2019 November – The challenge not to be anxious
The challenge not to be anxious
“Be anxious for nothing,” (Phil 4:6)
1. The word “anxious” in Greek can be translated as care or anxiety
a. Nothing wrong for us to care about things
b. But our care can become anxiety when we care unwisely
i. When we exclude God
ii. When we don’t pray
iii. When we don’t exercise faith
2. The command is given not to be anxious
3. Paul’s challenge was for the brethren not to be anxious even of one thing
The practice of prayer
“but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;” (Phil 4:6)
1. Prayer is to do something that is in contrast to being anxious
2. Prayer is part of the solution
a. To the problem of anxiety
b. Turning to prayer in all things
3. The different types of prayer
a. Prayer…to pray generally
b. Supplication…to make petition to the Lord with greater urgency and intensity
c. Thanksgiving…having the good grace to give thanks
4. The challenge for our request to be made known to God
a. To commit our anxieties to the Lord in prayer…to cast our cares to Him
b. Whatever the situation may be, let us pray
c. Whether thanksgiving or supplication, let us be challenged to pray