Phi 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always: again I will say, Rejoice. (5) Let your forbearance be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (6) In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Phi 4:19 And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
------------------Quick word Study from verses-------------------
- Rejoice : Means "to be happy, to be well, to thrive, to be glad, and to rejoice exceedingly."
- Moderation/Forbearance : Means "that which is appropriate, mild (mannered), gentle, equitable, suitable and fair." (related to self-control).
- Careful/Anxious : Means "to be troubled with cares, to care for (as in looking out for a thing/person), to seek to promote one's interests, and caring or providing for."
- Need : Means "employment, needs, necessities, occasion, demand, requirment or destitution."
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INTRODUCTION
Do you remember as a child being around senior citezens or your grandparents? They always seemed to have something in their pockets or purse to give you! They had some kind of treat whether a piece of gum, candy or a bar. It was always enduring, and you remembered who usually had a treat to give!
I. We often short change our blessings by short changing other people in need.
Because they didn't regard their own misfortune and destitution, but gave willingly to the cause of Christ, they were going to be rewarded with a great blessing and provision from God!
So Often as Christians, and even those outside the Church give, because we know that we will receive a blessing in return. WRONG ANSWER! We should be ashamed of ourselves! We must change our way of thinking. We must not give to get, but rather we must give to bless others, and the work of God willingly, without thought of return!
Have you ever worried when the next bill was going to be paid? Have you ever been anxious about when you where going to get more groceries? Have the welfare of your families ever been a concern for you?
Too often we base our feelings and opinions on the circumstances around us, and by what we can see! However, my jesus is bigger than all your fears, worries, cares and troubles. We often let life dictate our fears, but let us learn to cast all of our cares on him for He truly cares about us!
I'm not telling you to quit your job, to stop providing for your family, or even to stop caring about your family, but I am saying we need to start learning to view things God's way!
As someone once said, "See a need, fill a need!" When we help each other out of love and compassion, with the purpose to further the kingdom of God. He steps in and fills your needs!
III. Yes, These two thoughts are part of the same truth!
When we stop worring about ourselves and leave it in His hands, we will begin to see other peoples needs too! We don't stop working and taking care of ourselves and families, but we do leave the worry behind. Do what you can and leave the rest up to Jesus! By leaving worry and cares with Jesus, he can then show us someone else in need. Using what you have fulfill that need, and Jesus in turn will show someone else you have a need and it will be fulfilled!
IV. Keep your attitude right!
(Read Matthew 6:24-34)
Do you remember as a child being around senior citezens or your grandparents? They always seemed to have something in their pockets or purse to give you! They had some kind of treat whether a piece of gum, candy or a bar. It was always enduring, and you remembered who usually had a treat to give!
I. We often short change our blessings by short changing other people in need.
In verse "19" Paul is declaring the blessings of God upon a group of people. So often we too claim this verse as our own promise out of trouble. However, we often miss the punch line!The Philippian Church was a rather poor church, but they always dug deep and gave extra. They travelled great distances to supply the needs of Paul their founder and leader. It seems that when no one else was giving the Philippians gave all the more.
Phi 4:14-18 Howbeit ye did well that ye had fellowship with my affliction. (15) And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only; (16) for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need. (17) Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account. (18) But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.
Because they didn't regard their own misfortune and destitution, but gave willingly to the cause of Christ, they were going to be rewarded with a great blessing and provision from God!
So Often as Christians, and even those outside the Church give, because we know that we will receive a blessing in return. WRONG ANSWER! We should be ashamed of ourselves! We must change our way of thinking. We must not give to get, but rather we must give to bless others, and the work of God willingly, without thought of return!
God Loves a Cheerful giver!II. Anxiety and worry often thwart our best efforts to live within the kingdom and according to His will!
Have you ever worried when the next bill was going to be paid? Have you ever been anxious about when you where going to get more groceries? Have the welfare of your families ever been a concern for you?
Too often we base our feelings and opinions on the circumstances around us, and by what we can see! However, my jesus is bigger than all your fears, worries, cares and troubles. We often let life dictate our fears, but let us learn to cast all of our cares on him for He truly cares about us!
I'm not telling you to quit your job, to stop providing for your family, or even to stop caring about your family, but I am saying we need to start learning to view things God's way!
As someone once said, "See a need, fill a need!" When we help each other out of love and compassion, with the purpose to further the kingdom of God. He steps in and fills your needs!
III. Yes, These two thoughts are part of the same truth!
When we stop worring about ourselves and leave it in His hands, we will begin to see other peoples needs too! We don't stop working and taking care of ourselves and families, but we do leave the worry behind. Do what you can and leave the rest up to Jesus! By leaving worry and cares with Jesus, he can then show us someone else in need. Using what you have fulfill that need, and Jesus in turn will show someone else you have a need and it will be fulfilled!
IV. Keep your attitude right!
(Read Matthew 6:24-34)
Mat 6:31-34 Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (32) For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (33) But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (34) Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.A right attitude does not seek to promote itself, but rather seeks to promote Jesus and His kingdom first! How do you spell Joy?
Jesus Others You!When we learn to practise this proper attitude we are walking "in the light as He is in the light!" We are living by His commands, and we are His Children. Jesus knows how to take care of His children. He has a pocket full of treats for His kids!
Joh 15:9-12 Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love. (10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. (11) These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. (12) This is my commandment, that ye love one another, even as I have loved you.When we trust fully in jesus, He will take care of us!
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