Unchained: Peace
Philippians 4:1-9
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,
stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with
Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion,
help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along
with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of
life.4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be
evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And
the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if
anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have
learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of
peace will be with you. (Phil. 4:1-9 NIV)
Worry: To choke out or an inner tug of war.
Worry is wrong thinking (mind) and wrong feeling (heart) about circumstances, people
and things.
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of
righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the
gospel of peace. (Eph. 6:14-15)
What Peace is?
 Caliga- a sandal studded heavily with nails that allowed a soldier to stand their
ground.
 Eirene- an inner resting of the soul that does not fluctuate based on outside
influences.
What Peace does?
 Philippians 4:7 (NIV)- And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
o Guards- To keep watch over, to fortify, to protect.
 Colossians 3:15 (NIV)-“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as
members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
o Guides- To umpire, to help make right decisions.
How to put your shoes on?
Right Praying (vs.6)- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer
and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
 Prayer and peace are closely connected.
o Prayer- Adoration/Worship
o Petition- Sharing my needs and problems
 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)-Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares
for you.
o Thanksgiving- Showing appreciation
 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV), "Give thanks in all circumstances for
this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
“Pray and let God worry.” Martin Luther
Right Thinking (vs.8)- Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if
anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
 Right thinking is the result of daily meditation on the Word of God.
Right Living (vs.9) Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in
me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
 Right living is a necessary condition for experiencing the peace of God.
o James 3:17 (NASB) “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then
peaceable…”
Right Praying +Right Thinking+Right Living = Peace
Questions:
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What is the most significant truth you heard in this message?
What key move will you make as a result of this message?
Right Praying: Why is thanksgiving a necessary part of prayer?
Right Thinking: What role do our thoughts play in developing peace?
Right Living: How do our choices influence the peace of God in our lives?