SURPRISED BY JOYFUL PRAYER (12 OF 14)
by Steve Jones
Scripture: Philippians 4
This content is part of a series.
Surprised by Joyful Prayer (12 of 14)
Series: Surprised by Joy
Steve Jones
Philippians 4
INTRODUCTION: II Chronicles 20 tells the account of a vast army that came to wage war against the Israelite king Jehoshaphat in 900 B.C. Jehoshaphat knew he was hopelessly outnumbered, out-gunned and out of options so he did what any of us would do, he prayed. God answered that prayer and told Jehoshaphat to take his army and march out the next day, which they did. On their march they sang songs of praise to God. Meanwhile God caused the opposing army to fight against one another and they were annihilated. The Bible says they gathered up the plunder and joyfully returned to Jerusalem. The peace of Israel was restored through the power of prayer and the result was joy.
I want to talk about the peace and joy of prayer today. But not military peace or political peace. I wan't to talk about our spiritual peace and joy that comes through prayer.
I am in a sermon series based upon Paul's letter to the Philippians. I've entitled the series ''Surprised by Joy'' as we're focusing on the provisions God has made to keep our spirits joyful, even if our circumstances are challenging or painful.
Last week we talked about how to create a culture of peace in our church for interpersonal relationships.
Today I want us to think about the inner peace that is uniquely available to the Christian through the practice of prayer. Let's see three aspects of peace through prayer.
I. THE ALTERNATIVE TO PEACE THROUGH PRAYER IS ANXIETY
Philippians 4:6-7 ''Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.''
Paul tells the Philippians that they need not be anxious. This parallels what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: ''Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, about yo ...
Series: Surprised by Joy
Steve Jones
Philippians 4
INTRODUCTION: II Chronicles 20 tells the account of a vast army that came to wage war against the Israelite king Jehoshaphat in 900 B.C. Jehoshaphat knew he was hopelessly outnumbered, out-gunned and out of options so he did what any of us would do, he prayed. God answered that prayer and told Jehoshaphat to take his army and march out the next day, which they did. On their march they sang songs of praise to God. Meanwhile God caused the opposing army to fight against one another and they were annihilated. The Bible says they gathered up the plunder and joyfully returned to Jerusalem. The peace of Israel was restored through the power of prayer and the result was joy.
I want to talk about the peace and joy of prayer today. But not military peace or political peace. I wan't to talk about our spiritual peace and joy that comes through prayer.
I am in a sermon series based upon Paul's letter to the Philippians. I've entitled the series ''Surprised by Joy'' as we're focusing on the provisions God has made to keep our spirits joyful, even if our circumstances are challenging or painful.
Last week we talked about how to create a culture of peace in our church for interpersonal relationships.
Today I want us to think about the inner peace that is uniquely available to the Christian through the practice of prayer. Let's see three aspects of peace through prayer.
I. THE ALTERNATIVE TO PEACE THROUGH PRAYER IS ANXIETY
Philippians 4:6-7 ''Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.''
Paul tells the Philippians that they need not be anxious. This parallels what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: ''Don't worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, about yo ...
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