In Cultivate, we will be turning to Paul's letter to the Philippians to see how God cultivates churches so that churches will produce a "harvest of righteousness."

Sermon Outline

Here is a rough outline of the sermon for this week, to help you follow along.

I. Signs Paul is closing his letter
A. More "Do this" and "Don't do that."
B. Practical concerns take front and center.
C. Connects big themes to daily life.

II. Peace of God
A. There are many definitions of "peace."
B. The Bible has a specific definition.
C. According to the Bible, the "peace of God" is not the absence of something, but the presence of God and God's order.

III. Traits of God's peace
A. The world functions as it was meant to.
B. Everything has purpose
C. The broken things are fixed.
D. Fully established when Jesus returns.
E. Revolves around God's presence.

IV. We don't have to wait entirely
A. While God's peace won't be fully established until Jesus returns, Paul makes clear that some portion of it is available to us now.
B. God's peace can protect our hearts and minds in the here and now.
C. Paul gives imperatives that will helps God's peace grasp our hearts and minds.

V. Paul's Imperatives
A. Rejoice
1. We don't have to wait until joy hits us.
2. Setting up times to remind ourselves of God's work can strengthen our joy.
3. Celebrating God's work reminds us of God's presence, which strengthens God's peace within us.
B. Let your gentleness be known.
1. When we believe Christian faith is about fighting, gentleness is not a core value. Strength and power are values.
2. Gentleness was core to Jesus' message, though. He said "blessed are the meek" and "blessed are the humble."
3. Displaying gentleness reminds us that God has already fought whatever fights needed to be fought, the victory is won and our job is to point people to God.
4. Gentleness reflects God's character and helps us point to Jesus more clearly.
5. Living with the knowledge of God's victory deepens the peace of God within us.
C. Don't worry
1. Worrying is common and natural, but displays a lack of trust in God's victory.
2. Not worrying is hard, but Paul gives us practical advice on how to decrease worry.
a. Prayer
b. Supplication
c. Thanksgiving
3. Regular prayer reminds us of God's presence, which deepens the peace of God within us.

VI. The Lord is Near
A. God's peace is rooted in God's presence.
B. Paul reminds us that the Lord is near, which means God's presence is near.
C. The Lord is near you now. God's peace is near you now.

Biblical Peace

Here is the description of "peace" according to the Bible that Pastor Jon referenced:

Biblical peace is "a Cosmic order ordained by God through creation and established with God's people in the covenant. In this cosmic order each part finds its meaning and function as it conforms to God's purpose. (the biblical word for peace) describes the 'realm where chaos is not allowed to enter', chaos being understood as sickness, war, social strife, or the violation of the covenant."

Rejoice!

"Joy" is central to life with God. Below are some Bible passages that focus on Joy.

Display Gentleness!

Regarding "gentleness," it is good to be reminded of Jesus' beatitudes. These are referenced below, from Matthew 5.

Don't Worry!

The New Testament is full of invitations to let go of worry. Below are just a couple.

GROWTH GROUP / PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. How would you define the word "peace?"

2. What is your understanding of God's peace? How would you describe it?

3. Of the three imperatives Paul gives in Phil. 4:4-7 (Rejoice, display gentleness, don't worry) which is the most difficult for you?

4. God's peace is connected to God's presence. When have you felt God's presence most clearly?

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