Philippians 4 Choose Peace

-Chapter 4 of Philippians is called the peace chapter – Phil 4:6-9

(1) PEACE CAN INCREASE – Romans 14:17

-peace can grow because it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit – Galatians 5:22-23

          a.) the moment we are saved we are placed into the kingdom of God – Romans 14:17

          b.) the moment we are saved we receive every spiritual blessing from Jesus – Ephesians 1:1-7 (v5)

adoption – means to receive an adult standing in the family

                    *this allows each believer to receive their inheritance immediately

                    *we receive peace immediately at salvation

          HOW DO WE INCREASE OUR PEACE?

(1.) Work out our salvation with fear & trembling – v12

Work Out – this refers to spending time with Jesus every day and not being saved

-we are not saved by works – Ephesians 2:8-9

                a. Working out is continual – Lev 6:8-13

work out – means to continually work to bring something to completion

-this is daily and not a one time event

                b. Working out is not a church thing

-it is spending time with Jesus every day

-work out your own salvation – examine yourself & don’t criticize others

                c. Working out is a sacrifice – v12

Dear Friends – NLT – this is plural and refers to every believer

-this word is associated with sacrifice

-sacrifice means to kill

-we have to deny ourselves and kill what we want to grow and spend time with Jesus Christ every day

                 d. Working out is with fear & trembling

-there is no easy way to grow and mature.  It is work……

-fear & trembling – speaks of being concerned about falling away from Jesus

-it is a command to spend time with Jesus every day – Jn 15:4/Gal 5:16.  I am going to obey the Lord by spending time with Him every day

                   e. Working out is a partnership between each believer and the Lord

The Believer – v12

-it is each believers responsibility to grow personally and get strong spiritually

-your spiritual growth is not the churches responsibility

-we work out our salvation by reading the Word daily, praying, Christian fellowship &  having praise and worship time

The Lord – v13

***Salvation from start to finish is the Work of God

-the Lord works in us – means gives us the energy to grow and move forward

-to will – means to promote the desire

  *the Lord gives us the hunger to follow Him and spend time with Him daily

  *it’s all about the Lord