Live Right

 

“Live Right”

Philippians 4:9 

SUBJECT: ANXIETY

THEME: Part of the Secret to Victory Over Anxiety is Right Living, coupled with the “God of peace” to guide us and the “Peace of God” to shield us emotionally and intellectually through periods of worry.                              

RELEVANCE: Often, we forfeit the joy of the Lord through worries that plague our minds and hearts. Fears, worries, uncertainties, and even people can literally rob us of our joy, leaving us anxious.

INTRODUCTION:

What does the Bible says about dealing with anxiety, and fears that assume the worst things may and can happen? What strategies enable us to face life’s stress? Really the opposite of anxiety is “peace.” God’s brand of peace overcomes worry. Let’s focus more on this idea.

The great apostle yearned for the “God of peace” to dwell with these believers. He wanted God’s inner tranquility—encompassing peace with God and internal peace of mind—to characterize these believers. That is exactly what God wants for you as a believer instead of anxiety!

More importantly, the Lord wants us to have a heart that is joyful and uninfluenced by the many uncertainties life will throw at us as we maintain trust in Him. We can have great peace when we Pray, Think, and Live right, but we must rely on the “God of Peace” to give us the “peace of God” as we meet these conditions.

MESSAGE:

RIGHT LIVING; PEACE THROUGH A CORRECT LIFESTYLE.  (Phil. 4:9)

Philippians 4:9 says, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you”. Paul urges believers to put into practice the teachings they have received and witnessed in his life, as a path to experiencing God’s peace.  

A. THE LINK BETWEEN PERCEPTION AND PRACTICE.

We cannot separate outward action and inward attitude. Sin always results in unrest (unless the conscience is seared), and purity ought to result in peace. “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever” (Isa 32:17). “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable” (James 3:17). Right living is a necessary condition for experiencing the peace of God. To be clear, living in alignment with God’s will is not merely a path to peace, but is its very work, a predictable outcome of peace because of practicing righteousness.

When we turn away from sin towards God through repentance, the inner turmoil caused by guilt and a conscience troubled by misconduct is removed. The Holy Spirit enables us to overcome negative patterns and rest in Christ’s work, which naturally produces inner quietness and peace. The fundamental nature of God’s kingdom is not about dietary restrictions or outward rituals, but rather about a transformed inner life characterized by being right with God, experiencing peace, and finding joy through the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17, For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  

B. THE BLESSINGS OF A GREAT EXAMPLE!

A great spiritual example inspires positive godly change by establishing clear behavioral standards, fostering trust and respect, boosting motivation and productivity, and creating a positive and unified church culture. The encouragement to follow committed leadership is restated multiple times in the NT.

Phil 4:9, Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

1 Cor 4:16, Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

Phil 3:17, Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Col 2:6, As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

1 Thess 4:1, Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

Great spiritual examples show commitment to values, encourage collaboration, bridge the gap between theory and practice in instructions, and demonstrate self-discipline and holy resilience. 

Great Leaders Provide Great Examples:

• They Foster Trust and Respect: Leaders who set a positive example earn the trust and respect of the people, making people more likely to follow their lead and feel invested in common goals. 
• They Motivate and Inspire: Positive role models inspire others to embrace passion, dedication, and similar positive behaviors, leading to higher motivation and engagement. 

Certainly, we are challenged to be good example of peace for the benefit of other Christians and to influence others to trust Christ completely.

C.  THE HEARING AND OBEYING OF GOD AND HIS WORD.

Paul balances four activities: “learned and received” and “heard and seen.” It is one thing to learn a truth, but quite another to receive it inwardly and make it a part of our inner man (see 1 Thess 2:13). Facts in the head are not enough; we must also have truths in the heart.

By internalizing and accepting truth we embark upon lasting personal change. Such transformation involves a shift in our core beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, this is a “renewing of the mind” (Rom. 12:1-2). Beloved, we have great need to humble ourselves and come into connection with the power God to fully realize his truth in us and through us. 

In Paul’s ministry, he not only taught the Word but also lived it so that His listeners could see the truth in his life. Paul’s experience ought to be our experience. We must learn the Word, receive it, hear it, and do it. “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).

D. THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR INVOLVEMENT AND COLLABORATION WITH GOD.

Again Philippians 4:9 says, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you”.

Reflect on this perspective of a cooperative relationship between divine action and human effort. I am saying that while each believer must fulfill their responsibilities and strive for God-given goals, God will provide support, wisdom, and power. This is especially true when we demonstrate our commitment through faith and obedience to His will. In this respect believing in Him and following His guidance, with the understanding that true effectiveness comes from being ‘attached to God’ and relying on His strength rather than our own. 

Each of us must invest ourselves in maturation to realize greater freedom and agility in the Lord. God does not operate alone in our lives; he wants our cooperation and effort. It is true that the good out of our experiences are His productions, but he desires that we take the journey with Him. It is not a solo act on God’s part or ours, but an interactivity between the divine and human. This is what God intended in the very beginning of the creation of mankind.

In John 15:5, Jesus echoes: “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing”. This vine and branches metaphor illustrates that believers must remain connected to Christ to bear spiritual fruit, as we are powerless to do anything significant apart from Him.

Philippians 4:19, reads, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus”. God promises He will provide for our needs from his plentiful, magnificent storehouse, through Jesus Christ. God will do His part!

E.  THE TEST OF OUR WALK WITH THE LORD.

“The peace of God” is one test of whether we are in the purpose of God. Again, we want the peace Christ gives to protect us like a referee in our thoughts and emotions. If we are walking with the Lord, then the peace of God and the God of peace exercises influence over our core ideas. Whenever we disobey, we lose that peace and we usually come to realize we have done something wrong.  

The peace of God should act as an umpire in our hearts. If in anything we are in doubt, we should ask ourselves the questions: “Does it make for peace?” or “Would I have peace in my heart if I went ahead and did it?”

This verse is especially helpful when seeking guidance from the Lord. If the Lord really wants you to embark upon a certain course of action, He will most assuredly give you peace about it. If you do not have that peace, then you should not proceed. As has been said: “Darkness about going is light about staying.”^[a]

And even though Abraham (Gen. 22) did not feel good about offering up his son, Isaac, as a burnt sacrifice, he headed to Mt. Moriah anyway trusting guidance God had clearly given over his personal feeling or questions. God’s direction made the call!

CONCLUSION:

Right praying, right thinking, and right living: these are the conditions for solid peace and victory over worry. There is no middle ground. Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God and practice right praying, thinking, and living; or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry. Again, worrying is sin! We have the peace of God to guard us and the God of peace to guide us!

Again, many are motivated to protect their ‘peace,’ and they navigate through circumstances and conditions while making decisions to protect their own brand of ‘peace.’ Usually such pursuits demand avoiding drama, disorder, confusion, and chaos generated by anyone else. This vein of activity also saves money, time, and energy. They consciously select an external environment occupied with quietness, tranquility, predictability, calmness, and some boredom which is admirable in many regards. But, in contrast, we can be thankful that God’s brand of “peace” provides internal protection for us! His “peace” keeps us…garrison about us and protect us like a soldier from excessive anxiety regardless of the external conditions. Certainly, we must make correct decisions also, but we wisely place yourself in His capable hands and we are free of anxiety.

Psalm 19:14, Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. We yearn for our spoken words, and internal thoughts to be pleasing and acceptable to our Lord. So, we fully embrace the connection between our inner thoughts and outward expressions. We seek alignment between our external speech and internal reflections and want harmony with God’s will and character. There is an inner longing for an entire life of integrity, where thoughts and words are rooted in God’s eternal truth, bringing honor to the Lord as our strength-giving constant Rock and Redeemer. Beloved, this is our prayer to our Father.  

Lastly, please note Romans 15:33, “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” In this concluding blessing, the Apostle Paul prays for the “God of peace” to be with these believers. He desires God’s tranquility, unifying presence, encompassing peace with God, internal peace of mind, and unity among believers. Now read again Philippians 4:9 which states, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you”. This “God of Peace” is who I want for all believers as well instead of anxiety. Life with our Lord is so much better for us all regardless of the circumstances. One key to success over anxiety is accurate living, joined with the “God of peace” to direct us and the “peace of God” to shield us emotionally and intellectually through those periods we are inclined to worry.

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^[a] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2011.