The Path to Peace and Joy

The Christian’s Joy       “The Path to Peace and Joy”                              Phil. 4:4-7   The Commands (vv.4-6)    1 Pet. 4:13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.   An Average Person’s Anxiety Is Focused On…   40%—things that will never happen  30%—things about the past that can’t be changed  12%—things about criticism by others, mostly untrue  10%—about health, which gets worse with stress and worry 8%—about real problems that will be faced.   Reasons for Joy- Not Worry (Matt. 6:25-34)    God’s Priority and Provision (6:25-30)    Psa. 34:10, The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 104:28, When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. God will provide needs for His children.    Psa. 127:2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.   God’s Promises (Ro. 8:28)   God’s Purposes (Ro. 5:3-4)   Ja. 1:2-3 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.   The Comfort (v.7)