Jul 27, 2014
Soul Satisfaction - A Study Of Philippians (Chapter 4: 2 - 9)
His Nearness Is Our Good . . .(v. 4-5)
“But as for me, the nearness of God is my good . . .” Psalm 73:28a
“But You are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true!” Psalm 119:151
“The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” Psalm 145:18
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you . . .” James 4:8
· Because the Lord is near, I do not have to fear or be anxious.(v. 6)
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
o Worry consumes my life when I allow fear to overwhelm my faith.
Don’t Worry . . .
· Because the Lord is near, I can offer up my requests to Him and know He hears.(v.6)
o Why should I offer up prayers to God if he already knows what I need?
§ Because bringing our requests to God is an admission that I cannot provide for my needs, but God can. (Matthew
o When I pray, God’s Spirit displaces our worry and leads us to worship.
§ Worry is what distracts us from worship.
§ Prayer not only prepares our heart for worship, it also produces a heart of overflowing worship.
§ When I find rest as I worship in His presence, worry has no place to rest in me.
Be at Peace . . .
· Because the Lord is near, I can experience Hisoverwhelming peace that guards my heart and mind.(v.7)
o The peace of God guards my heart as I trust in what Iknow is true, not what Ifeel is true.
§ I experience peace when my mind dwells on, and my life obediently displays, that which is Christ-honoring.
· Think on what is true—live out the truth.
· Think on what is honorable—live a life of honor.
· Think on what is just—live a life that displays justice.
· Think on what is pure—live a life of purity.
· Think on what is lovely—live a life that is pleasing.
· Think on what is commendable—live a life that is admirable.
· Think on what is excellent and worthy of praise.
My Response . . .