The Good Life: Kingdom Focused Living (Part 5)
June 5, 2022
We hope this guide will help you take the good news you hear today into your daily lives.
In chapter 4, Paul continues to teach the church at Philippi, cautioning them about distractions, especially the distraction of anxiety or worry. He also continues to press the urgency for unity.
Scripture and Notes
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Philippians 4:1-3
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.
Philippians 4:4-7
Going Deeper: Scripture Reflection
As you consider this passage, reflect on the following questions.
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. 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.
Philippians 4:8-9
The distraction of worries
Do you have to remind yourself to be grateful? Think about the amount of time that you spend processing and talking about some things that we do not control! Could a concentration on gratefulness fill that time in a better way?
Blessed Assurance
Do you feel it? Do you give yourself the space to find the peace of blessed assurance. Think about the first line of that hymn. Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine. Reflect a moment on what that means. What keeps you from accepting Blessed Assurance?
Fruit of the Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
When we love Jesus from the inside out, our life bears such fruit as we follow him. Take a moment to reflect on the Fruit of the Spirit and realize they are yours as a follower of Jesus.
