Scripture
Philippians 4:2-9
Open your mind and heart as you read the passage of Scripture aloud and then again quietly to yourself. Listen for God’s word to you.
Spend some time in worship.
Observation
Paul gives a series of commands to the Philippian congregation. He tells them not to worry but to give everything to God in prayer, telling Him everything that concerns them and to thank Him for everything. In this way they will discover a peace which cannot be understood or formed by humankind but only experienced: Such peace will protect the hearts and minds of all believers. Paul urges believers to focus on various aspects of life, which need to be considered so their lives will be open to such peace.
This list comprises things that are:
- True
- Honourable
- Just
- Pure
- Lovely / lovable
- Words which are fit for God to hear
- Or anything that is excellent.
The believers are to think about these things. Once again Paul suggested that the Philippians followed his example as he followed Jesus so that they would have and experience the peace of God.
Icebreaker:
What do you find especially disturbing in your life at the moment? How are you dealing with this disturbance? What role are you letting God play as you try to cope?
Application
- The House of Peace comprises:
- Foundations – how aware are you of God’s nearness – at work, at home, when you are playing sport, when you worship? How does His presence influence what you do, how you respond in any situation, your relationships? How would your responses change if you became more aware of His presence at all times, everywhere?
- Windows of Prayer – how often do you pray? Do you have specific prayer times or do you pray spontaneously? What sort of prayers do you pray most? When things are going wrong? When you need protection? When you are grateful? How often do you stop, when you pray, to listen for God’s response? What might change in your life if you prayed in a conversational way?
- Doors that release anxiety – how often do you pray and then leave the answer up to God, trusting Him for the best answer? Do you continue to worry? How can you let go of your anxieties? What do you need to release to God at this moment in time? What conversation are you having with yourself about this issue? How can the group help you to release – and not take back – your anxiety?
- Roof – Brainstorm together as you take Paul’s advice. What can you name that is:
- True
- Noble
- Right
- Pure
- Lovely
- Admirable
- Praiseworthy?
(Think out of the box – don’t give the easy answers.) How do you think remembering these things from time to time throughout the day would help you to release any anxiety or stress you may be experiencing and help you to live in God’s peace?
- How would you benefit from living in the House of Peace? What action do you need to take to move in?
- How can the group help you with the struggles you have mentioned during this session?
Prayer
Leaders:
As you pray leave a moment between phrases so people can silently name these things before God.) Lord, we acknowledge that Your desire is that we should live in Your peace, standing on the foundation of the House of Peace in Your presence. We pray about all the things that make us anxious. As we present our request to You, help us to let go of our anxiety and trust in Your goodness. May we focus on the true, the noble, the right, the pure, the lovely the admirable and all that is praiseworthy. Help us to see and experience Your presence in our lives so we may know Your peace.
Pray for one another in regard to the issues that have been raised during your discussion time, and in regard to other needs of the group.
Service
Set an alarm this week to remind you to think of some of the things that you named during your brainstorm cession. Ask God to help you to be aware of His presence at all times, whenever the alarm goes off. Offer your anxieties to God and trust Him to do His very best for you. Leave your anxieties with Him. How does this alter how you respond to situations and others during the week? How can you use these exercises to serve others?
FYI: Philippians 4:2-3
Euodia and Syntyche, two women who were members of this congregation, had had a quarrel. Whilst women in Greek society were kept in the background, Philippi was in Macedonia and things were different here. It is obvious that both these women held leadership positions within the church. Paul did not take sides or even try to solve the problem. He merely instructed them to find their common ground in Christ. To help them he mobilised the whole church. There is a ‘true companion, there is Clement and there are other church members, whose names were written in God’s Book of Life (Revelation 20:15). Each of these is asked to help resolve the issue. Paul urges them to rejoice in the Lord, for everything else fades into insignificance when Christian joy is experienced. He encourages them to be patient or gentle. In this Paul is suggesting that they let the Lord take up their cause.
Bibliography
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb/philippians-4.html
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