ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING
His Life Ministries August 2023 series
Main Verse:
Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Philippians 4:4-7 NKJV
Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Series Overview
When one considers the future, one may experience a range of emotions, including excitement and anxiety. When you think about what the next day will bring, you can't help but feel excited about finally achieving your goal. On the other hand, being worried about the future is not the only possible feeling you may have; yet, it is the feeling most people have whenever they consider the future.
When one considers the future, one may experience a range of emotions, including excitement and anxiety. When you think about what the next day will bring, you can't help but feel excited about finally achieving your goal. On the other hand, being worried about the future is not the only possible feeling you may have; yet, it is the feeling most people have whenever they consider the future.
Because of the unpredictability of the world, their answer is logical and makes perfect sense.
No one has seen the end, and nothing stays the same for long.
In light of these many factors, the unpredictability of the future is the primary factor contributing to feelings of anxiety. Living in the here and now while keeping one's eye on the future may encourage a person to consider various concerns regarding the future, including whether or if reconciliation is still possible. I've got a lot of dreams and aspirations for myself, but I'm not sure if I'll ever get there.
Is there even a remote possibility that my family may one day be reunited?
I can't help but wonder if God still has my wedding in mind for the future.
Anxiety affects everyone differently.
Remembering that some people face problems that others can't see is crucial.
If you don't realize you're anxious, it's hard to make decisions and focus.
It's hard to decide if you don't know you're eager.
While it is of the utmost significance to recognize that future events are not beyond our control, it is also helpful to understand how worry affects our day-to-day lives. Giving it control of our lives will eventually deprive us of the joy we were accustomed to having. It will cause our expectations to be called into question. And by submitting to their authority, we invite sadness and depression into our lives.
And this brings us to the crux of our August series, "Anxious for Nothing."
It seeks to determine the source of worry and, more importantly, to provide us with a biblical understanding of the topic. The series will not in any way downplay a person's physical makeup's role in their anxiety. However, its primary objective is to equip every person who hears it and believes in Jesus Christ with the ability to confront and overcome worry by employing the Word of God as their primary and most effective weapon. And in this way, one will understand what it is to live confidently in a chaotic world.
Commentary on Philippians 4:4-7
(from workingpreacher.org)
The passage before us (Philippians 4:4-7) comes in the context of an awareness that some of those who have not only begun well but have journeyed well and struggled for the gospel now appear to be having second thoughts. Perhaps they are counting the cost of following Jesus, hesitating, and even contemplating turning back.
Perspective, purpose, and pressing on
Earlier, Paul has reflected on his own experience and has shared vital factors in what it means to "stand firm" (Philippians 4:1). Paul has had to change his perspective on life, now acknowledging that he considers all things as loss compared to the great value of knowing Christ (3:8).
Perspective, purpose, and pressing on
Earlier, Paul has reflected on his own experience and has shared vital factors in what it means to "stand firm" (Philippians 4:1). Paul has had to change his perspective on life, now acknowledging that he considers all things as loss compared to the great value of knowing Christ (3:8).
Paul's central purpose is now that he should know Christ and ultimately to attain to the resurrection from the dead (3:10-11). And third, Paul emphasizes the need to 'press on' (3:12, 14) 'for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.'
"Stand firm"
Now, Paul directly addresses the believing community in Philippi and encourages them to "stand firm in the Lord in this way" (Philippians 4:1). In particular, he addresses two women, Euodia and Syntyche. These two women have "struggled … in the work of the gospel" (4:3) alongside Paul, but now Paul has had to encourage them to "be of the same mind" (4:2), that is, to commit themselves again to follow his example" — found in chapter three — to "stand firm." Many commentators assume that Euodia and Syntyche have disagreed with one another and that this is the fundamental issue Paul is addressing. But the context suggests that it is far more likely that they have stepped back from the challenge of discipleship, and no longer hold to the principles found in Paul's example of perspective, purpose, and pressing on.
So, for those struggling in discipleship; for those who are reconsidering their commitment to walk the way of Christ, and those who no longer want to take up their cross daily and to love regardless of the cost, what does our passage have to say?
Now, Paul directly addresses the believing community in Philippi and encourages them to "stand firm in the Lord in this way" (Philippians 4:1). In particular, he addresses two women, Euodia and Syntyche. These two women have "struggled … in the work of the gospel" (4:3) alongside Paul, but now Paul has had to encourage them to "be of the same mind" (4:2), that is, to commit themselves again to follow his example" — found in chapter three — to "stand firm." Many commentators assume that Euodia and Syntyche have disagreed with one another and that this is the fundamental issue Paul is addressing. But the context suggests that it is far more likely that they have stepped back from the challenge of discipleship, and no longer hold to the principles found in Paul's example of perspective, purpose, and pressing on.
So, for those struggling in discipleship; for those who are reconsidering their commitment to walk the way of Christ, and those who no longer want to take up their cross daily and to love regardless of the cost, what does our passage have to say?
First, hold on to the joy to be found in God (Philippians 4:4).
Paul specifically encourages all ....
PRAYER GUIDE HERE
August 2023
Prayer Points
1
PRAY that our PREACHING and TEACHING series for August will bring healing and deliverance in Christ for those who are suffering with ANXIETY.
2
PRAY for a Special Ministry that will arise at HLM, a ministry that will help those who are struggling with
Mental Health Issues.
3
PRAY that during our SWE and Life Group Meetings, ANXIETY disorders will be addressed and wellness in Christ Jesus will be made manifest.
4
PRAY that FAMILIES will be a help and a blessing to other FAMILIES undergoing hardships in life.
5
PRAY for stories and TESTIMONIES of breaking free from anxiety with the supernatural help of God be shared
and documented.
6
PRAY for our Nation the Philippines and her Elected Officials who are BELIEVERS to be bowing down to Biblical righteousness without fear or anxiety.
7
PRAY for the On-Going BUILDING PROGRAM we have at the Julius Hall.
8
PRAY for REVIVAL and for HARVEST EVANGELISM and INTENTIONAL DISCIPLEMAKING to take place
in all our NETWORKS.
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