Title: “The Answer for Anxiety”
Theme: “God has a stimulus plan for his children!!!”
Text: “Philippians 4: 19”
(Phl 4:19 KJV)
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
I - The Confident Report “Our Secret Source”
“Unrivaled in his Realm & Position”
*MY Partner in the Midst of Anxiety*
A) Consider God’s Intimate Name
“Worthy of a Personal Relation”
B) Consider God’s Infamous Notoriety
“Worthy of a Phenomenal Recognition”
II - The Competent Reassurance “Our Sure Supply”
“Unrivaled in his Record & Portfolio”
*My Provision in the Midst of Anxiety*
A) Word of Pointed Affirmation from one’s Pen
“Definitive in this Claim”
B) Windows of Proven Acclimation from one’s Past
“Declarative in this Concept”
III - The Commitment Recorded “Our Somber Standard”
“Unrivaled in his Riches & Potential”
*My Provider in the Midst of Anxiety*
A) Compelling Fortune that is Unequalled
“Truthfully Validated”
B) Competent Facilitator that is Unblemished
“Faithfully Facilitated”
Illustration Answer for Anxieties
Senior vice-presidents and portfolio managers of Kopp Investment Advisors, when asked about their advice for investing in high-tech stocks, responded with the same advice nearly all investment advisors would give: "While we believe that investing in technology stocks provides investors with enormous upside potential, we caution that the inherent volatility requires investors to have longer investment time horizons--and stronger stomachs--in order to weather the dramatic ups and downs that are typical for stocks in this group . . .
"Think long-term ... and don't panic.
"Anyone who invests in technology stocks should have an investment horizon of at least five years . . . He/she also should be firmly committed to the stocks being purchased."
The same can be said about the situation of believers, as we attempt to live out our faith and remain committed to Christ in the face of constant temptations, setbacks, struggles, tears, trials... The only advice that will truly sustain us is: Think Long-Term! And don't panic! Be firmly committed to that in which you've placed your stock.
Source: Source: Bottom Line/Personal, 10/15/
Title: “The Answer for Anxiety”
Theme: “God has a stimulus plan for his children!!!”
Text: “Philippians 4: 19”
(Phl 4:19 KJV)
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
We as Christians need not worry due to the difficulties of this life. It is not meant for us to be anxious and worried; God has already assured us of his excellent supply. We are not in this thing on our own accord; we have a secret source that is inexhaustible.
God promises to provide us with an unlimited stimulus package. We can be assured fully rely upon his plan and his awesome abundant provision.
II - The Competent Reassurance “Our Sure Supply”
In this portion of our text “shall supply all your need” we notice that Paul is making a definitive statement. The declaration is made with the utmost reassurance that God will see to our needs. It was reassuring to know that Paul said God shall, not that God might or hopefully he can; but the God shall.
In writing this awesome verse, Paul places complete trust in his God. It is reassuring to know that our Lord promises to fully meet all of our needs. In making this statement Paul is reassured by what he had already saw the Lord do for his needs. If we would be honest we could all testify on how good God has been to us.
The best way to judge someone is to understand how they have acted in previous specific situations. It would have been easy for Paul to encourage the church at Philippi because he fully understood how God had mightily performed in taking care of his numerous needs.
Paul was living proof of the good hand of God. The mighty hand of God was constantly working on his behalf.
A young student on a group tour of Washington, D.C., stayed behind atop the Washington Monument so that he might enjoy the view for a few extra minutes. At 5:15, when he turned to ride the elevator down, he noticed for the first time a sign which stated that the elevator stopped running at 5:00. He raced down the steps and discovered that the doors had been locked. He shouted for help. For three hours he pounded on the door and screamed for someone on the outside, but to no avail!
At about 8:30, the exhausted and terrified young man took another look around him, and noticed … a telephone. Sheepishly, he picked up the phone—which, of course, had been there all along!—and dialed for help, and was released from the building within minutes.
Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." How many times do we plunge forward in panic because we have overlooked our most obvious Source of help?
Source: W. Wayne Price. "Proclaim," 1980 #2, p. 36.
“Unrivaled in his Record & Portfolio”
*My Provision in the Midst of Anxiety*
I want to offer you a word of hope and reassurance in listening to this sermon. Our Lord is unrivaled in his awesome record and portfolio. If we were to dig into his past, we would find it to be unblemished and spotless. In researching his record we find it pure and holy.
As we embark upon our journey today, we can find the answer for anxiety in knowing that God is our sure supply and an adequate provider. One can find calm in the midst of calamity in knowing that God will stand alongside in the midst of anxiety and crisis.
You do not have to rely upon your intellectual wisdom or upon your physical abilities. When all of your resources have been depleted and the barrel looks utterly hopeless you can fully rely upon God. Paul had peaceful assurance in the adequacy of his God’s sure supply. It is reassuring to each of us to know that God is a God that can and is absolutely unlimited in his ability.
There was a seasoned woodsman who was accustomed to cutting the wood the traditional way, with his manual handsaw. He had no use for "newfangled" technology. But when a local hardware shopkeeper told him of a power saw that could cut 10 cords of wood per day, the aging woodsman decided to give it a try. The next day the woodsman returned to the hardware store, tired, sweaty and visibly upset. "You said this thing would cut 10 cords of wood a day," he told the shopkeeper. "I worked til I was blue in the face but could only cut five."
"That can't be," replied the shopkeeper. "Let's see what the problem is." He took the power saw, inspected it closely, then flipped the power switch.
The woodsman looked at it, and said, "What's that noise?" . . .
That "noise" is the power. We exert tons of our own energy, but we fail to flip the switch. The Christian faith has its own power source and his name is Jesus. And yet, He is more than our power source. He is our identity. He is our life.
Source: New Man, Nov/Dec 1996, p. 10
A) Word of Pointed Affirmation from one’s Pen
“Definitive in this Claim”
1 - The Unfathomable Vastness of this Claim
1 Kings 17:13-16
13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. 14 For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” 15 And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.
Psalm 37:25
25 I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.
Matthew
25 I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken
or his children begging for bread.
Matthew 6:31-32
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
Matthew 7:11
11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Luke 12:7
7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
John 21:6
6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.
2 Corinthians 9:8
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work
(Psa 107:1 KJV)
O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
(Psa 107:2 KJV)
Let the redeemed of the LORD say [so], whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
(Psa 31:19 KJV)
[Oh] how great [is] thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; [which] thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
(Psa 31:20 KJV)
Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
(Psa 31:21 KJV)
Blessed [be] the LORD: for he hath shewed me his marvellous kindness in a strong city.
(Psa 31:22 KJV)
For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.
(Psa 31:23 KJV)
O love the LORD, all ye his saints: [for] the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
(Psa 31:24 KJV)
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
(Exd 33:19 KJV)
And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.
(Psa 84:11 KJV)
For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
(Psa 34:8 KJV)
O taste and see that the LORD [is] good: blessed [is] the man [that] trusteth in him.
(Psa 34:9 KJV)
O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for [there is] no want to them that fear him.
2 - The Undeniable Value of this Claim
Illustration “The Value of Knowing the Pilot”
Long ago two boys on the banks of the Mississippi River watched a mighty paddle wheeler majestically move down the river. As it drew near, one boy laid down his fishing pole and began to wave frantically and yell. The other lad scorned the effort of his friend to get the attention of the paddle wheeler, but suddenly the giant vessel began to slow down and then turned toward the bank.
In amazement, the second boy wondered aloud how his friend could possibly flag down a massive paddle wheeler. The excited boy simply told his bewildered friend: "My father is the pilot."
We, too, have confidence that our Father will respond to our petitions.
Source: "Proclaim," 1983 #4, p. 15
Illustration “Trusting one’s Father
There was a group of Botanists who were searching for a rare flower in the Himalayas. Upon finding the desired plant on the side of a steep cliff, they offered a bribe to a young boy if he would let them lower him over the cliff to retrieve the plant.
The young boy told the botanists to wait a few minutes and he ran home. He returned a little while later with an older man and said that, if they let his father hold onto the rope, he would permit them lower him over the side of the cliff.
So it ought to be with our Christian lives. As long as God has a hold onto the rope, we ought to faithfully follow his will for our lives with complete confidence that he will not let us go…
Source: unknown
There is wonderful value in know that our God shall provide all that we need. This has been proven time and time again personally in my life and corporately in the lives of those that I have ministered to.
It is so calming to know that Paul wrote this without any hesitation or reservation. The promises of God are as relevant today as when they were first given.
In the midst of one’s trying and harrowing situation you can find peaceful calm in know that God has promised to be there for you. We must understand that his ways are not our ways but he is uniquely dependable and overwhelmingly spotless in his record.
B) Windows of Proven Acclimation from one’s Past
“Declarative in this Concept”
1 - Acclimation Concerning the Evidence
of God’s Sure Supply
2 - Acclimation Concerning the Excellence
of God’s Sure Supply
Illustration “Proven Time & Time Again”
A minister, who had accepted a call to another church, was discussing the terms of his ministry with the chairman of the Church Council. "Will the church pay for my hospital insurance?" he asked.
"I'm afraid that will have to be deducted from your check," said the chairman.
"I see," said the new minister. "The LAST place I ministered, the CHURCH paid for it."
"Did they pay for your life insurance, too?" asked the chairman.
"Indeed they did," said the minister. "Half a million dollars's life cover. And not only that. I got unlimited sick leave, six months' furlough, six weeks' holiday, a thirteenth check, three-weekly Sundays off, severance pay..."
"Then why did you leave such a perfect place?" the chairman asked.
The minister shrugged his shoulders, and said: "The church went bankrupt!"
Illustration “We can have it all”
"Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.
The widowed elder man looked on with satisfaction as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son’s trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed, the young man had been killed while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic.
Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season, that he and his son had so looked forward to, would visit his house no longer.
On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a soldier with a large package in his hands.
He introduced himself to the man by saying, "I was a friend of your son. I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you."
As the two began to talk, the soldier told of how the man’s son had told everyone of his, not to mention his father’s, love of fine art. "I am an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this."
As the old man un-wrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man’s son. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man’s face in striking detail. Overcome with emotion, the old man thanked the soldier, proposing to hang the picture above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars worth of art. His task completed, the old man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.
During the days and weeks that followed, the man realized that even though his son was no longer with him, the boy’s life would live on because of those he had touched. He would soon learn that his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers before a bullet stilled his caring heart. As the stories of his son’s gallantry continued to reach him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to ease his grief. The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession, far eclipsing any interest in the pieces for which museums around the world clamored. He told his neighbors it was the greatest gift he had ever received.
The man passed away, and the day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world’s most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim, "I have the greatest collection."
The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening bid, but the room was silent. "Who will open the bidding with $100," he asked. Minutes passed, and no one spoke. From the back of the room came a voice, "Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son." "Let’s forget about it and move on to the good stuff," more voices echoed in agreement.
"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now, who will take the son?" Finally, a neighbor of the old man spoke. "Will you take ten dollars for the painting? That’s all I have. I knew the boy, so I ’d like to have it."
"I have ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?" called the auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice . . . gone." The gavel fell.
Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and we can bid on the real treasures!"
Yet, the auctioneer looked at the audience and announced … that the auction was over.
Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean, it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old guy’s son. What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars worth of art here! I demand that you explain what is going on!"
The auctioneer replied, "It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son . . . gets it all."
The heavenly Father, who saw his Son go away and give his life rescuing others, has likewise willed: Whoever takes the Son will get it all."
Source: Unknown
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