Finding True Peace Through Christ: A Spiritual Discipline
Summary
In Philippians 4:4-12, Paul provides profound insights into the nature of peace, a peace that transcends understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This peace is not merely the absence of anxiety but the presence of God Himself, offering protection and a sense of being guarded like a city surrounded by an army. Paul emphasizes that true peace is an inner calm and equilibrium, a poise that remains constant regardless of external circumstances. This peace is not a natural talent but a learned discipline, cultivated through the power of the Holy Spirit.
To develop this peace, Paul outlines three key disciplines: thinking, thanking, and loving. Thinking involves meditating on what is true, noble, and right, which in Paul's context refers to the doctrines of God, sin, Christ, and salvation. This is contrary to the world's approach, which often avoids deep thinking about life's big questions. Christian peace comes from thinking deeply about the implications of our beliefs and the truths of the gospel.
Thanking is the practice of presenting our requests to God with gratitude, trusting that He is working all things together for our good. This gratitude is not contingent on receiving what we ask for but is rooted in the assurance of God's sovereign plan and His ultimate goodness, as exemplified in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Loving involves setting our affections on what is lovely and admirable, ultimately directing our love towards God, the immutable. Augustine teaches that only love for the immutable—God—can bring true tranquility, as everything else is subject to change and loss. By loving God supremely, we find that all the beauty and goodness we seek in other things are ultimately found in Him.
The secret to this peace lies in Christ Jesus. It is not enough to know God as an abstraction; we must find Jesus Christ lovely and attractive, understanding that He bore the consequences of our sins so that we might have eternal peace. This understanding transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to experience the peace of God even in the most challenging circumstances.
Key Takeaways:
- The Nature of Peace: True peace is not merely the absence of anxiety but the presence of God, offering protection and a sense of being guarded. It is an inner calm and equilibrium that remains constant regardless of external circumstances. This peace is a learned discipline, cultivated through the power of the Holy Spirit. [06:20]
- Thinking as a Discipline: Christian peace comes from meditating on what is true, noble, and right, which involves deep reflection on the doctrines of God, sin, Christ, and salvation. Unlike the world's approach, which often avoids deep thinking, Christian peace is rooted in understanding the implications of our beliefs. [11:11]
- Thanking with Gratitude: Presenting our requests to God with gratitude is essential for peace. This gratitude is not contingent on receiving what we ask for but is rooted in the assurance of God's sovereign plan and His ultimate goodness, as exemplified in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. [18:30]
- Loving the Immutable: True tranquility comes from loving God, the immutable, supremely. By setting our affections on God, we find that all the beauty and goodness we seek in other things are ultimately found in Him. This love for God brings a peace that cannot be disturbed by changing circumstances. [27:11]
- The Secret in Christ Jesus: The secret to peace lies in finding Jesus Christ lovely and attractive, understanding that He bore the consequences of our sins so that we might have eternal peace. This understanding transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to experience the peace of God even in the most challenging circumstances. [30:40]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Rejoice and Be Gentle
- [00:38] - Present Your Requests to God
- [01:03] - Think on These Things
- [01:25] - Contentment in All Circumstances
- [02:05] - Morally Restrained vs. Supernaturally Changed Heart
- [02:40] - The Fruit of the Spirit
- [03:13] - The Character of Peace
- [03:38] - Anxiety vs. Peace
- [04:10] - Inner Calm and Equilibrium
- [06:20] - Peace as Protection
- [07:22] - Presence of God in Peace
- [10:22] - Disciplines of Peace
- [11:11] - Thinking on Doctrine
- [18:30] - Thanking with Gratitude
- [27:11] - Loving the Immutable
- [30:40] - The Secret in Christ Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 4:4-12
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus"? How does this peace act as a guard? [00:38]
2. In Philippians 4:8, Paul lists several virtues to think about. What are these virtues, and how do they relate to the peace of God? [01:03]
3. How does Paul describe his ability to be content in all circumstances? What does he say he has learned? [01:43]
4. According to the sermon, what is the difference between a morally restrained heart and a supernaturally changed heart? [02:05]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "thinking" as a discipline challenge the way the world typically approaches peace and anxiety? [12:00]
2. What role does gratitude play in experiencing the peace of God, according to Paul's teaching in Philippians 4:6-7? [18:30]
3. Augustine's teaching on loving the immutable is mentioned in the sermon. How does this idea help us understand the nature of true tranquility? [27:11]
4. The sermon discusses the secret to peace being found in Christ Jesus. How does understanding Jesus' sacrifice contribute to experiencing this peace? [30:40]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced anxiety. How might meditating on the virtues listed in Philippians 4:8 have changed your perspective during that time? [11:11]
2. Consider your current prayer life. How can you incorporate more gratitude into your prayers, even when your requests have not yet been answered? [18:30]
3. Identify something mutable in your life that you have been loving more than God. What steps can you take to redirect your affections towards God, the immutable? [27:11]
4. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of Jesus' sacrifice to find Him more lovely and attractive, thereby experiencing greater peace? [30:40]
5. Think about a challenging circumstance you are currently facing. How can the assurance of God's sovereign plan, as discussed in the sermon, help you find peace in this situation? [19:46]
6. The sermon mentions the importance of a supernaturally changed heart. What practical steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit to transform your heart in this way? [02:05]
7. How can you apply the discipline of "thinking" to a specific area of your life where you struggle with anxiety or fear? What truths about God, sin, Christ, and salvation can you meditate on to find peace? [11:11]
Devotional
Day 1: The Presence of God as True Peace
True peace is not simply the absence of anxiety but the presence of God Himself, offering protection and a sense of being guarded. This peace is an inner calm and equilibrium that remains constant regardless of external circumstances. It is a learned discipline, cultivated through the power of the Holy Spirit. This peace acts as a fortress, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, providing a sense of security and stability that the world cannot offer. [06:20]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to invite the presence of God to experience His peace? How can you intentionally cultivate this peace through the Holy Spirit today?
Day 2: Meditating on Truth for Inner Peace
Christian peace comes from meditating on what is true, noble, and right, which involves deep reflection on the doctrines of God, sin, Christ, and salvation. Unlike the world's approach, which often avoids deep thinking, Christian peace is rooted in understanding the implications of our beliefs. By focusing our thoughts on these truths, we align our minds with God's perspective, allowing His peace to permeate our lives. [11:11]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: What specific truths about God, sin, Christ, or salvation can you meditate on today to align your mind with God's perspective and experience His peace?
Day 3: Gratitude as a Pathway to Peace
Presenting our requests to God with gratitude is essential for peace. This gratitude is not contingent on receiving what we ask for but is rooted in the assurance of God's sovereign plan and His ultimate goodness, as exemplified in the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. By trusting in God's plan and expressing gratitude, we open our hearts to His peace, which transcends our understanding. [18:30]
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: What is one thing you can thank God for today, even if it is not what you initially desired? How can this act of gratitude open your heart to His peace?
Day 4: Loving the Immutable for Lasting Tranquility
True tranquility comes from loving God, the immutable, supremely. By setting our affections on God, we find that all the beauty and goodness we seek in other things are ultimately found in Him. This love for God brings a peace that cannot be disturbed by changing circumstances, as He remains constant and unchanging. [27:11]
Psalm 16:8-9 (ESV): "I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure."
Reflection: What are some things you are currently seeking beauty and goodness in? How can you redirect your love towards God, the immutable, to find true tranquility?
Day 5: Finding Peace in Christ's Sacrifice
The secret to peace lies in finding Jesus Christ lovely and attractive, understanding that He bore the consequences of our sins so that we might have eternal peace. This understanding transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to experience the peace of God even in the most challenging circumstances. By embracing Christ's sacrifice, we are invited into a relationship that offers profound peace. [30:40]
Ephesians 2:13-14 (ESV): "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."
Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of Christ's sacrifice today to experience His peace more fully? What steps can you take to find Jesus lovely and attractive in your daily life?
Quotes
"Rejoice in the Lord always I will say it again rejoice let the gentleness of your be evident to all the Lord is near do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." [00:00:05]
"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 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." [00:00:51]
"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty I have learned this secret of being content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry whether living in plenty or in want." [00:01:37]
"First it's an inner calm and equilibrium because they're here down at the bottom verse 11 12 he says I've learned how to be content in whatever circumstance I've learned the secret of being content in every situation which is to say I'm the same in one situation as the other that's poised equilibrium an inner calm." [00:04:15]
"Christian peace is not expelling negative thoughts the problem with expelling negative thoughts is what you're really doing there is you're just refusing to face how bad things are you know you're not being realistic okay I'm going to get calm by not by not facing the facts well essentially Christian peace is not that you stop facing the fast facts but you get something in your life a living power that comes into your life that enables you to triumph over those facts lifts you up over and through them and it's a sense of being protected." [00:07:43]
"Thinking notice verse eight he says brethren whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure think on these things and the God of peace will be with you so the first thing is thinking and this is really important really important let's take a look at the first three of this long list think about whatever is true noble right now that sounds pretty general generic doesn't it whatever it's true noble right but when Paul this is Paul and when Paul uses these words these particular greek words in the pauline corpus and his writings he's talking about doctrine he's talking about the teaching of the Bible about God about sin and about Christ and about salvation about the world and human nature and God's plans for the world and the plan of salvation that's what he's talking about." [00:10:52]
"Thanksgiving is put against anxiety but look carefully here it's a little counterintuitive isn't it see what we would say is you make your requests to God and then you get your requests and if you get your requests you think that's not what it says it says you thank him as you make the request well why should I thank him because I'm making the request John I want to wait and sit until he so I see what he's going to do no Paul says you're never going to be content unless you make your request you that means you acknowledge that life is in his hands and you thank him for whatever he's going to do." [00:18:24]
"God has not did not make the world to be a world filled with sorrow and death and violence and suffering but he's got a plan he's got a plan to renew it he's got a plan to get it back and the plan is put in the abstract in Romans 8:28 where it says if you love God God is working everything together for good in your life absolutely everything even the bad things even the things that he hates the things that he didn't put into this world he is going to weave into a plan a tapestry he's going to put everything together and he's going to weave it all together for your good in his glory." [00:19:24]
"Only love of the immutable can bring tranquility only love of the immutable what's the immutable that which cannot change your virtue can change don't don't give me this stuff about control he says your problem is that our problem the reason we don't have pieces were loving mutable things things that circumstances including our virtue can take it away from us but there's one thing that's immutable that not only can circumstances not take it away from you but even the worst circumstances in this life only give you more of it have you thought about that what's the worst circumstances violent death and there's one thing that if you love it supremely even violent death gives you more of it what is it the presence of God the beauty of God the face of God." [00:26:48]
"The secret of the peace of heart of God or maybe I should say the peace of God keeps your hearts and your minds not just in God but in Christ Jesus and by the way hearts and minds are separated they're grammatically because Paul is trying to say it's one thing to keep your thoughts in Christ Jesus we already talked about this is another thing to put your heart in him to have your heart in Christ Jesus how does it work to find them attractive to find him lovely to find them unbelievably lovely see it's not enough that's it says Paul says I want you to find Jesus Christ lovely that's the only way you're ever going to love the immutable and finite tranquility." [00:30:31]
"Do you see Jesus Christ just walking through the crucifixion saying I'm just keeping my mind centered on God I'm okay I'm content in whatever circumstance I'm in Jesus didn't say that no because he wasn't why because he lost all of his peace he Christ my God my God why hast thou forsaken me in fact we're told that he died with a cry he died screaming Bill Lane the commentator on the book of Mark says he says the cry of dereliction at Kris screaming says crucified criminals ordinarily suffered complete exhaustion and for long periods were unconscious before they died the stark realism of mark's account describes a sudden violent death the cry of dereliction expresses unfathomable pain Jesus lost all of his peace all of his peace so you could have eternal peace and looking at that is what will get you through that's what will make him lovely." [00:33:30]
"Horatio Spafford was a an American lawyer who lost everything he had in the Chicago Fire of 1871 only two years later he sent his wife Anna and their four daughters on a ship across the Atlantic Ocean to England for trip the ship hit another ship on the way and began to sink as was sinking Anna got the four little girls together and they prayed and then the ship went under the water and they all were scattered under the waves and all four good little girls drowned Anna was found unconscious by a rescue ship floating they rescued her they took her to England and she cabled Horatio Spafford just two words saved alone and when Horatio Spafford was on the ship over to England to bring his wife home he began to write a hymn that we're going to sing at the end it is well with my soul peace like a river he wrote that and here's what I want you to think why would a man dealing with his grief seeking the peace of God the peace like a river spent the entire thing on Jesus my sin oh the Bliss of this glorious thought my sin not in part but the whole
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