The Hidden Hand of Providence?A Study in the Book of Esther — PA Conference 2014
Gene Cunningham - February 13, 2000
Cross to the Crown #10
Phi 4:4 - rejoice means "celebrate the victory". Christ won the battle. The moment you had "peace with God" (Rom 5:8) you entered a battle with the enemy Satan. The eight guardians of the soul. The Trojan horse of the soul is anxiety (fear - Heb 2:14-15). There is no justifiable reason to have anxiety as a Christian. Three-fold approach in Phi 4:6-9: (A) build a wall (1Pe 1:4) confidence and effective pray; rest in His security (Phi 4:6-7); (B) man the watchtower with guardians (Phi 4:8) of thought: 1)Truth - the declared revelation of God.; 2) Noble - dignified, inspiring and reverent - opposite of cowardice; 3) Just - right and fair - truth in action; 4) Pure - innocence of motive - opposite of duplicity (deception) and opposite of singleness of heart; 5) Lovely - beauty, graciousness - no humor; 6) Honor - giving God His due; 7) Virtue - good character or grace and mercy in action; 8) Praiseworthy - good reputation - glory and heroic action (2Co 8:18). Anxious people don't make heroes. (C) keep the enemy outside (Phi 4:9) - DO IT!
Scripture References: Romans 5:8, Philippians 4:4, Philippians 4:9, Philippians 4:8, Philippians 4:6-7, Philippians 4:6-9, Hebrews 2:14-15
From Series: "The Cross to the Crown"
To get from 'the cross to the crown' we need to make decisions to live a life of spiritual dynamics using God's provisions -- His Word and Spirit. This series given in early 2006 before Gene moved back to the States outlines ten aspects of our discipleship.