Peace Within

by Pastor Calvin Lee

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! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 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.
Final Exhortations
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. 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.

Three important areas to be focused at all times in our lives :
1. Piety in life (Godliness)
- agree together and be humble

- let your gentleness be evident to all, let your lives still shine for Jesus

- if you do what is wrong, instead of peace it will be guilt in your heart, and fear can grip your hearts

A. Do what is right
B. Dedicate your life to righteous living

Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.

2. Presence of God
- worry about nothing, pray about everything

- take time to enter into God's presence

- cherish God's presence

Psalm 16:11
You make known to me the path of life : you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 73:17
Till I entered the sanctuary of God then I understood their final destiny

Four important words to fully understand God's presence :
A. Acknowledgement

B. Activation (make a conscious decision)

C. Awareness (you begin to be aware)
Luke 24:32
They asked each other, "were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and open the scripture to us?"

D. Awakened (experience divine encounter and divine exchange)

3. Posture of the mind
Mind --> Believe --> Act

being mindful of Christ and the word of God. Demolish unhealthy thoughts

2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ