The podcast explores the concept of peace and joy in the Christian journey, discussing how attacks on peace and joy come from unexpected sources. It touches on the enemies faced after making peace with God, the attacks on assurance, and the biblical teachings on peace and joy. The focus is on overcoming anxiety and cultivating true peace through trust in God's control and reliance on the Spirit.
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Quick takeaways
Maintaining peace and joy requires proper expectations to counter attacks on assurance.
Peace and joy are rooted in trusting God's promises and focusing on His presence amidst adversity.
Deep dives
Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit
Growing to be more like Jesus is likened to a gradual process, similar to an acorn turning into an oak tree. Tim Keller discusses peace and joy, emphasizing Philippians 4:4-9. Peace and joy are achievable through focusing on God, present in adverse circumstances. Expectations play a crucial role in maintaining peace and joy, as demonstrated by contrasting reactions to conflict in different environments.
Understanding Joy
Joy is described as a spiritual buoyancy derived from rejoicing in God, not reliant on the absence of suffering but on unwavering trust in God. Contrary to happiness, joy is a deep sense of assurance and mirth rooted in God's unchanging promises. True joy stems from focusing on the blesser rather than material blessings, enabling believers to find contentment and stability in God's presence.
Attaining Peace in God's Control
Peace is characterized by trust in God's sovereign control, opposed by anxiety. Presenting all requests to God with thanksgiving fosters peace that transcends understanding. Cultivating peace involves focusing on truth, nobility, and righteousness, aligning thoughts and actions with God's wisdom. Distinguishing between peace with God and the peace of God, assurance of salvation plays a vital role in maintaining inner peace.
Navigating Through Spiritual Struggles
As believers face challenges, they encounter resistance from the world, the flesh, and the devil, seeking to disrupt peace and joy. An integrated approach is essential, addressing the interconnected influences of these adversaries. Preserving assurance of salvation involves countering accusations and doubts with the gospel truth, emphasizing reliance on Jesus' work rather than personal merits.
A lot of Christians are cast down, losing their peace and joy because they don’t expect attacks on their peace and joy. We’re sad that we’re sad. We’re upset that we’re upset. We say, “it’s not supposed to be like this!” because we don’t have the proper expectations.
Before you became a Christian, your main enemy in life was God: someone who loved you, who was doing everything he could to wake you up. But the minute you make peace with God, instantly, all of God’s enemies declare war on you—and they’re not nice enemies.
We’re going to look at 1) what the Bible says about peace and joy, 2) our three enemies, and 3) the attacks on assurance.
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on February 18, 1990. Series: Fruit of the Spirit. Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
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