Running the Race with Joy
Philippians 4:1-9
November 11, 2018
preached by Ryan Bouton
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Time of Reflection Quotations
“Very likely, what with enemies, and mountains, and rivers to cross, and losing our way, and next to nothing to eat, and sore feet, we’ll hardly notice the weather.”
~Puddleglum, The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
“People are more themselves when joy is the fundamental thing in them, and grief the superficial. Melancholy should be an innocent interlude, a tender and fugitive frame of mind; praise should be the permanent pulsation of the soul. Pessimism is at best an emotional half-holiday; joy is the uproarious labor by which all things live.”
~G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy
“Some things in life are bad, they can really make you mad
Other things just make you swear and curse
When you’re chewing on life’s gristle, don’t grumble, give a whistle
And this’ll help things turn out for the best, and…
Always look on the bright side of life! (whistle)”
~“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Eric Idle
“It is a Christian duty, as you know, for everyone to be as happy as he can.”
~C.S. Lewis, in a letter to Sheldon Vanauken
“Then, the proconsul urging him, and saying, ‘Swear, and I will set you at liberty, reproach Christ’; Polycarp declared, ‘Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Savior?’”
~The Martyrdom of Polycarp (2nd Century Bishop of Smyrna)
Sermon Passage
Philippians 4:1-9 (ESV)
1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 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.