The Christian’s Joy “The Practice of Peace”

The Christian's Joy "The Practice of Peace"

Phil. 4:8-9

The Command to Think (v.8)

The Human Heart: Mind ------------ Heart ----------- Will

(Deduction) ---- (Desire) ---------(Decision).

Pro. 12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.; 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

Jos. 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Peaceful thoughts to help us rejoice in everything ('whatever is') ..

• True (Jo. 14:6; Ro. 8:37–39; 2 Cor. 2:14)

• Honorable (1 Tim. 3:11)

• Just

• Pure

• Lovely (Psa. 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore).

• Commendable (Psa. 101:3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless)

• Excellence (Matt. 7:7, 9-11)

• Worthy of praise (Psa. 19:7-8)

The Command to Practice (v.9)

Pro. 2:3-6 if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

1 Thess. 5:3 While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not esca