Sermon Application Questions:

1. How did Paul model joy, prayer, and thanksgiving? (Phil. 1:3–26; 4:4-9)
2. Why should a Christian be joyful always? Give as many reasons as you can.
3. How can you develop your prayer life and that of your family and friends?
4. Why is prayer essential, what stifles it, and what fosters it?
5. How can the complainers you know be encouraged to be more thankful and cultivate gratefulness?
6. Was it a surprise to you that the three statements in these verses are actually imperative commands? How does that change the way you view them?
7. Discuss this comment: “Every imperative command in the New Testament directed to believers is God’s will for believers.”