Pew2You
July 1, 2018
A Framework for Mental Health
Pastor Tom Weaver
Highlights:
Steadfastness and Unity in the face of opposition is the consistent theme throughout Philippians.
Four Key Elements to Mental Health
Joy in Christ
If you want to have the time of your life, rejoice in God all the time of your life.
Our joy is in the constant, rich presence of the hop of the gospel every moment of every day.
Some see a hopeless end but we are invited to see an endless hope.
An alternative for worry
Be anxious for nothing (not one thing)
Anxious at its’ root means divided. Peace at its’ root means to join, make one.
ASAP: Always say a prayer
Our command to pray without ceasing is because we need it.
The promise of prayer: “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil: 4:7
Paul looked like he was in prison, but in reality, he was in Christ.
Discussion Questions:
How can we measure joy? What are the metrics, the means of measuring, the water level of Joy in our lives?
How have you utilized your access to Jesus as a place to “freak out” so that you could conduct yourself with the grace of heaven in your circumstances?
Pastor Tom said, “For Paul, the reality of being in Christ was more real than the reality of being in prison.” How does the reality of being in Christ help us to transcend our natural circumstances.”
Key Scriptures and Quotes:
Philippians 4:1-7
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mindin the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Final Exhortations
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 every situation, 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.
-”The unmitigated joy, is or at least should be the distinctive mark of the believer in Christ Jesus. “ Gordon Fee
-Rejoice: Greek Strong’s 5463 Chairo: to be full of cheer, calmly happy or well off.
– Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
-Isaiah 12:3 “With jo you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”
-Psalm 42:5 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? HOpe in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation.”
-Philippians 4:5 “Let your reasonableness (gentle, forbearance, moderation, graciousness) be known to everyone.”
-Thanksgiving: Eucharistia: gratitude, wholeness.