In/Joy Life
Philippians 4:4-8
Replacing Anxiety with Peace
Introduction
“What is the difference between happiness and joy? When is a time in your life that you experienced true joy?”
Discussing the Text
In verses 4-7, Paul gives the fix for the problem that existed between these two people in conflict in the church in Philippi.
1. How can rejoicing (in the Lord) help resolve a stressful situation? Can someone who is really full of joy continue to fight with people?
2. How can your gentleness be evident to all? Would you rather be treated justly or gently? How can your gentleness be used to dissolve disputes between people?
3. Paul tells the Philippian church to not be anxious about anything. What kind of negative results come from being anxious? How can eliminating anxiety or worry from our lives help us to get along with each other?
4. What should be the role of prayer in our lives? How does this help resolve conflict and strife between believers?
5. In verse 7, what result does Paul promise to the Philippian church? How is this something that you would like to see in your life?
6. What is the peace of God? How does it guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus? Does the peace of God help you to resolve conflicts with others in your life? Is having the peace of God important in your life?
7. Think about verse 8. How can thinking about these things help to prevent us from being involved in conflicts with others and divisions in the church?
8. Paul says to think about excellent or praiseworthy things. What does thinking about these things do in your life?
9. What are some things that are opposite of this list? What does thinking about these things cause us to do? Is this helpful in living the Christian life?
10. What do you find yourself thinking about most often? Why is it important for us to focus our minds on true and excellent things? (Phil 1:10; Col 3:1-3; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
