Tommy Walls' sermon focuses on themes of rejoicing, thanksgiving, and praise, drawing primarily from Philippians 4. He emphasizes the importance of continually giving thanks to God, particularly for salvation and God's mercies. The sermon examines thirteen key points from Philippians 4, including the exhortation to stand firm in the Lord, the call for unity among believers (using Yodia and Syntyche as examples), and the command to rejoice always in the Lord.
Walls also discusses living a life marked by reasonableness, contentment, and peace, underlining the necessity of not being anxious but instead presenting everything to God in prayer. He highlights the peace of God that surpasses understanding, and the instruction to focus on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable.
Contentment is a central theme, with the apostle Paul's example of learning to be content in every situation being explored. Walls underscores that contentment and peace come through Christ, who strengthens believers.
The sermon further reflects on God's providence and sovereignty, reassuring that God will supply every need of His people. It culminates in the assurance of salvation and eternal life, as indicated by one's name being written in the book of life, encouraging believers to live in a manner that thanks and glorifies God continuously. Walls uses this to encourage a lifestyle of rejoicing in the Lord, being thankful for all His mercies, and living in anticipation of the fulfillment of His promises.
