Peace starts with

thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving starts with

God!

Philippians 3:17-18Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told

you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the

cross of Christ:

Philippians 3:19-21whose end is destruction, whose god is

their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.

Philippians 3:19-21For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly

body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is

able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Phil. 3:20The Bible tells us that we are

“aliens” on this earth.

…no, not that kind…

Phil. 3:20The reality is that we are citizens

of heaven.

…and we are to act like it!

Phil. 3:20But, while we currently have a

“dual-citizenship”, we are supposed to be good citizens

here.Rom. 13:1-4; 1 Pet. 2:11-17

Phil. 3:20For false teachers, this is their

home.

They “set their minds on earthly things”.

Phil. 3:20They pay a price for their focus.

• Their end is destruction or ruin• They are ruled by their desires• What they consider important

they should be ashamed of

Phil. 3:20The reason for their shameful,

fleshly lives that end in destruction is the focus of the

book: Their perspective is earthly!

But, we will be changed!

Phil. 3:21The reality that Christ can come

at any time does matter!

And, when He comes, we go home!

We will be rescued!1 Thess. 5:1-10

Philippians 4:1Therefore, my beloved and longed-for

brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Phil. 4:1The reality of our future should

cause us to stand in Him.

Philippians 4:2-3I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you

also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement

also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.

Phil. 4:2-3Our future together should

impact our present together!

…and be like-minded.

Philippians 4:4-5Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say,

rejoice!Let your gentleness be known to all men. The

Lord is at hand.

Phil. 4:4The reality of our lives now and our future together with Christ

should create the reality of joy in everything.

Phil. 4:4“in the Lord”

• We have a future together• He is in control• He cares about every detail of

our lives• He hears and cares about

every prayer

Phil. 4:5The reality of our future together

with Christ should create the reality of kindness toward others.

Philippians 4:6-7Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,

let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all

understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phil. 4:6-7The reality of what our

relationship with Christ involves should remove anxiety.

Phil. 4:6-7Reality:

• God is sovereign – Ps. 2; 103:19

• God cares about the smallest details of my life – Mt. 10:30

• God cares about every prayer – Mt. 7:7-11

• I will be with Him forever

Two words: “with thanksgiving”What does it mean when I thank

someone for whatever they decide to do before they decide

whether to give it?

Two words: “with thanksgiving”It takes:

• Trust in their wisdom• Trust in their power• Trust in their love for me• Trust that they will make the

best decision

It takes faith!

Philippians 4:8Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,

whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure,

whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any

virtue and ifthere is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Phil. 4:8• True – making sure our

concerns are not fantasy and our minds are based on the Word, not simply perception

• Noble – Worth your time, worthy of respect. What are you trying to prove and who are you trying to prove it to?

• Just - conforming to God’s standard

Phil. 4:8• Pure – Impure thoughts lead

to impure lives• Lovely – Causes pleasure,

delight• Good report - things that are

tried and true from others, earn their recommendation; who recommends the television and movies you watch? Music? Books?

Phil. 4:8• Virtue – Uncommon character,

excellence of character• Worthy of praise – Yep; that

Philippians 4:9The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the

God of peace will be with you.

Phil. 4:9“I cared enough about my Lord and you to live in such a way as

to help you see it.”

Phil. 4:9Peace does not come to those

who will not live in reality instead of our perceptions.

Phil. 4:9The only real reality is the one

that includes the real truths about the only real God.

Peace starts with

thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving starts with

God!