Topic: FREEDOM FROM WORRYING
Text: Phil. 4:6-7
Introduction:
The word “anxiety” in the N.T. is also translated as “worry or care”.
1. The word has a legitimate usage: ex. Being concerned for another’s needs, for the welfare of the church, or in pleasing the Lord.
2. However, legitimate concerns can be handled wrongly:
They may lead to fear
They may cause us to forget God, altering our perspective in life.
They may become frequent – causing us to be constantly anxious over the future.
In our text it is this needless anxiety that is being referred to.
Proposition: As believers, it is God’s will that we live a worry-free life.
Transitional statement: The passage gives us TWO DIRECTIVES in learning to live a worry-free life.
I. TAKE HEED TO THE PROHIBITION – v.6
Two facts about the prohibition: “ Be anxious for nothing”
A. THE CONCEPT BEHIND THE PROHIBITION
Interpretation
The statement “be anxious for nothing” is in the present imperative. This means that the action is already going on and it has to stop.
It can be translated: “Stop worrying”
We must understand that the Philippians were facing distressing problems (1:28; 3:1, 4:1).... that most probably contributed to their anxieties and worries.
Paul was telling them to stop worrying about these things.
Principle
Believers must set themselves free from worrying. Worrying is like a virus that needs to be eliminated.
Application:
Its time to come out of the rut of a life of worrying. You must get rid of worrying in your life.
It is not God’s will for you to worry at all.
This is a command not an option.
B. THE COVERAGE OF THE PROHIBITION- “be anxious FOR NOTHING”
Interpretation
The word nothing means “not even one”
Principle:
The believers must be completely (100%) free from worrying. Worrying must be totally eradicated.
Application
Is there anything in your life right now that is causing you to worry?
It might be physical, financial, emotional, or spiritual in nature.
God does not want you to worry about any of them.
God wants you to free yourself from worrying about any of these.
II. TURN TO GOD IN PRAYER – v.6b-7
What Paul is saying here is that, instead of worrying, the believers
should be praying. It was like saying– “Why worry when you can pray?”
This is how we can free ourselves from worrying – PRAY!
We find three things about prayer in this passage:
A. THE EXTENT OF PRAYER – “in everything”
Interpretation
The word “everything” meant every burden that caused them to worry (the presence of their enemies, the imprisonment of Paul, the disunity in the church, and every other thing that caused them anxiety).
Paul is saying to them that instead of worrying, they should pray.
Principle:
The believers must be praying instead of worrying. The best remedy for worrying is praying.
Application:
If there is something causing you to worry, why not tell God about it.
One hymn says: Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus…..
Quotation: “Talking to God about everything that concerns us is the first step to victory.” Warren Weirsbe
B. THE ELEMENTS OF PRAYER – “prayer, supplication, thanksgiving, requests”
These four terms explain to us what prayer is all about.
Interpretation
1. Prayer is Adoring God – this is the idea behind the word “prayer”. Prayer is about adoration, devotion and worship.
2. Prayer is an Acknowledgment of our needs – this is what “supplication” is about. Through prayer, we acknowledge that we have needs and problems.
3. Prayer is Appreciating God – This is what “thanksgiving” is about. This is appreciating God for His goodness.
4. Prayer is Asking God for specific needs – this is what the word “request” is about. It indicates the thing being asked.
Principles: Prayer is the best medicine for worrying. It frees a person from worrying by turning over his worries to God. It has a liberating effect.
Application:
1. When you find yourselves worrying, the best thing to do is to get alone with God and adore Him.
By adoring God, you will be able to see His greatness.
Your realization of who God is will be your best remedy for worrying.
2. Instead of worrying, why not acknowledge your needs and make them known to God.
I Peter 5:7 says: Casting all your cares upon him for He cares for you.
This is the best remedy for worrying.
3. Instead of worrying why not focus your mind on the goodness of God. Thank Him for the past blessings and future promises.
The best remedy for worrying is having a thankful attitude for everything that comes and happens in life.
4. Instead of worrying, why not come to God in prayer and tell Him specifically the objects of your worries.
For sure, it will release you of the burden of worrying.
C. THE EFFECT OF PRAYER – v. 7 “the peace of God”
Peace here refers to inner tranquility or calmness in spite of adversity. This refers to the result of prayer.
When we have worries and we start to turn them over to God in prayer, then we experience an inner peace/calmness.
“The peace here particularly referred to is that which is felt when we have no anxious care about the supply of our wants, and when we go confidently and commit everything into the hands of God” (Barnes)
Three facts about this peace:
1. The derivation of this peace – “peace of God”
Interpretation
This peace comes from God. No human being can bestow this. No human doings (counseling, helps) can produce this.
Principle
Only God can give inner peace to a believer who prays in times of worries.
Application:
When you worry, it produces troubles and discouragement in your hearts. But when you pray, you experience an inner peace that only God can give. Even in the midst of worries!
2. The description of this peace – “surpasses all understanding”
Interpretation
It is a kind peace that is beyond human comprehension.
Barnes comments: “That is, which surpasses all that men had conceived or imagined. The expression is one that denotes that the peace imparted is of the highest possible kind. The Christian, committing his way to God, and feeling that HE will order all things aright, has a peace which is nowhere else known. Nothing else will furnish it but religion. No confidence that a man can have in his own powers; no reliance which he can repose on his own plans or on the promises or fidelity of his fellow-men, and no calculations which he can make on the course of events, can impart such peace to the soul as simple confidence in God.”
Principle
The peace of God that a believer experiences as a result of prayer is beyond human understanding. It is above and beyond whatever men can conceive, imagine, and do.
Application:
This is the kind of peace that God lets you experience when you pray in times of worries.
A peace of the highest level…. Experiencing it but not fully comprehending it.
3. The design of this peace
Interpretation
What does it do? “It will guard your mind and heart”
The word guard is a military term which means “to keep watch over, hence, to protect”. Literally it means “to garrison”.
The idea is, that by thus making our requests known to God, and going to Him in view of all our trials and wants, the mind would be preserved from distressing anxiety.(Barnes)
Principle:
God’s peace in a believer’s life will guard his mind and his heart from worrying.
Application:
When you entrust to God your worries, God allows you to experience His peace.
When you have this peace, it will preserve and protect your mind and your heart. It will protect your mind from negative thoughts and your heart from frustration and discouragement.
Many Christians today do not experience this peace because they allow worries to overpower them..
This should not be so with you.
CONCLUSION:
Here is the key to a free-worry life:
Stop worrying (about anything), Start praying (for everything)!
Remember: Why worry when you can pray?
