No Matter What

(Philippians 1:9-11) And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God. 


 We need the right perspective. 


(Philippians 1:12) Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 


(Genesis 50:20) You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 


 We need to be a part of the solution. 


(Philippians 1:13-14) As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. 


(Micah 4:1 NLT) In the last days, the mountain of the LORD’s house will be the highest of all— the most important place on earth. It will be raised above the other hills, and people from all over the world will stream there to worship. 



 We need to focus on what really matters. 



(Philippians 1:15-18) It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 


The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 


The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? 


The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. 


(James 4:14) What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.


PEACE NO MATTER WHAT 


(Philippians 4:6-9) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.


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


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. 


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.


1. Have I presented my requests to God? 


(Matthew 5:5) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 


(Psalm 37:11) But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. 


2. What consumes my mind? 


(Isaiah 26:3) You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. 


(Lamentations 3:19-23) I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. 


I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 


3. Am I practicing God’s Word? 


(Psalm 119:165) Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble. 


(Matthew 7:24-25) Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 

The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.


Video
https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/no-matter-what1

Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands