Philippians 4:6-7 from the International Bible Lessons by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. (formerly Oklahoman Bible Lessons)

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How Can You Gain Peace of Mind?

Parkhurst Bible Lesson
Philippians 3:17-4:9
Sunday, November 16, 2008

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International Sunday School Lesson
Sunday November 16, 2008
Philippians 3:17-4:9

“Do not worry about anything, 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 understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7—NRSV).

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7—KJV).

Twenty years ago in the United States of America almost everyone was singing, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” The Bible tells us how to avoid worry and be happy everyday. First, take anything that worries you to God in prayer and supplication. Supplication means asking God “humbly and earnestly” to help you with whatever concerns you specifically. The temptation to worry can actually help us to pray earnestly to God.

Second, make your requests to God with thanksgiving. We have good reasons to thank God for everything because Jesus promised, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). Rather than just commanding us not to do something; such as, “Do not worry;” the Bible gives us specific ways to do what is helpful in order to avoid what is harmful. Praying is always the first step in overcoming worry.

Third, open your mind and heart to receive the peace of God. The Bible describes God as “the God of peace” (see Romans 15:33 and 16:20; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20). Though we do not understand how God does this, the God of peace will guard our hearts and minds in a variety of ways, which includes crushing Satan under our feet and giving us a quiet confidence in God.

Thankfully, the solution to our worries and troubles does not ultimately depend on us, but on Jesus Christ who loves and cares for us each day.

© Copyright 2008 by L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

You may be reprint or reproduce this Parkhurst Bible Lesson for not-for-profit use.

Questions for Further Thought
or Class Discussion

International Sunday School Lesson
Sunday November 16, 2008
Philippians 3:17-4:9

Printable PDF With Questions
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Think about your answers to the questions below before your Sunday school class meets, discuss in class, or use for further study. In some cases, I do not always write the questions to have a definitive right or wrong answer. In most cases, the questions should encourage everyone to think about how to apply biblical truths to their daily lives. Before beginning to answer the questions below, read the entire Scripture lesson in your favorite translation or compare translations. Write your thoughts in the space provided and take them to your Sunday school class for discussion.

1. In what ways can Jesus’ Apostles be examples to you? See Philippians 3:17. Think of some Christians you admire. What examples do they give you and others?

2. In what ways might Christian churches, preachers, or teachers tempt you to set your mind on earthly things? What is the consequence of doing so? See Philippians 3:19.

3. Where is your citizenship? What are some of the benefits of your citizenship? Compare your citizenship with Philippians 3:20.

4. What are some consequences of worry? Why does Paul warn against worry? What solutions does he offer those who feel tempted to worry or who tend to worry?

5. Instead of setting our minds on earthly things, what things does Paul tell us to think about? How can thinking about these things make a difference in your life? See Philippians 4:8-9.

For more Questions on the Gospel According to Luke, go to:
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