Pastor Nate Brosher
Dec 8, 2024
Philippians 4:4-7 ESV - 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness (gentleness or gentle spirit) be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand (near); 6 do not be anxious (troubled with cares, to seek to promote one's interests) about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
1. Rejoice in the Lord
Rejoice – (Chairo) – to be cheerful, happy, glad, hail and thriving.
Acts 11:19-24 ESV - 19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists (Greek speaking non-Jews) also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
2. Don’t be anxious!
Philippians 4:6 NLT - do not be anxious (troubled with cares, to seek to promote one's interests) about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Paul is just reiterating what Jesus told his disciples.
Matthew 6:25 ESV - 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
“In everything by prayer and supplication withthanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
■ Prayer – “proseuchē”: prayer addressed to God. Worship.
■ Supplication – “deēsis”: a seeking, asking, entreating, entreaty to God.
■ Thanksgiving – “eucharistia”: gratitude; actively, grateful language.
3. Always Remembering Him
Psalm 34:1-3 ESV - 1 I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
Prayer should be a daily practice.