This past Sunday, Jeff Purswell spoke from Phil 4:4-7 on “Counsel for the Christian Soul.” He pointed out that the Gospel focuses on the state of our hearts rather than a call for superficial obedience or behavior. As a result, the Christian’s soul is meant to put the Gospel’s power on display in three ways…joy, gentleness, and peace. All three are grounded in the Gospel– “in the Lord” — rather than being dependent on circumstances. In fact, God frequently uses trials to reveal happiness that is masquerading as joy so that we shift our confidence back to the Gospel.
Here are some questions for application:
- Where can you identify a dependence on circumstances for your well-being? How can you intentionally find joy in the Lord?
- Since the nature of biblical gentleness is to absorb wrong and injustice with grace rather than responding in anger and unforgiveness. How can you cultivate gentleness in your life? (Hint: see 1 Peter 2:23)
- Jeff said “the Bible provides a worldview where anxiety makes no sense…anxiety reveals a functional belief that God is not faithful or is not wise or is not powerful.” How does this apply to anxiety in your life?
As we approach the Christmas season, let’s remember the promise from this passage: “God is near!” He has drawn near to each of us through the sacrifice of His Son. May this truth explode in your heart in the weeks ahead!
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