Winning Over Worry Series

Winning Over Worry

Philippians 4:6,7

Introduction:

Underline phrase: “Be careful for nothing…”

“Careful” = is not saying there are not times that require us to be cautious or that I am to never have legitimate concern – to be filled with care – describes an anxious and worrisome heart.

Word = carries the idea of being pulled in different directions – when worry overtakes us it seems our insides are being pulled apart.

Worry = like fighting a war on two fronts – our minds are divided bet legitimate thoughts & destructive thoughts… hearts are divided bet legitimate feelings and destructive feelings.

Worry = English word – (lit) to strangle – worry will strangle the life out of you… Satan love nothing more than to set up a stronghold of worry in our lives to rob us of our joy, peace, contentment, faith… causing us to abandon our trust in the One who commanded us to cast all of our care upon Him.

Matthew 6:25-34 = 3x’s Jesus says – “Don’t worry” (vv.25,31,34)

? Necessities of life (v.25) – food & clothing… God is not just our Creator, He is our Sustainer; not just our Redeemer but also our Provider!

? Tomorrow (v.34)

? Dying (v.27; John 14:1-3)

? Headlines

Mark 13:7 – “And when ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.”

Quote: Basketball Coach Rick Majerus once quipped, “they talk about the economy, well my hairline is in recession, my waistline is in inflation, and I am altogether in depression.

Jesus = (v.30) links a worrisome & anxious heart to a lack of faith.

Heb. 11:6 – faith pleases God – so a lack of faith displeases God!

Quote: George W. Truett – described, “worry as a mild form of atheism.”

It’s not that we do not believe that there is God; we just live as if He doesn’t exist!

Worry = more than a psychological label “anxiety disorder” – SIN!

It is a sin against our Heavenly Father who loves us and has promised to care for us!

1John 5:4 – “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:” = good news for living in a worry filled world.

Christian = we are Overcomers! You can win over worry!!

1. Make Everyday a Joyful Day!

Look: Phil. 4:4 – more than just the mantra, “Don’t worry, Be happy!”

Happiness = comes from what happens to you – can’t control it.

Joy = comes from what happened in you!

Isaiah 12:3 – “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”

John 15:11 – “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

Joy & Peace = go together – like peanut butter & Jelly; they are two sides of the same coin.

John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Gal. 5:22 – both part of the 9-fold cluster of the Spirit’s fruit – love, joy, peace.

Phil. 4:4

“Alway” = in all times or every season.

“Rejoice” = a command but it is also a choice!

Paul = wrote these words he wasn’t sitting in a luxury condo overlooking the Med Sea while catching the evening breeze and sipping on coconut drinks…

Prison = unsure of the outcome – live or die – not one hint of anxiety or worry about the future… writes to them a letter saturated with joy.

Joy/Rejoicing = mentioned 19x’s – 4x’s in chapt. 4 alone.

Book of Philippians is the pathway to a joyful life.

We may not be able to rejoice in every circumstance, but we can always rejoice in the Lord…

A. His Presence (5)

“Moderation” = gentleness of spirit, a sweet reasonableness – instead of having a bitter spirit we are to have a sweet spirit or a joyful spirit.

Why? (V.4) – “the Lord is at hand” = to be near at hand… speaks of the closeness of His presence. In His presence is fullness of joy!

Psalm 34:18 - The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Psalm 119:151 – “Thou art near, O LORD.”

Matt. 28:20 – “And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”

Phil. 4:9e – “…and the God of peace shall be with you.”

No matter how dark the night, how steep the path, how deep the valley you can rejoice because the Lord is with you!

Quote: “Peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Jesus.”