Joy is a powerful evangelistic tool. We tend to focus on the theoretical aspects of our faith. But the Apostle Paul makes it clear that our theology must be a practical theology. Disunity has a ripple effect, negatively impacting the faith of others. Right thinking and right practices, when coupled with God's peace unleash a powerful apologetic for the Christian faith. God wants to guard our hearts and minds with the peace of God which surpasses all understanding.

5. 38N

10. Philippians 4:1-9
Joy in God’s Peace

11. First Point
Choosing Joy by
choosing to be at
peace with one
another.

12. Philippians 4
1 Therefore, my brothers,
whom I love and long for, my
joy and crown, stand firm thus
in the Lord, my beloved.

13. Philippians 4
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat
Syntyche to agree in the Lord.

14. Philippians 4
3 Yes, I ask you also, true
companion, help these women,
who have labored side by side
with me in the gospel together
with Clement and the rest of my
fellow workers, whose names are
in the book of life.

15. Philippians 1
27 Only let your manner of life
be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so
that whether I come and see you or
am absent, I may hear of you that
you are standing firm in one spirit,
with one mind striving side by side
for the faith of the gospel,

16. Philippians 4
3 Yes, I ask you also, true
companion, help these women,
who have labored side by side
with me in the gospel together
with Clement and the rest of my
fellow workers, whose names
are in the book of life.

17. Did Euodia and
Syntyche reconcile?
Polycarp’s
Letter to
the
Philippians
110-140 AD
“I rejoice also that your firmly
rooted faith, renowned since
early days, endures to the
present and produces fruit for
our Lord Jesus Christ.”

18. Second Point
Spreading Joy by
spreading God’s
peace broadly.

19. Philippians 4
4 Rejoice in the Lord always;
again I will say, rejoice.
5 Let your reasonableness be
known to everyone. The Lord
is at hand;

21. 5 Let your reasonableness be
known to everyone. The Lord
is at hand;
ἐπιεικής (epieikḗs)
Reasonable, fair, equitable,
Not according to the letter of
the law

22. Philippians 4
6 do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything by
prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests
be made known to God.

23. “Undue care is an
intrusion into an arena
that belongs to God alone.
It makes us the father of
the household instead of
being a child.”
David
Guzik
Be anxious for nothing…

24. “Prayer and Supplication”
προσευχή
(proseuché)
Unrestricted
prayer directed
to God alone
δέησις
(deésis)
A petition
expressing a
personal need.

25. Philippians 4
7 And the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will
guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus.
φρουρέω (phrouneō)
Standing Guard Over; Garrison (vb.)

26. 1 Peter 1
3 Blessed be the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ! According to
his great mercy, he has caused us to
be born again to a living
hope through the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead,

27. 1 Peter 1
4 to an inheritance that is
imperishable, undefiled,
and unfading, kept in heaven for
you,5 who by God’s power are
being guarded through faith for a
salvation ready to be revealed in the
last time.

28. “I believe God,
through His Spirit,
grants us love, joy,
and peace no matter
what is happening in
our lives.Jill
Briscoe

29. As Christians, we
shouldn't expect our
joy to always feel like
happiness, but
instead recognize joy
as inner security -- a
safeness in our life
with Christ.”
Jill
Briscoe

30. Third Point
Choosing the Life of
Joy by choosing the
right thoughts and
practices.

31. Philippians 4
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is
true, whatever is honorable
(awe-inspiring), whatever is just,
whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence, if there
is anything worthy of praise, think
about these things.

32. Philippians 4
9 What you have
learned and received and
heard and seen in me—
practice these things, and the
God of peace will be with you.