Conversely, if we seek for evil, we will find that also’ (“Seeking the Good,” Ensign, May 1992, 86)” (New Testament Student Manual [Church Educational System manual, 2014], 437–38). ), When has Jesus Christ given you strength to do something good? The chapter starts with an admonition to two of the church members to work out some differences. … It is the opposite of passively waiting for something good to come to us, with no effort on our part. Invite students to look for a truth as they study Philippians 4 that can help them when they worry. Philippians 4:6. Paul does not elaborate as to what the problem was between them. This church was the first Christian congregation in Europe. Who did Paul say was the source of his strength? First, they would receive fruit to their account with God. Read them in the archive below. “‘… Though reverses come, in prayer we can find reassurance, for God will speak peace to the soul. Obviously you should not back down when the other person is doctrinally incorrect, but the reality is that most disagreements in the church have nothing to do with doctrine.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'whatchristianswanttoknow_com-box-4','ezslot_3',117,'0','0'])); Paul said that they should put away their petty arguments so that they could be a help and encouragement to others in the church. David has written 207 articles on What Christians Want To Know! (Allow responses) Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 5 Weeks to Celebrate Jesus at Christmas (With Take-Home Ideas! Looking for more preschool ideas? There may be times when you feel detached—even isolated—from the Giver of every good gift. “We can choose to be grateful, no matter what. To prepare students to identify an additional principle that Paul taught the Philippian Saints, divide the class in thirds. Those things would be absurd!”. Required fields are marked *. The Saints’ gifts were a pleasing offering to God, and Paul promised that God would meet their needs as well. In Philippians 4:13, we learn that Christ is our source of power/energy. For that, he is thankful. Invite a student to read aloud the following statement by Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. what are some examples of good and bad entertainment based on verse 8? This is like a Sunday school lesson or a Bible study all rolled into one and really liked the Discussion questions. All Rights Reserved. You might explain that supplication is a humble, earnest request. Write the following phrase on the board: As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, if …. I had no idea what I was going to do or where we were going, I just know that something was stealing my joy — that was the title of the message that “What is Stealing Your Joy” and it was preached by the young preacher filling in for our pastor who was away on a short term missionary trip in India; my husband was his companion there. His grace refines us. Help children sing the words of the verse along with the melody. His grace helps us become our best selves. …. Now, let’s work backwards and take a fresh look at Phil. Ask the class to think about times they have had similar worries. We can do all things through God – Jesus – and by His Holy Spirit. When the music is soft, wave your streamers in front of you slowly. If we ponder things related to sex immorality in our minds, we will soon think everybody is immoral and unclean and it will break down the barrier between us and the world. …. But as you exercise that agency and include Him in every aspect of your daily life, your heart will begin to fill with peace, buoyant peace. Past Issues of Children's Ministry Magazine, Preschool Sunday School Lesson: Make a Joyful Noise, Christmas Sunday School Lesson: Jesus Is Born. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the First Presidency taught the following about this strength Jesus Christ gives us to do all good things: “A powerful expression of that love [of Christ] is what the scriptures often call the grace of God—the divine assistance and endowment of strength by which we grow from the flawed and limited beings we are now into exalted beings of ‘truth and light, until [we are] glorified in truth and [know] all things’ [Doctrine and Covenants 93:28]. …. It surpasses disappointment, discouragement, and despair. …, “When we are grateful to God in our circumstances, we can experience gentle peace in the midst of tribulation. “This type of gratitude transcends whatever is happening around us. Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles likewise counseled members of the Church “to look for that which is good and edifying in all things. …, “In view of all that prevails in the world, it might be easy to center our attention on negative or evil things, or to dissipate our energies on causes and enterprises of doubtful worth and questionable productivity. …, “I think the Latter-day Saints have a great obligation pressing in upon them to rejoice in the Lord, to praise him for his goodness and grace, to ponder his eternal truths in their hearts, and to set their hearts on righteousness. …, “There is an eternal law, ordained by God himself before the foundations of the world, that every man shall reap as he sows. Preschool Bible Activity: Parade of Strength. Paul was confident that God could supply through anyone He chose. Read the verse, and then have kids repeat it with you. “When you find yourself in such circumstances, I plead with you to remember prayer. But in Christ, he could enjoy peace and purpose at all times. (Write students’ responses on the board after then. What can we do to access the strength that Jesus Christ provides? It will help you to manage those challenges from an eternal perspective” (“Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 93). They should be examples to others who are looking to them for leadership. Fear replaces faith. Summarize Philippians 4:1–5 by explaining that Paul counseled the Saints to stand firm in faithfulness to the Lord, rejoice in the Lord, and let their gentleness (see verse 5, footnote a) be evident to others. Thanks for stopping by! When have you prayed with supplication and thanksgiving in a time of worry and been blessed with God’s peace? You might explain that “think on” means to give careful, continuing thought. NKJV, Bride's Bible, Leathersoft, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version Again, Paul is not thanking them because he wants more money, help and physical goods from them. They have continued to give the help and support they should give to the work of God. Replacing worry with prayer. Invite a student to read Philippians 4:13–14 aloud. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Paul told the Saints he had learned. Say, “What Philippians 4:13 means is that I … (Using their own words, students should identify the following truth: We can do all things through Jesus Christ, who gives us strength [see also Alma 26:12].). When you’re ready for your parade, set the CD or cassette player in your doorway (or carry it with you if it’s battery-operated) and lead children along your planned route. (Phl 4:10-14) Paul’s perspective on the gift from the Philippians. “‘And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus’ [Philippians 4:6–7]. “‘If we seek things that are virtuous and lovely, we surely will find them. Paul then talks about joyfulness and prayerfulness. When you are involved in an argument that is not doctrinal in nature, don’t say that it cannot be resolved because the other person is stubborn and won’t see things your way. In grief, we can still lift up our hearts in praise. Ask the class to follow along, looking for what Paul admonished the Philippians Saints to think on and do. Ask the class to listen for what this strength can enable us to do: “God pours out blessings of power and strength, enabling us to achieve things that otherwise would be far beyond our reach. Philippians 4:13 Adult Devotional. “Do we understand our indebtedness to Heavenly Father and plead with all our souls for the grace of God?” (“The Gift of Grace,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 107–9).