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BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING

Text: Philippians 4
23 May 2021

ANXIETY EXPERIENCED

Covid-19 rages on in some countries. Thousands die daily! Hundreds of thousands are infected daily too! How can we not feel anxious in a pandemic that has lasted for more than a year?

The problems that the Apostle Paul faced may have been different, but his word of advice continues to hold true.

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.     Philippians 4:4-7

SIGNIFICANT PRINCIPLES

Paul listed some principles that he practised in his own life and ministry to share with the Philippian Church!

  1. The practice of “Rejoicing”

a) This was obviously a very real part of Paul’s life

b) He wrote about Rejoicing in the Lord

i) Though he was in prison

ii) Though people sought to do him harm

c) Paul chose to rejoice than to give in to feelings of anxiety

  1. The practice of “Gentleness”

a) Gentleness was a way of life

b) He was gentle in leading people in ministry

c) This was his alternative to anxiety

d) Rejoicing and Gentleness went well for the Apostle Paul

  1. The practice of “Sensing the Nearness of the Lord”

a) This was a major part of Paul’s life and ministry

i) He lived for the Lord

ii) He was prepared to die for Him too

b) Obviously, this principle and practice stood him in good stead against anxiety

  1. The practice of Praying

a) Paul cultivated his prayer life carefully

b) This was evident in all his writings

c) He would pray for the churches and members

d) This was another principle and practice that enabled him to remain focused

OUR CHALLENGE

Let us be challenged to cultivate good principles and practices in our life too. These four principles and practices will stand us in good stead as we face many anxieties in the world today!