In this sermon, Kyle Cunningham concludes a series on the book of Philippians, focusing on the theme of peace. He explores what peace means biblically, why we often lack it, and practical ways to experience more of God's peace in our lives.

Cunningham begins by noting that Paul introduces the concepts of grace and peace at the very start of Philippians. He explains that biblical peace (shalom in Hebrew) is much more than just the absence of conflict - it's a state of harmony, integration, and completion. This ideal is exemplified in the Garden of Eden before sin entered the world.

The pastor acknowledges that most people struggle to find lasting peace in their lives. He cites a statistic showing 43% of American adults reported feeling more anxious in 2024 than the previous year. Given this widespread lack of peace, Cunningham examines three key issues Paul addresses that rob us of peace, along with biblical solutions:

1. Relational Conflict Paul directly confronts a conflict between two women in the Philippian church. Cunningham notes how publicly addressing this would have been quite awkward, showing the seriousness with which Paul viewed disunity. He outlines three principles for resolving conflict that Paul provides:

• Remember your commonality in Christ

• Employ a mediator when needed

• Maintain an eternal perspective

1. Anxiety and Worry Paul exhorts the Philippians to "rejoice always" and "do not be anxious about anything." Cunningham acknowledges this is easier said than done, but explains that worry ultimately stems from a failure to trust God. He emphasizes that Paul could make such bold statements even while imprisoned and facing possible execution.

The antidote Paul gives for worry is prayer with thanksgiving. Cunningham clarifies this doesn't mean simplistically asking God to change our circumstances. Rather, it's about cultivating a deep trust in God's goodness and sovereignty regardless of outcomes. He illustrates this by asking listeners to imagine how they'd feel if God personally told them "I've got this" about their worries.

1. Failure to Apply Theology Finally, Paul instructs the Philippians to focus their minds on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Cunningham suggests Paul is referring to sound doctrine and theology here. However, he notes the danger of having good theology without applying it.

Paul exhorts them to "keep putting into practice" what they've learned. Cunningham shares a powerful quote: "We are educated far beyond our level of obedience." He challenges listeners to not just know biblical truths, but to actively live them out.

The promise Paul gives is that when we do these things - resolve conflicts biblically, pray instead of worry, and apply theological truth - the God of peace will be with us. Cunningham connects this to Jesus' parable about building on rock versus sand at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.

Throughout the sermon, Cunningham weaves in practical applications and relatable examples. He acknowledges the very real challenges of experiencing peace in a broken world, while still holding out the hope of God's peace that "surpasses all understanding."

He concludes by summarizing Paul's teachings: Instead of being overwhelmed by circumstances, we should pray thankfully to our sovereign Father. We should love others practically and resolve conflicts biblically. Most importantly, we need to not just know the right things, but do them.

Date: 6.23.24

Website: https://bwchurch.org/

Interested in Baptism? https://bwchurch.org/baptism/

Wanting to know what it looks like to follow Christ? https://bwchurch.org/salvation/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BWChurch

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bwchurchtx/

Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bridgeway-church-tx

Want to reach out? You can email us at hello@bwchurch.org