Sermon Notes July 24, 2016
“The Secrets of Joy and Peace” (Philippians 4:2-9)
“Paul and Silas were praying and _______________
hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to
them.” (Acts 16:25)
I. ______________ is one of the distinguishing
marks of life in Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:4; Luke
2:10; John 15:11)
A. In God there is a ceaseless supply of __________
for singing and rejoicing … even in the midst of
the deepest problems.
B. Our joy is found, not in the circumstances that
surround us, but from the ____________ of the
One who is within us.
II. We live in an age of _______________, but
follow the Prince of Peace. (John 14:27;
Philippians 4:7)
A. Peace is the tranquility of mind that ___________
that God knows what He is doing and that though
the sky is dark now, all will O.K.
B. Peace is the calm that comes from the realization
that we are resting firmly in the loving and
powerful ____________ of our heavenly Father.
III.Three _______________ of joy and peace.
A. ____________ … which arises from a spirit of
gentleness.
B. ____________ … which replaces anxiety. (Phil.
4:6-7)
1. Prayer reminds me of God’s ____________.
2. Prayer reminds me of God’s ____________.
3. Prayer reminds me of God’s ____________.
C. A disciplined ____________ that is focused on
the right things. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
The Sermon Notes can be accessed in a
digital version by using the QR code to the
left. An Adobe Reader app must be installed
on your device to use the notes.
Next Sunday’s Message … Pastor Steve’s message next
Sunday will be “True Contentment is found only in the
Lord” (Philippians 4:10-23).
Devotional Suggestions for This Week
Monday …
Read Philippians 4:2-7. Have you ever had a serious
disagreement with someone you went to church with?
Why do you think Paul thought it was important to seek
resolution to the conflict? Are joy and peace a regular
part of your life, or are they rare for you? What are the
greatest joy and peace stealers in your life? What are
the things you have found that promote joy and peace?
Praise God for the joy and peace that a relationship with
Him brings into your life.
Tuesday …
Read Luke 2:8-14. What was the good news that the
angels brought to the shepherds? In what ways did that
good news result in great joy for people? When did you
first hear the good news about Jesus? When did that
good news become more than just a story you heard by
becoming a part of who you are? How does the good
news about Jesus result in joy in your own life?
Pray that your life will reflect the kind of joy and peace
that embracing faith in Jesus should bring to you.
Wednesday …
Read John 14:25-27. In what ways is the peace that
Jesus promises us different from the peace the world
gives? Paul calls the peace of Jesus “beyond understanding”
– in what ways is that true? Have you ever
experienced peace in the midst of a situation that should
not allow peace? What enabled you to feel peace in that
situation? What keys have you discovered that help you
follow the instruction of Jesus not to have a troubled
heart or be afraid?
Pray for someone you know who is experiencing a lot of
anxiety. Pray that they will experience the peace that
Jesus offers them.
B. ____________ … which replaces anxiety. (Phil.
4:6-7)
1. Prayer reminds me of God’s ____________.
2. Prayer reminds me of God’s ____________.
3. Prayer reminds me of God’s ____________.
C. A disciplined ____________ that is focused on
the right things. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Response Questions …
Would you describe your life as filled with joy and
peace? What are the things that most often rob you of
the joy and peace God wants you to experience?
What are the keys to experiencing a greater level of
joy and peace in your life? Are joy and peace
dependent on having everything in your life go well,
or how can you have joy and peace even in the midst
of life’s turmoil?
The Sermon Notes can be accessed in a
digital version by using the QR code to the
left. An Adobe Reader app must be installed
on your device to use the notes.
Next Sunday’s Message … Pastor Steve’s message next
Sunday will be “True Contentment is found only in the
Lord” (Philippians 4:10-23).
Devotional Suggestions for This Week
Monday …