Philippians 4:2-9 · Exhortations

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

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.

God's Anxiety Reduction Plan
Philippians 4:2-9
Sermon
by John P. Jewell
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As I look about our world, skim the massive number of ads in the Sunday paper and watch the faces of shoppers going about their last mad dash before Christmas day arrives...  I am reminded that his season of peace, joy and good cheer does bring a certain increase in anxiety for many people.

"Will John get along with my mother this year?"

"The stores are all sold out of that toy junior had first on his Christmas list!"

"How in the world are we going to fit forty three people in our house for Christmas dinner?"

Then there is the young man who said to his pastor, "I am going to give my girlfriend an engagement ring for Christmas."

"What a wonderful gift," the pastor replied.  Then the young man with anxiety written all over his face continues, "I don't know what I will do if she says no!…

Lectionary Sermons, by John P. Jewell