You’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what Paul has shown us, what we know that he heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

PHILLIPPIANS 4:2-9 (NASB)

2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche tolive in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also 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 gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

PROVERBS 17:22 (NASB)

22 A joyful heart is good medicine,
But a broken spirit dries up the bones.?

PROVERBS 4:23 (NASB)

23 Watch over your heart with all diligence,
For from it flow the springs of life.

2 CORINTHIANS 10:5 (NASB)

5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

DISCUSSION

1. This Sunday’s sermon was entitled “Stress Free Living.” Define stress in your own words.

2. A major cause of stress is our relationship with others (or lack of proper relationship). Give examples of how a “poor” relationship can lead to stress.

3. Pastor Jeff mentioned in his sermon, “live in the context of a right relationship.” As a Christian, how would you define a “right” relationship?

4. Share some of the things you’ve argued about which caused stress in your life.

5. The opposite of living in stress is living in biblical harmony. How would you define “biblical harmony?”

6. As Christians, what should our definition of “harmony” be based upon?

7. Define Godly joy. Why is it important?

8. In Philippians 4:4 we read, “Rejoice in the Lord always! And again I will say, rejoice!” Define what it means to “rejoice in the Lord.”

9. How does our prayer life play into being joyful and having right relationships with people? 

10. In James 1:22 we are told, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” How do James’ words affect our ability to live a life free of stress and stay in right relationship with people?

PRAYER

Lord help us to see life and relationships through the filter of your word…

Then LISTEN for HIS response!

GIVING

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