God Settles a Seeking Heart--Sermon
Kowloon International Baptist Church - Dr. James "Butch" Tanner's sermon titled "The Power of Citizenship" Philippians 3:17-21 delivered on 21 May 2023. Please visit us at: www.hkkibc.org
Sermon Notes:
Philippians 4:1–7
Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Life is not smooth. There are times when the path is very bumpy and difficult. Even as true Christians, we can sometimes choose to struggle alone. Paul encourages us to remember to seek out God in all that we do. “In the Lord” is a major theme of Scripture. Paul reminds us to seek out God and focus on our relationship with Him and our hearts will be settled no matter the circumstances.
We can become settled by
1. Standing firm.
1 Corinthians 16:13, Ephesians 6:11, Philippians 1:27
2. Resolving controversy.
Philippians 2:2, Romans 14:19, James 5:8–9
3. Choosing to rejoice.
Proverbs 15:15, Psalm 37:4, Habakkuk 3:16–19
4. Responding in gentleness.
Romans 12:18, Proverbs 15:1, 25:15, Matthew 11:29
5. Receiving God’s peace.
John 14:27, Matthew 6:25, 1 Peter 5:7