Introduction- RIGHT THINKING IS THE KEY TO RIGHT LIVING, AND WITHOUT IT THERE IS NO HAPPINESS OR JOY

1. Paul wrote from within the prison walls to give the Philippians the secret of joy & rejoicing
2. The theme of the Book is Christian Experience-not doctrine, not around believer-but within!
3. Nero's cesspool civilization demanded mental ecology- spiritual sanitation-

The only way to stay sane in the midst of an insane world is through deliberate thought control!

I. EXHORTATION TO BE OF GOOD HEALTH V. 4-7

With all the world, the flesh, and the devil trying to corrupt your heart & soul- how healthy

A. REAL JOY IN THE LORD IS THE SECRET OF GOOD HEALTH v.4

1. Rejoice- We need enthusiasm (filled with God) more than ever before-We die without it! ever a Job -
2. Always- not just once in a while- Do we have reason- Cf. v. 3b are your names in the Book?
3. Again I say- Paul's experience even in Nero's prison-Rejoice! But the Lord is on Throne-Rejoice

B.- MODERATION IN LIFE IS THE SECRET TO SWEET CONTENTMENT v.5 (1 Tim 6:6 Godliness-Contentment-great gain

1. Moderation-sweetness and gentleness-, Sweet reasonableness -Use reason, not emotional greed
2. Be known to all men- It takes real strength to deal with men with gentleness!-See Oil Ad-
3. Lord at hand? Why this? To warn-at hand for Judgement? To hope-rapture? To help-Within you?

C.- THE ACTION AND THE RESULT THAT WILL BRING THE ILLUSIVE JEWEL OF PEACE T0 HEARTS v.6,7

1. Not full of Care- not to negate forethought, but forbids anxiety-instead- enthusiasm-
2. Peace of God-Serenity of soul-passing understanding-deep, immeasurable calm-even in tempest
3. Shall keep garrison for protection against onslaught- your heart & mind- In Christ

Satan has many tricks to lure us out of the "inner circle" & we need rebound- & abiding

II.-THE SECURITY OF THE SOUL THROUGH THOUGHT CONTROL v.8

Finally Brethren- the capstone of his Exhortation- of vital importance- don't miss it!

A- THINK ON THESE THINGS - Involves your own willful, deliberate control of your own heart-

1. Fill your heart and soul with these spiritual vitamins- and you will be healthy!
2. TRUE-incarnate-Jesus, but there are so many lies-, renewed mind needs truth-seek it-Not Evol.
3. HONEST-Honorable with respect and dignity- not phoniness of Society-but heartfelt dignity
4. JUST-Righteousness, that which is morally right, Is there any man to seek Justice? -YOU
5. PURE-Think, speak, act -pure; from all the deeds of men-seek out & fill your mind with purity
6. LOVELY- any of Pleasing personality-, ethically beautiful-not of lust, but of God's type LOVE
7. GOOD REPORT- compatible with Christian fire, gracious, attractive don't seek Gossip-seek good
8. VIRTUE- Search out that which is virtuous & admire it-Moral strength!
9. PRAISE- Search for something to praise, & exercise it.-Criticism & Praise are contagious- but praise is a lot more healthy for the person exercising it.-
10. As you exercise these things- they will provide you with fruitfulness- Cf. 2 Pet 1:3-10

Give me a man who reads- but What do you read? Use good literature! -Paul's Zines!

III.- THE PRESENCE O F PEACE v.9 

The practical possession of inner peace is one of the most valuable conditions of soul

A.- SATAN HAS HIS PROGRAM TODAY TO DESTROY PEOPLE FROM WITHIN- BRAINWASHING, SENSITIVITY TRAINING

1. Brainwashing-uses Exhaustion, Confusion, Constant pain, Fear- to reform your conscience-
2. Sensitivity Training- uses group & private encounter to get you to accept sin as normal
3. The God of this World would control your mind- & our culture has much enticement built in

B.- WE HAVE GOD'S PROGRAM OF SECUTITY AND BLESSING, BUT WE MUST TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WHAT IS OFFERED v.9

1. The programed plan-what you have learned, received, heard, seen, IN ME -Paul was God's man!
2. Paul told Timothy- II Tim 2:2-what you have seen of me-commit to faithful men-teach others
3. Tis the succession of Christian truth-but the little two letter word is all YOURS - DO!

C. THE GREATEST PROMISE OF GOD IS ECHOED HERE, THE GOD OF PEACE SHALL BE WITH YOU! 9b

1. Jesus in the Great Commission-Matt 28:20"I am with you alway," his continual presence- The inner power that makes the winner!
2. But here is a step stronger- God of Peace-
3. This close communion with God is yours- if you meet the condition- but is not guaranteed

Peace with God- Salvation; Peace of God-enjoyment of that salvation-

Conclusion- IF THESE GREAT TRUTHS COULD CARRY PAUL THROUGH ROMAN PRISON - v.13 - THEY CAN CARRY YOU NOW!

1. Do you have peace with God- Salvation- if not Power of Positive Thinking is mockery!
2. If you are saved- to miss the Power is tragic!- your life not only wasted, but spent wrong
3. It is up to you- only you can DO IT- and it is about time you took full responsibility for what you do with your heart and mind!- To fail is to disobey God!

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