THE PATHWAY TO PEACE

Table of Contents

1. Opening Remarks and Appreciation
2. God Has Already Supplied Every Need
3. Giving as the Release of Grace
4. Peace Through Justification by Faith
5. The Pathway to Peace in Philippians 4
6. The Meaning of God’s Peace Guarding the Heart
7. The Four Simple Steps to Living in Peace
8. Final Encouragement

Opening Remarks and Appreciation

Pastor Leonard opens the message by speaking about his wife, Pastor Lori, who is away helping family. He shares how much he misses her and compares their relationship to a piano. Just as a piano has both black and white keys that work together to produce beautiful music, he explains that the Lord brings harmony through their partnership.

He thanks the congregation and viewers for their prayers, encouragement, and financial support. He reminds them that, as Pastor Lori often says, they are “God’s hands extended.” He encourages continued prayer about supporting the ministry and transitions into a teaching from the Apostle Paul.

God Has Already Supplied Every Need

Pastor Leonard references Philippians 4:19, a familiar promise that God supplies all needs. He explains that this supply is already given through grace. He connects this to other scriptures that show believers already possess spiritual blessings and provision.

Ephesians 1:3- "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ."

2 Peter 1:3- "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue."

He explains that believers do not work to obtain these blessings. Instead, God has already given them everything they need. The question then becomes: how does that blessing flow into everyday life?

Giving as the Release of Grace

Pastor Leonard explains that Philippians 4:17 is connected to verse 19. Paul says he is not asking for a gift for his own benefit, but so that the fruit of generosity may abound in the giver’s life.

He compares this to a faucet. The pipes represent the grace and supply already within the believer. The handle represents giving. When the handle is turned, the water flows. The more it is opened, the stronger the flow becomes.

He explains that believers do not give to get something from God. They give because they have already received. Their giving releases the grace already within them.

Peace Through Justification by Faith

Pastor Leonard shifts to the main theme of peace. He begins with Romans 5:1 and explains that peace begins with justification by faith.

Romans 5:1- "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."

He explains that being justified means being declared righteous by faith in Jesus Christ. Because of this righteousness, believers are at peace with God. There is nothing left to earn. No work, toil, or assignment is required to secure that peace.

He emphasizes that once a person believes in Jesus, they are declared righteous and are at peace with the Father. This peace should motivate believers to live in peace because God is already at peace with them. He also mentions that through this justification, believers have access to grace and stand in it. This truth alone, he says, should clothe the soul with peace.

The Pathway to Peace in Philippians 4

Pastor Leonard then turns to Philippians 4:4-7 and calls it a pathway to peace.

Philippians 4:4-7- "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

He explains that Paul begins with the command to rejoice always. Not sometimes, but always. Rejoicing, he says, is reasonable and natural for a believer who understands grace. Paul then instructs believers not to be anxious, but to bring everything to God in prayer with thanksgiving. As this happens, the peace of God begins to operate in their lives.

The Meaning of God’s Peace Guarding the Heart

Pastor Leonard explains the Greek meaning of the word translated “keep” or “guard.” He says it describes a military-style protection.

He explains that God’s peace acts like a watcher, standing guard over the believer’s life. It prevents fear, worry, anxiety, and stress from entering. These things are not compatible with the Spirit of God.

He describes the image of visible guards and hidden spies. Just like in military training, there are visible sentinels and also hidden agents who watch carefully for danger. In the same way, the peace of God watches over the believer’s heart and mind.

He further explains the word as referring to troops stationed in a fort or city to defend and secure it. He says believers are the territory secured by the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ. God’s peace stands guard so that worry, stress, and anxiety cannot invade.

The Four Simple Steps to Living in Peace

Pastor Leonard summarizes Paul’s pathway to peace into four simple steps based on Philippians 4.

Philippians 4:4-7- "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Step one: Rejoice
He explains that it does not take work to rejoice. Believers can rejoice in the Father, in Jesus, and in the Holy Spirit who lives within them.

Step two: Pray
Believers can still bring their requests to God and talk to Him about their needs.

Step three: Give thanks
He shares that he constantly thanks God for salvation, for blessings, and for the many times God has come through for him and his family.

Step four: Peace
As believers rejoice, pray, and give thanks, they experience the peace of God. Paul, he says, could not have made it simpler.

Final Encouragement

Pastor Leonard closes by encouraging listeners to revisit his previous message about not “future tripping,” or worrying about the future. He assures them that the message will bless them.

He ends by expressing love and appreciation, thanking viewers for being “God’s hand extended,” and looking forward to the next time he and Pastor Lori will minister together.

We hope this article blessed you and helped you see the simple, powerful pathway to peace found in Christ. If this teaching encouraged your heart, share it with someone who needs peace today. Let the message of grace continue to spread and bring comfort to many.