Sermon Reflections from Citizens of Joy: Joy in Peace | Damon Hopkins | July 28, 2024
The message this Sunday from Philippians 4 speaks about our everyday lives. Damon allows us to see more clearly God’s intent for each of us and asks us to ‘take stock’ of all that we have in Christ. Damon begins by pointing us to Chapter 4 verse 1. “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.” Paul is summing up his letter by reminding the Philippians, and us too, about how much they mean to him as believers in Christ. There is so much they share and even though he is seeing some disagreements within their midst, verses 2,3, they are to look to what they share and focus upon Christ and their part in Him to live victoriously.
Chapter 4:4-9 reveal Paul’s knowledge of how God works in our lives and the response we need to have towards Him. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Paul, and Damon, reminded us that God desires to give us peace so we can live with others without strife and be His witnesses to a hurting world. His peace will bring Joy, understanding and a mindset like Christ. How do we achieve this? We need to give our anxieties to God, worry is not from God! We are to be prayerful about life and live with thankfulness and praise in our hearts. We need to focus on good things with our mind. When we do this, we will exude joy and peace in our spirit and it will radiate to all those around us. It will keep us in a state of peace throughout the day. When challenges come into our day, we can see them through the eyes of a heart filled with peace and joy.
Damon always gives us personal examples of the principles lived out in his own life. He is a man of God seeking to live with a peace filled spirit radiating Christ to the world around him. It is always a challenge to try and see the world through Damon’s eyes and perspective. In spite of what the world has for him, he seeks to first and foremost stay focused and tell others about Jesus. Thank you Damon for this reminder of how to enjoy peace and joy in the midst of life’s challenges.
Lastly, Damon pointed us to Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Paul, Damon, you and me are not beyond the need to remember to think good things, live with peace and joy in our hearts daily and be a people of praise and thanksgiving. Then we must know and trust in His ability to help us to live, believing in Christ’s strength within us. No matter who we are or what life has for us, Christ’s strength with in is greater than anything we can ever face. Praise God!!
Praise God!!
Linda
MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass
The message this Sunday from Philippians 4 speaks about our everyday lives. Damon allows us to see more clearly God’s intent for each of us and asks us to ‘take stock’ of all that we have in Christ. Damon begins by pointing us to Chapter 4 verse 1. “Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.” Paul is summing up his letter by reminding the Philippians, and us too, about how much they mean to him as believers in Christ. There is so much they share and even though he is seeing some disagreements within their midst, verses 2,3, they are to look to what they share and focus upon Christ and their part in Him to live victoriously.
Chapter 4:4-9 reveal Paul’s knowledge of how God works in our lives and the response we need to have towards Him. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Paul, and Damon, reminded us that God desires to give us peace so we can live with others without strife and be His witnesses to a hurting world. His peace will bring Joy, understanding and a mindset like Christ. How do we achieve this? We need to give our anxieties to God, worry is not from God! We are to be prayerful about life and live with thankfulness and praise in our hearts. We need to focus on good things with our mind. When we do this, we will exude joy and peace in our spirit and it will radiate to all those around us. It will keep us in a state of peace throughout the day. When challenges come into our day, we can see them through the eyes of a heart filled with peace and joy.
Damon always gives us personal examples of the principles lived out in his own life. He is a man of God seeking to live with a peace filled spirit radiating Christ to the world around him. It is always a challenge to try and see the world through Damon’s eyes and perspective. In spite of what the world has for him, he seeks to first and foremost stay focused and tell others about Jesus. Thank you Damon for this reminder of how to enjoy peace and joy in the midst of life’s challenges.
Lastly, Damon pointed us to Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Paul, Damon, you and me are not beyond the need to remember to think good things, live with peace and joy in our hearts daily and be a people of praise and thanksgiving. Then we must know and trust in His ability to help us to live, believing in Christ’s strength within us. No matter who we are or what life has for us, Christ’s strength with in is greater than anything we can ever face. Praise God!!
Praise God!!
Linda
MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass
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