Topical Sermon: Be Anxious for Nothing (Part 2)

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:4-13

Part 1

Be Anxious for Nothing (Part 2)

Intro.

-Review Part 1-

III. OVERCOMING ANXIETY (Be anxious for nothing), Matt. 6:25; Phil. 4:6.

A. Arm Yourself with the Mind of Christ, 1 Pet. 4:1-2 (1:13).

1. Decide what is really important, Col. 3:1-3. (Prepare the mind.)

2. Jesus faced times where anxiety could have been overwhelming, but He prevailed with “godly fear” & obedience (Heb. 5:7-8).

3. Contrast mind of Christ with the “anxious mind” (Lk. 12:29):

a. Doubts arise in the heart (Lk. 24:38).

b. Produces agitation of spirit (1 Sam. 16:14-16, 23).

c. Disruption of relationships (with God, family, brethren, etc.).

B. Cast All Your Care upon the Lord, 1 Pet. 5:7 (Matt. 11:28-30).

-God’s treatment for anxiety addresses the soul.

1. By being humble, 1 Pet. 5:5-6 (Jas. 4:10). (Anxiety consumes us with ourselves; humility consumes us with God & others!)

2. By keeping the priorities of faith, Matt. 6:24-25, 30, 33.

3. Overcoming anxiety is not a balancing act; it is a complete surrender of self, Matt. 6:24-25; Mk. 4:18-19.

C. Solutions the Anxiety (distracting cares), Phil. 4:4-13:

1. Praise (worshiping God keeps right focus), Phil. 4:4.

2. Patience, Phil. 4:5a (graciousness, forbearance).

3. Preparation, Phil. 4:5b (Matt. 24:44).

4. Prayer, Phil. 4:6 (Psa. 6). (Result: Peace.)

5. Ponder, Phil. 4:8 (clearing the mind helps clear the soul), (Matt. 12:35; 15:18-20; Eph. 4:20-24; Rom. 12:2). Cf. Psa. 119:15

6. Practice your faith, Phil. 4:9 (5a).

7. Philanthropy, Phil. 4:10. Divert attention from self to others.

8. Power to cope & overcome is in Christ, Phil. 4:11-13.

D. Principles to Remember:

1. God is in charge (rules over all), Matt. 6:26, 30; Psa. 139:23.

2. There are many things we cannot change, Matt. 6:27; Lk. 12:25-26. Thus, Psa. 39:4. (Not an excuse but a context for decisions.)

a. Time & chance happens to us all (Eccl. 9:11).

b. The troubles of the world will always exist, cf. Mk. 4:19 (14:7).

3. You are accountable for yourself – not everyone else, Matt. 6:31-33.

a. You cannot “make” anyone else do what they ought to do.

b. Encourage, exhort, try to persuade, etc.; that’s it (2 Cor. 5:10).

4. You can’t change the past, Phil. 3:13-14.

a. But, you can repent of the sins of the past & remove anxiety over past sins, 2 Cor. 7:9-11 (no room for anxiety here…“clearing”!).

b. But, God can forgive the sins of the past (1 Tim. 1:13-15).

5. You can’t predict the future, Matt. 6:34.

a. Tomorrow may never come (Jas. 4:14).

b. If tomorrow comes, God will still be in charge, time & chance will still occur & you will still be responsible for yourself.

6. Don’t take it so personally! (cf. Elijah syndrome; “woe is me”); 2 Tim. 3:12; Matt. 5:10-12 (Heb. 11:32-40; 12:3-4).

Conclusion

1. Psa. 94:19 (12-13, 16-18): “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.”

2. Do not be distracted from God; it is your choice.