Engaging a Changing Culture

Message: Engaging a Changing Culture 
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-13

We have come to a point in our society when worry has become an epidemic.

“When we worry, we’re preoccupied with fears—burdened by the past, nervous about the present, and tormented by the future. We live in the unhealthy realm of “what-ifs.” 
- Chuck Swindoll

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”
- Corrie Ten Boom

“Most Christians are being crucified on a cross between two thieves: yesterday’s regret and tomorrow’s worries.” 
- Warren Wiersbe

Refusal to engage in the culture is disobedience to the Great Commission and Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount.

We need to learn how to effectively engage our culture for Christ.

1. How to Greet Every Situation

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  Philippians 4:4

• Rejoice in the Lord every time
• Rejoice in the Lord in everything

 We rejoice in God’s …

• Presence
• Promises
• Pardon
• Provision
• Paradise

“Keep in mind, there are all kinds of circumstances and situations that can steal your joy. But if you understand that your past has been forgiven by a merciful God, your present is being controlled by a sovereign God, and your future has been guaranteed by a loving God, you can still find joy.” James Merritt

2. How to Treat Every Person

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5

• Exhibit Gentleness
• Expect Christ’s Return

“Christians are always just a few heartbeats from heaven. It ought to make a difference.”  Vance Havner

3. How to Meet Every Problem

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

Worry about nothing; pray about everything.

• Prayer Replaces Worry
• Prayer Reviews God’s Goodness
• Prayer Requests Help
• Prayer Rests in Peace

“When the problem is worry, the prescription is prayer.” 

- David Jeremiah

4. How to Defeat Every Lie

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about these things. What you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

• Feed your mind correctly
• Focus your attention carefully

“The more heavenly minded you become the less earthly worry you have.”  
- Tony Evans

5. How to Unseat all Selfishness

“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”   Philippians 4:10-13

• Be content in any circumstance
• Be confident in God who strengthens

“This is the secret of being content: to learn and accept that we live daily by God’s unmerited favor given through Christ, and that we can respond to any and every situation by His divine enablement through the Holy Spirit.” 
- Jerry Bridges

“There’s much about today’s culture we may not like, but that’s no excuse to stop loving people within the culture.”  
- Carey Nieuwhof