“the quest for peace” practical strategies for finding peace in the storm…. others ourselves...

“The Quest for Peace”

Practical Strategies for finding Peace in the Storm….• Others• Ourselves• Circumstances

• Phil 4• Isa 26• 2 Cor 10

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; Gal 5:22-23

So much to be thankful for• Life, Jesus, Salvation…• Gifts of the Spirit• How to have “Peace”. (Phil 4)

8 y/o story

“…readers are advised to rememberthat Satan is a liar….” (Jn 8:44)

C.S. Lewis

“One of the things we have failed to realize in the Christian life is that

the Spiritual gifts have to be pursued.Satan is not going to let us exercise and experience

the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spiritwithout a fight.” anonymous

Two Interesting Thoughts

Spiritual Warfare• Natural (physical)• Spiritual

Practical StrategiesPhil 4

Warfare is conducted on two levels

Spiritual Warfare

The players: God’s team: – Trinity, angels, believersSatan’s team:– Satan, demons, non-believersYou and I: - decide who is going to win

Spiritual Warfare – 2 levels1. Natural: diet, exercise, sleep, counseling, meds –

– limit TV (especially news) – slow down- - by itself, this is a loser!

2. Spiritual: (4 basics)a. Phil 4:1, Stand firm in the Lord ( it’s all true!)b. Isa 26:3, Think about God! How? Because….c. Phil 4:4, Rejoice in the Lord (count your blessings – dream about heaven/ victory)d. 2 Cor 10:3-5, Destroy bad thoughts!

i. God’s team gives us good thoughts ii. Satan’s team gives us bad thoughts

Spiritual Warfare Basics

• Phil 4:1• Isa 26:3• Phil 4:4• 2 Cor 10:5

Three Practical Strategies for finding peace in the Storm (Phil 4)

Finding Peace with: • Others• Ourselves• Circumstances

Strategy #1, Peace with others, Phil 4:1-3

Spiritual Warfare Basics• Phil 4:1• Isa 26:3 • Phil 4:4• 2 Cor 10:5

Choose to Love one another

Strategy #2, Peace with ourselves, Phil 4:4-9

RejoiceBe gentle

Don’t worryTalk to God

Think good thoughts

Spiritual Warfare Basics• Phil 4:1• Isa 26:3 • Phil 4:4• 2 Cor 10:5

Strategy #3, Peace in difficult circumstances, Phil 4:10-19

The secret: This is not our home God strengthens me

Focus on othersGod provides

Spiritual Warfare Basics• Phil 4:1• Isa 26:3 • Phil 4:4• 2 Cor 10:5

The Quest for PeaceDo you have peace?

Boils Down to:• Spiritual warfare• Practical strategies

Spiritual Warfare Basics• Phil 4:1• Isa 26:3 • Phil 4:4• 2 Cor 10:5

Practical Strategies• Love one another, :1-3• Don’t worry, Talk to God, :4-9 • Jesus helps me, this is not my home, help others, :10-19

Lesson Review

I rest beneath the Almighty's shade,My griefs expire, my troubles cease;Thou, Lord, on whom my soul is stayed,Wilt keep me still in perfect peace. Charles Wesley

“The Quest for Peace”