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