Deuteronomy 1-3 - Promise and Adventure for a New Generation

Obeying God’s Law and Trusting God’s Grace
Promise and Adventure for a New Generation
Deut 1-3
Jeff Garrett

Why Study Deuteronomy? The real question is “Why have we neglected it?” Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

· It was important to Israel. God commanded that Deuteronomy to be read publically at the Feast of Tabernacles at the close of each Sabbatical Year (Deut 31:10-13).
· It was important to the NT Writers - Deuteronomy is quoted in the NT nearly 100 times in the New Testament. My dad said “We would have a NT if it wasn’t for the OT.
· It was important to Jesus - Jesus quoted more from Deuteronomy than from any other Old Testament book. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law (Matt 5:17-20) and if we are going to understand Jesus we have to understand the law that he fulfilled.

Henrietta Mears was a famous Christian leader. Billy Graham wrote the forward to her book and said that no other woman, besides his mother and wife, had a greater influence on him than Henrietta Mears. Listen what Henrietta Mears wrote about Deuteronomy. "Nothing in literature matches the majesty of [Deuteronomy's] eloquence; nothing in the Old Testament has any more powerful appeal for the spiritual life. No book in all the Word of God pictures better the life which is lived according to God's will, and the blessings showered upon the soul who comes into the richness and fullness of spiritual living along the rugged pathway of simple obedience. Jesus often quoted from Deuteronomy. In fact, it is almost invariably from this book that He quotes. He took Deuteronomy as His code of conduct (Luke 4:4, 8, 12). He answered the devil in the hour of temptation from its writings."- H. Mears, pp. 74-75.

So let’s begin with Deut. 1:1 These are the words Moses spoke to all Israel in the desert east of the Jordan … 2 (It takes eleven days to go from Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by the Mount Seir road.) … 3 In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses proclaimed to the Israelites all that the LORD had commanded him concerning them. … 5 East of the Jordan in the territory of Moab, Moses began to expound this law …

The first five verses are a perfect introduction.

The content - 1 These are the words – The name "Deuteronomy" literally means "second law." It’s not a book of new laws given to Israel. Rather, it is a repetition of the law given by God through Moses. It is a "second giving of the law" in the form of three sermons: Sermon #1 – Remembering God’s Story (1:5-4:43); Sermon #2 – Reviewing God’s Law (4:44-26:19); Sermon #3 – Renewing God’s Covenant (27-30:20); Chapters 31-34 contain the last acts of Moses including appointing Joshua as the new leader (chapter 31), the prophetic song of Moses (chapter 32), the blessing of the tribes of Israel (chapter 33), and finally Moses climbs Mount Nebo and dies. God attended his funeral and buried him in a secret place.

Although no human knows Moses' grave site, the archangel Michael had a dispute with Satan over the body of Moses (Jude 1:9). Perhaps Michael, for some reason, was protecting his body which would eventually be raised at the second coming of Christ. Though Moses' body was buried, his spirit returned to the Lord and about 1400 years later Moses appeared with Eijah on another mount where Jesus was transfigured (Matthew 17:1-4). Three apostles, Peter, James and John, witness them talking with each other. What Jesus and Moses and Elijah talked about is unknown. Perhaps Jesus explained how he was going to fulfill the law (that Moses gave) and the prophets (which Elijah represented) by his death on the cross and his resurrection from the grave. This is only speculation. We simply do not know what they talked about. What we know is that Father God honored Jesus above Moses and Elijah. When Peter, overwhelmed by the scene, suggested building three tabernacles God corrected him by saying ""This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5; 2 Peter 1:17-18).

The author - 1 … Moses spoke – Moses is the author. He spoke these words when he was 120 years old. Moses’ life can be divided into three parts. The first 40 years he was an adopted son of Pharoah's daughter in Egypt. The second 40 he was a shepherd in wilderness. And the last 40 years he led God’s people out of slavery to edge of the Promised Land. Although Moses was 120 years old, Deuteronomy 34:7 says that his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.

The audience - 1 … to all Israel - The audience was comprised of the new generation of Israel. With the exception of three (Moses, Joshua and Caleb), everyone in the audience was under the age of 60. Their parents and grandparents died in the wilderness because of unbelief, disobedience and rebellion.

The setting - 1… the desert east of the Jordan; v.5 East of the Jordan in the territory of Moab. The google earth map shows the geographical location of these events. You can see the north Africa where Israel left Eygpt and cross the Red Sea and headed for Horeb where Sinai is located. After receiving the law Israel headed north toward Canaan. The first generation rebelled at Kadesh-Barnia and wondered through that vast desert until they died. Thirty-eight years later the new generation headed further north and camped in the desert of the Jordan in the Pains of Moab, which is located northeast of the Dead Sea (If you study the satilite photo carefully at you can see the Dead Sea) where Moses' preach the first of his three sermons.




The date - 3 In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month. The events of Deuteronomy in less than a month. It began on the 1st day of the 11th month the 40th year after the exodus (1:3). It apparently ended in the 12th month because 34:8 says that Israel spent 30 days mourning the death of Moses in the Plains of Moab. Then, on the 10th day of the 1st month Joshua led the new generation across the Jordan River on dry ground (Josh 4:19). These time statements seem to indicate the the events of Deuteronomy took place in a brief span of a few weeks. During the 11th month Moses preached. During the 12th month Israel mourned his death. And during the the 1st month of the 41st year Joshua began to conquest Canaan and claim possession of the Promised Land.

Knowing the background of this book helps us understand the context of the events and the message of Deuteronomy. In the first five verses we have learned the occassion, the author, the audience, the setting and the date. Today we are going to discuss part of the first sermon.

Sermon #1 begins with Moses reviewing 38 years of history.

1:5 East of the Jordan in the territory of Moab, Moses began to expound this law, saying: 6 The LORD our God said to us at Horeb, "You have stayed long enough at this mountain. 7 Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites … 8 See, I have given you this land. Go in and take possession of the land that the LORD swore he would give to your fathers—to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—and to their descendants after them."

Moses began the story at Horeb or Sinai (not Egypt). They camped at the base of Sinai almost a year. At Sinai they received the law, the tabernacle, instructions for worship, and Moses delegated leadership roles. Moses was eager to delegate leadership responsibility. 1:9 At that time I said to you, "You are too heavy a burden for me to carry alone. …12 … how can I bear your problems and your burdens and your disputes all by myself? The burden was so great in Numbers 11:10-15 that Moses wanted to die.

When was the last time you were stressed out? How did you handle it? Moses handled it by praying to God and delegating responsibility. He told them in 1:13 to "Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you." They chose them and Moses appointed the. He said in 1:15 So I took the leading men of your tribes, wise and respected men, and appointed them to have authority over you—as commanders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens and as tribal officials. 16 And I charged your judges … 17 Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike.

These verses are relevant to elders, ministry leaders, small group leaders, teachers, and any other kind of leader. Our Canaan, of course, is not a geographical location. You cannot find our Promised Land using Google Earth. Our conquest is spiritual. We are fighting for God's glory, God's fame, God's purpose which will culminate in the redemption of sinful humanity, the elect of God chosen before creation and the restoration of all creation under the Lordship of one King, Jesus Christ. In the end, Jesus is not going to rule over a little piece of real estate in the Middle East. Jesus will rule heaven and earth.

Four major areas that we are working on this fall.

· Strengthen our existing small groups and plant more.
· Improve our ministry to children.
· Community outreaches like Trick or Trunkin and a back to school outreach.
· Thanksgiving outreach and Christmas celebration.

The challenge we face as leaders is balancing response to crises without neglecting the work that will build relationships. We have to do both things well. We have to respond to crises but we cannot neglect the ministry of prayer and building relationships with Jesus and people in ministry. And the key is to follow the example of Moses and delegate. There are four things I want to say about delegating:

First, they have to have a relationship with Jesus.

Second, the have to be people of integrity i.e. v.13 wise, understanding, respected, impartial

Third, you have to delegate responsibility with authority. If you delegate responsibility without authority to act people will come back to you for every decision made. They will get tired of it and so will you. Give them the authority to make decisions. Moses gave the judges the authority to decide on small and great cases.

Fourth, every leader needs to remember that when you face a fire you have two buckets in your hand. One has gas in it and the other as water. You get to decide which to use.

So, at Sinai, they received the law, the tabernacle, instructions for worship, and leadership. Then God said “You’ve been here long enough. Break camp and advance to the Promised Land.” They had everything they needed. But when the came to Kadesh Barnea they sent sent out 12 spies and 10 gave a bad report.

Would you make a good spy? Are your eyes of faith bigger than your stomach of fear? What do you do when you face giant size problems and sky-high walls? How do you typically perceive giant size problems? Do you typically have a “God-can-do-anything” attitude or a “there-is-no-way-we-can-do-it” attitude? Do you tend to spread good reports or bad reports? The bad news spread through the congregation and Moses said 1:24 …you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. 27 You grumbled in your tents and said, "The LORD hates us; so he brought us out of Egypt to deliver us into the hands of the Amorites to destroy us. 28 Where can we go? Our brothers have made us lose heart. They say, 'The people are stronger and taller than we are; the cities are large, with walls up to the sky. We even saw the Anakites there.'" There are giants in the land. We can’t do it. They will kill all the men and take all the women and children.

1:34 When the LORD heard what you said, he was angry and solemnly swore: 35 "Not a man of this evil generation shall see the good land I swore to give your forefathers, … 39 And the little ones that you said would be taken captive, your children who do not yet know good from bad—they will enter the land. I will give it to them and they will take possession of it. 40 But as for you, turn around and set out toward the desert along the route to the Red Sea."

2:15 The LORD's hand was against them until he had completely eliminated them from the camp.

Numbers 32:11 says that “not one of the men 20 years or older would enter the Promised Land. If you are 19 or younger please raise your hand. Think of it. Only you would be able to enter the Promised Land. All the rest of would die in the wilderness. You would be the new generation.

Which generation do you belong to? Remember, today this has nothing to do with age. It has everything to do with faith. Are you driven by faith or fear? Do you want to spend 40 years in the wilderness? Why did it take Israel 40 years to reach the Promised Land? Deuteronomy 1:2 said that it was just an 11 day journey? Why did it take so long? It wasn’t the distance that stood between them and the Promised Land. It was the condition of their hearts.

God’s purpose was deeper than simply transporting a huge group of people to the Promised Land. He was preparing them to live in obedience to him and love each other once they arrived. What good was the Promised Land if the Israelites were just as wicked as the nations already living there? The journey was a painful but necessary part of their preparation. The wilderness taught them how to relate to God and each other.

Where are you in your spiritual journey? Egypt? Horeb (Sinai)? Wilderness? On the banks of the Jordan? Or in the Promised Land fighting giants and resting in the power of God? Is it time for you to move on in your spiritual journey? Where to? With whom? What for? What is your next step? Moses told the New Generation three things.

1. God will take care of you

2:7 The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.

When they needed bread he made it rain down from heaven.

When they wanted meat he sent quail. When I read about the birds they ate I thought of Mike Shepherd [pic]. Mike is on of the best marksman in the world. I think he killed all those birds and the rest of them posed for the picture. I’m telling you, Mike can shoot a gun. But think of this. They didn’t need guns. The quail flew in, driven by wind, and died (I guess).

When they were thirsty he brought water out of rock and 1 Cor. 10:3 says that rock was Christ.

Deut 8:4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years.

They were grilling quail they didn’t hunt, eating bread they didn’t bake, and drinking water out from a rock and their clothes never wore out. God takes care of his people when they are in the wilderness. Your journey may be long and your life may be painful, discouraging and difficult, but God will take care of you. You need to remember that God isn’t just trying to keep you alive. He wants to prepare you for a relationship with himself and other people.

2. Do not fight your family, fight the enemy

In chapter 2: God warned the Israelites to avoid conflict with the descendents of Esau and Lot. 2:4 Give the people these orders: 'You are about to pass through the territory of your brothers the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, but be very careful. 5 Do not provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, not even enough to put your foot on. Don’t fight the Edomites, the Moabites or the Ammonites. The same is true today. If we start fighting people in your family or people in the church or people in other churches, we will not gain an inch of ground – not even enough to put our foot on.

In chapter 2 and 3 God told them to fight the real enemy and they did. 2:25 This very day I will begin to put the terror and fear of you on all the nations under heaven. They will hear reports of you and will tremble and be in anguish because of you." In chapter 2 they defeated Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon and in chapter 3 they defeated Og King of Bashan and he must have been a giant because 3:11 says His bed was made of iron and was more than thirteen feet long and six feet wide. The point is that that this new generation killed the giants their parents were afraid of because they were driven by faith rather than fear.

3:21 At that time I commanded Joshua: "You have seen with your own eyes all that the LORD your God has done to these two kings. The LORD will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. 22 Do not be afraid of them; the LORD your God himself will fight for you."

Three tribes settled on the east side with the understanding that they would fight to conquest Canaan before they finally settled on the east side of the Jordan.

3. God will forgive all your sins, but you still may face the consequences

3: 26 But because of you the LORD was angry with me and would not listen to me. "That is enough," the LORD said. "Do not speak to me anymore about this matter. 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. 28 But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see."

Prayer Time

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Small Group (Deut 1-3)

Ice Breaker
Explain this statement: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"?
Who has been like Moses to you, reminding you of God’s faithfulness (past and future)?

Please read this text aloud – Deut. 1:5-10
· Where are you in your spiritual journey? Egypt? Horeb (Sinai)? Wilderness? At the Jordan? Or in the Promised Land?
· What does the Promised Land mean to you?
· Have you ever been stuck at Sinai or in the wilderness? What was it like?
· Is it time for you to move on in your spiritual journey?
· Where to? With whom? What for? What is your next step?

Please read this text aloud – Deut 1:9-18
· Why was Moses eager to share leadership?
· When was the last time you were stressed out? What happened? How did you get relief?
· Why is it difficult for some people to delegate responsibility?
· What have you delegated lately? What happened? Any good results?

Please read this text aloud – Deut 1:19-28 and Deut 1:34-36
· Would you make a good spy?
· Are your eyes of faith bigger than your stomach of fear? How so?
· How do you typically perceive things? Do you typically have a “God-can-do-anything” attitude or a “We-can’t-do-it” attitude?
· Do you tend to spread good reports or bad reports?
· Which spreads more quickly, good news or bad news? Why?
· Why was God so angry at the first Generation? Do you think their punishment was too harsh?

Please read this text aloud – Deut 2:4-6, 7, 9, 19; 24-25 and 3:1-2
· Regarding 2:4-6 – Why were the Israelites to avoid conflict with the descendents of Esua?
· Regarding 2:9 & 19 – Why were the Israelites to avoid conflict with the Moabites and the Ammonites (the descendents of Lot)?
· Why is there so much infighting in God’s family today? Who is the real enemy?
· Regarding 2:7 - How did God take care of you when you were enduring your wilderness experience?
· Regarding 2:24-25 and 3:1-2 – How does the conquest of Heshbon and Bashan begin to fulfill God’s promise (see 2:25)?

Please read this text aloud – Deut 2:23-29
· Do you think Moses’ punishment was too much? Why? Why not?
· How would you explain this statement to a friend: “Jesus will forgive all sin, but you may still face consequences”?
· Which generation do you belong to? [Note: this has nothing to do with age but everything to do with faith] Are you driven by faith or fear?

Philippians 4:10-23 - Be Content and Grateful in Every Circumstance

How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life (Part 10)
Be Content and Grateful in Every Circumstance
Philippians 4:10-23
Jeff Garrett

Philippians 4:10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Let’s begin with v.10. I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. Paul said, “I hadn’t heard from you in a while. I never doubted your support. I knew the reason I hadn’t heard from you was because you didn’t have a opportunity - it’s a long way from Philippi to Rome. But when I received the message you sent along with the gifts I rejoiced greatly in the Lord.

Not that I was in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I'm just as happy and joyful with little as I am with much. I know who to live when I have nothing. And I know how to live when all my needs are met. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every circumstance. He reveals the secret is in v.13. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

That’s the secret Paul learned. Paul said I can cope … I can do anything because Jesus gives me strength. That’s the secret I’ve learned to be content in any and every situation e.g. 2 Corinthians 6:4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

Paul was content with …

· His age - Philemon 1:9 I then, as Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.

· His inadequacies - 2 Corinthians 10:10 For some say, "His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing."

The Acts of Paul and Thecla gives a picture of Paul's physical features - “a man small in size, with a bald head and crooked legs, with eyebrows that met and a rather prominent nose.” He wasn’t very handsome but he wasn’t discontent - he was full of grace and confidence.

2 Corinthians 11:6 I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.

· His rented house - Acts 28:30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ

· His chronic pain - 2 Corinthians 12:7 To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

That illustrates Philippians 4:13 perfectly. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Colossians 1:9 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

I didn’t need anything because I was content with what I had. But I was so happy to hear from you and praised God for your gift.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Paul said “I don’t need any more money. I am not looking for another gift. I am looking for what may be credited to your account. Let this letter be your receipt. Paid in full! Overpaid! It was way too much. I have more than I need since you sent this gift.” And look at what Paul called their gift. v.18 the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Then Paul ends the letter with greetings sandwiched between a doxology and a benediction.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

What can we takeaway? How can we be content and grateful in every circumstance? We could begin by understanding that there are many factors that influence.

There are so many factors that influence discontent
· Weak relationships with people and God.
· Low frustration tolerance.
· The myth of entitlement.
· Distorted perceptions.
· Misplace priorities.
· Self-reliance.

Three Ways to be Content and Grateful in Every Circumstance

1. Give a gift – 2 Corinthians 8:1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

There is currently $41,000 in savings and $11,000 in checking and $60,000 is CDs. That may sound like a lot but it takes a lot to run our church family. Our operating cost is about $24,000 a month. That’s why it’s important for us to give generously.

One of my favorite stories is in Mark 12 about the widow. Mark 12:41-44 Jesus was in the area of the temple called the Court of the Women. The treasury was located there or in an adjoining walkway. In this area were seven boxes for people to deposit their temple tax. Six boxes were for freewill offerings like the woman gave. Not only was she poor; as a widow she had few resources for making money. Her small gift was a sacrifice, but she gave it willingly. This widow gave all she had, in stark contrast to the way most of us handle money. Jesus admired her sacrificial giving. Luke 19:3 Jesus said “Really this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them combined. 4 For they have given a little of what they didn’t need, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” (Living Bible) Who are like? Are you more like the widow or more like the others? Jesus is still watching and when you give generously and joyfully, like the widow and the Philippians, your gifts are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

2. Write a letter - that’s what Paul did. He used the words “joy”, “rejoice”, and “glad” 17 times and he used the name of the Lord Jesus Christ 51 times. Write a letter to a friend like that.

3. Change your perspective (move closer to Jesus and people) - Paul was in prison but he was the freest man in Rome. He lived close to the Lord and people.

There were two men in the same hospital room which had one window. One of the men, as a part of his treatment, was allowed to sit up in bed for an hour in the afternoon and his bed was next to the window. But the other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. Neither of them were able to do much, no reading, no radio, no television. So they talked for hours about their wives, their children, their homes, their jobs, their hobbies, their childhood and where they had been on vacations. And every afternoon, the man next to the window was propped up for his hour a treatment (so the fluid would drain from his lungs), he would pass the time by describing what he could see outside. And the other man began to live for those hours. The window apparently overlooked a park with a lake – where there were ducks and children throwing them bread and sailing little boats, and young lovers walking hand in hand beneath the trees and there were flowers and green grass and games of softball and sunbathers and in the distance there was a beautiful view of the city skyline.

The man on his back would listen to all this – how a child nearly fell into the water, how beautiful girls were in their summer dresses, and an exciting ballgame or a boy playing with his puppy. The man on his back got to the place where he could almost see what was happening outside. Then one afternoon, when there was some sort of parade, the thought struck him – “Why should the man next to the window have all the pleasure of seeing what was going on? Why shouldn’t he get the bed next to the window?” He felt ashamed and he tried not to think like that but the more he tried the worse it became and he would do anything to see out the window. In a few days he turned sour and thought he should be by the window and he brooded and couldn’t sleep and became more seriously ill.

One night, as he stared at the ceiling the other man suddenly woke up coughing and choking. The fluid congesting in his lungs and his hands were groping for the button to call the night nurse. But the man in the other bed watched without moving and never reached for his button. Finally, the coughing stopped and the man died and he continued to stare at the ceiling.

In the morning the day nurse came in with water for their baths and found the other man dead. They took away his body quietly. As soon as it seemed decent the man ask if he could be moved to the bed next to the window. And they moved him, tucked him in and made him comfortable. The minute they had gone, he propped himself up on one elbow and looked out the window and discovered that it faced a blank wall.

Which man do you identify with? Do you lie on your bed and envy others who seem to have a better view. Or are you more like the man who can find reasons to rejoice even if you are looking at a blank wall?

Prayer Time

Philippians 4:4-9 - Replacing Worry and Anxiety with Joy and Peace

How to Enjoy the Rest of Your Life (Part 9)
Replacing Worry and Anxiety with Joy and Peace
Philippians 4:4-9
Jeff Garrett

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Let's begin with v.4.

4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

“Rejoice” means “be glad”. Proverbs 17:22 says that a cheerful heart is good medicine. I heard Joyce Meyer read the following paragraph which describes the benefits of laughter. She did not name the source but I thought it was a wonderful description of the benefits of laughing.

"Laughter is good medicine because causes the release of body chemicals called endorphins. These substances help to relieve pain and create a sense of well-being within us. Laughter is able to raise your energy level and pull you out of the pit of depression. It actually releases tension, anxiety, anger, fear, shame and guilt and can completely change a person’s attitude. Like a massage, a good belly laugh is able to stimulate all your major organs. It’s like internal jogging. Laughter strengthens your immune system. It increases antibodies. It is believed to have a protective capacity against viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms. It’s like an internal aerobic exercise because you inhale more oxygen when you laugh. Laughter stimulates your heart and blood circulation and is equivalent to any other standard aerobic exercise."

That's amazing! I had no idea laughter did so much for us. Laughter is an expression of the spiritual fruit of joy. Some of you don't laugh enough. I have met a few Christians that resist laughing in the assembly on Sunday morning because they think it is not spiritual. For them, laughing and clapping and dancing for joy is not reverant, its disrespectful. But the Bible tells stories about people dancing for joy. One time Nehemiah and Ezra stage a parade on top of Jerusalem's rebuilt walls. They put a band in front of the parade with singers and the people were so excite and so loud that the sound of joy could be heard far away. And what about the celebration that happened with the prodigal some returned home. When the older brother came near the house he heard music and saw people dancing. He stead out in the field and pouted but his father explained "We had to celebrate because your brother came back home".

Sometimes you have to celebrate! Don't suppress it or hold back. Sometimes that best and most appropriate thing is laughter. That's what Abraham did. Sarah got in trouble for laughing only because she thought God was joking, she didn't believe him. She was laughing out of unbelief. But at Isaacs birth she laughed in faith. The Bible says that Abraham and Sarah laughed with joy and they even named their son Isaac, which means laughter.

But laughter is not the only expression of joy. It might help to view joy on a continuum. At one extreem is celebration and laughter. At the other extreme is calm quiet peace, even in the mist of pain. And between those two extremes are various expressions of joy. But regardless of the level or intensity, joy is the predominant mood of the Christian. It is a spiritual fruit produced by the Spirit. Jesus himself is the sourse of joy. He doesn't give us joy, he is our joy.

The key to joy is the little phrase in v.4 “in the Lord”. He didn’t say to rejoice in your self you rejoice in the Lord. That’s your position. All spiritual blessings are in Christ and since you are in Christ you always have a reason to be joyful. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Rom. 8:1). Nothing can separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8).

The word “always” means “all the time.” It’s easy to be joyful in good times but we can be joyful even in difficult times. James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. The word “gentleness” means “moderation” or “appropriate” – not excessive. It means to be in tune with the feelings of others and relate to them appropriately and sensitively with gentleness. That’s why the Bible says to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Don’t be harsh or rude or impatient or emotionally reactive or overbearing to anyone. Always be thoughtful and considerate so that it is evident to all. Contrast - Jeanie and Dana and Billy.

The motivation for being gentle is living with a keen awareness that the Lord is near. He is near spiritually because he lives in you. And he is near physically i.e. he could show up any minute.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Don’t worry about anything, pray about everything. This is what Jesus taught in Matthew 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life.

Matthew 6:28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Jesus gave us three reasons not to worry. First, it’s unreasonable - if God takes care of birds and flowers he will take care of you. Second, it’s unproductive - it will not add a single hour to your life. Third, it’s ungodly - when you worry you are acting like pagans, like you are not God’s children. Your heavenly Father knows what you need so you don’t have to worry. Just seek his Kingdom first, and he will give you all the rest. Don’t worry about tomorrow. Live one day at a time. Don’t worry about anything. Pray about everything.

Paul tells us how to approach God in v.6 by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. You approach him with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. That’s different than the way a lot of people pray. They skip the praise and worship and go straight to the shoping list. I think God is saying begin with praise, which simply means to brag on God. Then mix your petition (supplication) with thanksgiving for what you already have. The next verse contains the promise.

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul was chained to a Roman soldier, guarded day and night. In the same way, when you are not worried about anything and you pray about everything, God’s peace which is beyond your comprehension will guard your hearts and minds in Christ.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Fix your thoughts on what is …
True – factual (Dr. Cavart’s – only 8% legitimate concerns 92% imaginary.
Noble - honorable, dignified, gracious
Right - righteous, correct, accurate, realistic
Pure - morally wholesome, unmixed,
Lovely - virtuous, beautiful, wonderful
Admirable - inspiring
Excellent - outstanding, exceptional,
Praiseworthy - worthy of praise, commendable

Don’t waste mind power on things that are untrue, inaccurate, unrealistic, …

9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Five Takeaways (If you are going to replace worry and anxiety with joy and peace …)

1. Pray about everything - Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

2. Guard your heart and renew your mind - Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. AND Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

3. Change your attitude - Phil 2:5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus

4. Use the Philippians 4:8 Filter – 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

5. Obey God even when you don’t feel like it – 4:9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.


Prayer Time