Sermon Recap — March 22, 2020

Peace In Troubled Times

Jeremy Bell
Philippians 4:4-7
March 22, 2020
Sermon Audio & Video

Main Theme: Ongoing, rejoicing prayer brings God’s protective peace.

I. Rejoice In The Lord (verse 4)

For the Christian there can be joy in the midst of suffering, joy that transcends the pain of the moment. —  RC Sproul

II. Do Not Fear (verses 5-6)

III.  Pray With Thanksgiving (verse 6)

The way to be anxious about nothing is to pray about everything. —  DA Carson

IV. Expect God’s Protective Peace (verse 7)

Prayer crowns God with the honor and glory due His name, and God crowns prayer with assurance and comfort.  The most praying souls are the most assured souls.  — Thomas Brooks

Application

Find creative ways to actively rejoice in the Lord

• Write out your rejoicings
• Rejoice in song
• Read books that cause rejoicing

Is Your Heart Troubled?  Take it to the Lord in prayer.

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
And what a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer

Oh, what peace we often forfeit
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer

Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

— Alan Jackson

Questions For Discussion/Application:

• Re-read the text, Philippians 4:4-7. What initial observations and insights do you have from reading this text?
• What does it mean to “rejoice in the Lord.” What does it look like to rejoice in times of suffering, trial and difficulty? What are some ways we can proactively seek to rejoice in the Lord?
• At the end of verse 5, the Apostle Paul says “the Lord is at hand.” What does it mean — “the Lord is at hand” ? How can remembering this help us to not be anxious?
• When feelings of anxiety come, how can we not be ruled by those feelings — even though they might not immediately go away?
• When you struggle with fear/worry/anxiety — what do you find helps you the most?
• In what ways does this situation with the COVID-19 virus tempt you the most? Fear? Frustration? How does scripture address those specific areas of temptation.
• What are some ways we can continue to connect as a Care Group in this time where we cannot meet together?
• In light the unique challenges facing us all during this season, consider taking time to pray for our country, our community and our church.