What happens when God is near?

1 – When God is near we are JOYFUL (vs. 4)

See Galatians 5:22. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. See John 17:13. Jesus prayed that the joy of his disciples would be full. See 1 Peter 1:6-8. We have to cope with trials, tribulations and grief. Yet you have unspeakable joy. Religion does not banish joy. God never changes. He is always faithful. This should cause us to be joyful. God is near when we are joyful.

2 – When God is near we are GENTLE (vs. 5)

God’s characteristics are reflected by his people. Gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Gentleness knows when not to dig their heels in, when to relax. They are not rigid. You are honest with integrity. Remember the woman who was to be stoned for adultery? We need to put away harshness. Gentleness will not always stick to the law or your rights. It is not spineless or lacking in courage. We are to yield, give way. We are gentle because God is near.

3 – When God is near we are PRAYERFUL (vs. 6)

Worry and anxiety can be replaced by prayerfulness. See Matthew 6. Jesus was big into dealing with worry and anxiety. God wants us to not worry. Substitute the negative with the positive. Jesus was a man of prayer. We should be dependent upon prayer. The disciples wanted Jesus to teach them how to pray. You have not because you ask not. Things happen when we pray. We need to replace anxiety with prayer. We are prayerful because God is near.

4 – When God is near we are PEACEFUL (vs. 7)

There is a peace that comes from God. It is not a peace of the world. God is a God of peace. See Ephesians 2:14. God the Father, Son and Spirit are at peace with one another. The Gospel is a gospel of peace. Jesus has made peace between man and God. It is Jesus who dispenses peace. It is this peace he made when he died on the cross. Remember how Jesus calmed the storm after he had calmed his disciples. We are prayerful because God is near.

Categories: Philippians