements or roles. When our sense of meaning is anchored in who Jesus is and who we are becoming in Him, our lives are resilient and unshakable, even when circumstances change or disappoint. This foundation allows us to live with confidence and hope, regardless of what we do or where we find ourselves. [01:42]

- Rejoicing is a spiritual discipline, not a circumstantial reaction. Choosing to rejoice—especially in pain or uncertainty—is a powerful witness to God’s love and faithfulness. It is not denial of hardship, but a declaration that God’s love is deeper than any pit we find ourselves in, and that our hope is secure in Him. [09:55]

- Gentleness is strength under control, made possible by God’s nearness. In a world that is quick to react and slow to listen, we are called to respond with calm assurance, knowing that the Lord is near. This posture transforms our relationships and environments, making us thermostats who set the climate of peace and grace, rather than thermometers who merely reflect the chaos around us. [20:06]

- God invites us to trade anxiety for His peace through prayer and thanksgiving. We often try to fix our problems ourselves, but true peace comes when we surrender our burdens to God, trusting Him with the outcome. His peace is not the absence of problems, but His presence in the midst of them—a peace that guards our hearts and minds beyond our understanding. [28:34]

- Fixing our minds on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy is a spiritual safeguard. This intentional focus is not escapism, but a way to fortify our hearts against anxiety and negativity. When we dwell on these things, we experience the God of peace Himself, and our lives become a testimony to His wholeness and presence. [36:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:42] - Purpose: Not What You Do, But Who You Are
[03:11] - Unity in the Church
[05:57] - Reading Philippians 4:4-9
[07:22] - The Living Word: Familiar Yet Transformative
[08:27] - The Choice to Rejoice
[09:55] - Rejoicing in Pain: Corrie Ten Boom’s Example
[12:25] - Why We Gather: Celebrate, Connect, Contribute, Commission
[15:17] - Making Room: New Service Times and Opportunities
[18:59] - Serving and Belonging in Community
[20:06] - Gentleness: Strength Under Control
[22:47] - Thermostat or Thermometer: Responding to Stress
[26:10] - Trading Anxiety for God’s Peace
[30:04] - Surrendering Burdens: The Lego Illustration
[33:49] - The Peace of God: Guarding Our Hearts and Minds
[36:43] - Fixing Our Minds: The Seven “Whatevers”
[41:16] - Receiving His Peace: A Guided Prayer
[48:07] - Worship and Response
[49:17] - Invitation to Prayer
[50:13] - Closing and Next Week’s Preview

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

---

### Bible Reading

- Philippians 4:4-9

---

### Observation Questions

1. In Philippians 4:4, Paul repeats the command to “rejoice in the Lord always.” Why do you think he emphasizes “always” and repeats the command?
2. According to verse 5, what does Paul say should be evident to all, and what reason does he give for this?
3. In verses 6-7, what does Paul say we should do instead of being anxious? What is the promised result?
4. Paul lists several things in verse 8 that we are to think about. What are these things, and how does he describe them?

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says that rejoicing is a choice, not just a reaction to good circumstances. Why might it be important for believers to choose to rejoice even when life is hard? [09:55]
2. The phrase “gentleness is strength under control” was used in the sermon. How does this understanding of gentleness change the way we might respond to stressful or chaotic situations? [20:06]
3. The sermon describes God’s peace as “a fortress against the worries that seek to invade.” What does it mean for God’s peace to “guard your hearts and minds,” and how is this different from simply having no problems? [33:49]
4. Paul calls us to fix our minds on “whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy.” How might this focus act as a safeguard against anxiety and negativity? [36:43]

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon says our purpose is not found in what we do, but in who we belong to—Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been finding your identity in your achievements or roles instead of in Christ? What would it look like to shift your sense of purpose? [01:42]
2. Rejoicing is described as a spiritual discipline, especially in pain or uncertainty. Can you think of a recent situation where you chose (or struggled) to rejoice in the middle of difficulty? What helped or hindered you? [09:55]
3. The idea of being a “thermostat” instead of a “thermometer” means setting the spiritual climate rather than just reacting. In your home, work, or relationships, are you more often a thermostat or a thermometer? What is one practical way you could set a climate of peace and gentleness this week? [22:47]
4. The sermon invites us to trade anxiety for God’s peace through prayer and thanksgiving. Is there a specific worry or burden you are carrying right now that you need to surrender to God? What would it look like to actually hand it over, as in the Lego illustration? [30:04]
5. When anxiety or negative thoughts come, the sermon suggests focusing on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. What is one practical step you can take to “fix your mind” on these things this week? (For example, making a list, memorizing a verse, or setting a daily reminder.) [36:43]
6. The sermon describes gentleness as “strength under control” because “the Lord is near.” Is there a relationship or situation where you need to respond with gentleness instead of reacting? What would it look like to pause, breathe, and remember God’s nearness before responding? [20:06]
7. The peace of God is described as something that “blows your mind” and “guards your heart.” Have you ever experienced this kind of peace in a difficult time? What did you do to receive it, and how did it change your situation or perspective? [33:49]

---

Devotional

Day 1: Rejoicing Is a Choice, Not a Circumstance
Rejoicing in the Lord is not simply a reaction to good times or favorable circumstances; it is a deliberate choice rooted in our relationship with Jesus and our unshakeable purpose in Him. Even in the midst of pain, hardship, or uncertainty, you are invited to choose to rejoice, trusting that God's love is deeper than any pit you may find yourself in. This act of rejoicing is not a denial of your struggles, but a declaration of faith that God is present, working, and worthy of praise regardless of what you feel. As you gather with others, remember that celebration is a spiritual discipline, and your choice to rejoice can be a powerful witness to those around you. [09:55]

Philippians 4:4 (ESV)
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice."

Reflection: What is one difficult situation you are facing right now where you can intentionally choose to rejoice in God’s love and faithfulness today, even before your feelings catch up?


Day 2: Gentleness as Strength Under Control
Gentleness is not weakness; it is strength under control, especially when the world around you is volatile, anxious, or quick to react. When you let your gentleness be evident to all, you are demonstrating the calm assurance that comes from knowing the Lord is near. In stressful moments, you have the opportunity to respond rather than react, to be a thermostat that sets the environment with peace and composure rather than a thermometer that simply reflects the chaos. This posture of gentleness, empowered by Christ’s presence, is a needed and powerful testimony in a world desperate for calm and hope. [20:06]

Philippians 4:5 (ESV)
"Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand."

Reflection: In what specific situation this week can you practice gentleness as strength under control, responding with calm assurance because you know the Lord is near?


Day 3: Trading Anxiety for God’s Peace
Anxiety and worry are persistent invaders, but God invites you to bring every concern to Him in prayer, with thanksgiving, and to trust Him with the outcome. You are not meant to carry burdens alone or try to fix everything by your own strength; instead, you can hand over your worries to God, trusting that He cares for you and is able to do more than you can imagine. The peace He offers is not the absence of problems, but His presence in the midst of them—a peace that guards your heart and mind beyond understanding. When anxiety comes knocking, let God’s peace stand guard at the gate of your heart. [33:49]

Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What is one worry or burden you need to hand over to God today, trusting Him to guard your heart and mind with His peace?


Day 4: Fixing Your Mind on What Is True and Good
Your mindset shapes your experience of God’s peace. Instead of letting your thoughts be dominated by anxiety, negativity, or lies, you are called to intentionally focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. This is not a shallow optimism, but a deep, disciplined practice of setting your mind on the things of God and the character of Christ. When you dwell on these things and put them into practice, the God of peace Himself will be with you, transforming your perspective and your life. [36:43]

Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

Reflection: Which of the “whatevers” do you most need to focus on today, and how can you practically set your mind on it in a specific situation?


Day 5: Surrendering to Receive God’s Presence and Peace
God’s peace and presence are not earned by striving or self-sufficiency, but received through surrender and trust. When you bring your burdens, hopes, and dreams to Jesus, He invites you to let Him carry them with you, to receive His strength, and to rest in His love. This surrender is not passive, but an active choice to trust God’s promises, to receive His help, and to allow His peace to guard your heart and mind. As you surrender, you are empowered to live with joy, gentleness, and purpose, knowing that the God of peace is with you in every circumstance. [44:51]

Psalm 23:1-6 (ESV)
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to stop striving and instead surrender to Jesus, trusting Him to carry your burdens and fill you with His peace?

Quotes

We find our purpose, oh, this is my purpose, what I am doing. And I think that's wrong, because if our purpose is all about what we do, it's too fragile. Too fragile. And we'll find ourselves, what if that goes wrong? What if things don't work out the way? We've based our purpose on what we are doing. The what your purpose is not in what you do. Your purpose is in a someone. Your purpose. So as a follower of Jesus, my purpose is in Him. [00:00:47] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

Rejoicing is not primarily based on circumstances. Rejoicing is rooted in your purpose, rooted in relationship to Jesus. That's where it's rooted. It's a choice to rejoice. And I'll say it. It's a spiritual discipline. It's part of that choosing to worship. No matter what the circumstances are, it's a choice to rejoice. [00:09:20] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip

It's not a denial of pain. It's in the pain, a choice to rejoice. You choose that in the pain. And the evidence of that to other people is strikingly even more powerful than only rejoicing when it's going great. Because that's a natural. Well, everybody does that. But having a posture of choosing to rejoice when it's not great, that makes people go, wow. [00:10:00] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still. It's a choice to rejoice. She was in a worse situation than any of you right now. Facts. Facts. Okay? So there she finds herself and yet she has a choice to rejoice. [00:10:55] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

Can I just suggest, some of you are carrying stuff right now that God's told you to not carry. Some of you are carrying some stuff all by yourself and he has said, hey, do you want me to help you with that? No, I got it. There are some burdens and things that are heavy laden and Jesus is saying, come to me. Let's help with this. And some of you have picked up stuff and you're carrying stuff that the Lord never asked you to pick up and carry. [00:28:34] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Peace does not come from avoiding problems. Peace is in the middle of them. Peace is in the middle of the storm. Peace is in the middle of the battle. It's not an absence of war. It's his presence in it. [00:33:32] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip

So it's not that those things will not try to invade. It's what am I posting at the gate? When I know the peace of God is at the gate and who he is and his truth, when those things come knocking, they repel them. The peace of God says, ah, this is it. But you will not steal my joy. You will not steal the presence of the Lord in my life. It is true. So anxiety, worry, all of that, you will not have residency in my castle. You can pound on my door, but my door is a peace of God. Will God. Fortify. Fortify. Repel. Push back. [00:35:42] (00:00:47 seconds) Edit Clip

If in doubt, answer all of them with Jesus because he is true. He is noble. He is right. He is pure. He is lovely. He is admirable. He is excellent. He is praiseworthy. And that'll get you back to where we started. He will cause you to rejoice. And you fix on that. [00:38:55] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip

What if I focused on what is true? What if I focused intently as much as as deep as on what is noble? What if I focused intently on what is right and pure in this current circumstance? Because the enemy is a liar. Who's going to barrage you with it. So you've got to be ready and go, no. But what if I choose to focus on what is right and pure? What if I focus on that that is lovely and admirable? What if I focus on that which is excellent and praiseworthy and I think about such things? What if I look and see what the Lord has done in somebody else's life, in my life, in that person's life, in the apostle Paul's life and go, I'm going to put that into practice. Guess what the promise is? The God of peace will be with you. [00:39:36] (00:00:53 seconds) Edit Clip