Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. Anxiety

a. A very real problem

b. Both the young and the old experience anxiety

c. When the health of loved ones deteriorates, we can be anxious

2. We can draw encouragement and guidance from the Scriptures

a. Philippians 4:6-9 is a text that I have memorized and recently it has helped very much

b. Please allow me to share this text with you this morning

ACKNOWLEDGING THE PROBLEM OF BEING ANXIOUS

1. Paul cared very much for the Philippians and they shared a close relationship   (Philippians 4:1)

2. He wanted to help them because being anxious can affect the heart and mind badly

a. Though there were challenges the Philippian church faced

b. They were to choose to stop being anxious

c. They were to be anxious for absolutely nothing   (Philippians 4:6a)

ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM OF BEING ANXIOUS

1. Pray   (Philippians 4:6b)

a. They were encouraged to pray to God instead of worrying about their needs

i. Humbly bring requests before God

ii. Continually bringing our concerns to God in every situation

iii. With thanksgiving

b. They were able to pray to God because of their faith

i. They were in Christ Jesus   (Philippians 1:1)

ii. God was their Father in heaven   (Philippians 1:2)

2. Fill their minds with good things   (Philippians 4:8)

a. Paul listed many things which he considered good and wholesome

b. They were to keep their minds healthy and strong by dwelling on these things

c. Paul’s teachings and writings were sources of good and wholesome content

3. Follow good examples (Philippians 4:9a)

a. Paul was someone who faced the challenges of life with faith

i. With prayer

ii. With God’s word

b. The Philippians were encouraged to practise how he faced challenges

BEING ASSURED OF THE PROMISES OF GOD

1. The promise of God’s peace   (Philippians 4:7)

a. This is a peace which cannot be understood in fullness

b. But this is a very real peace

i. We can experience it in our lives

ii. The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus

2. The promise of God’s presence   (Philippians 4:9b)

a. Even greater still, God will be present with us

b. God promises to be with us when we go through troubles in life that make us anxious

APPLICATION TO THE BILINGUAL BRETHREN

1. We are encouraged to make the choice to stop being anxious

2. We can apply our faith when certain matters threaten to make us anxious

a. Letting our heavenly Father know of our requests as we pray to Him

b. Memorize God’s word and constantly think about them

c. Following the good example of those who have faced challenges with faith

3. Let us draw tremendous assurance and hope from God’s peace and God’s presence