The church of Christ   At Granby, MO

Bobby Stafford Be Anxious For Nothing Sermon Series on the Book of Philippians Philippians 4:6-8, Lesson 11       Philippians Be Anxious for Nothing Introduction: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” (Proverbs 23:7a)  This verse stresses the importance of our thoughts.  This is an area many struggle with, including me.  The mind leads our actions.  (Romans 8:5-6) “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.“ NKJV  Satan is fully aware of this.  He knows the mind is the battlefield.  That’s where he will defeat us or we will defeat him.  (II Corinthians 10:4-5) “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,” NKJV  Yes, there is a war going on right now.  It is in our minds.  How can we win this war?  The answer is in the Word. Text:  Philippians 4:6-8  “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.  Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” NKJV Body: I.  Be Anxious for Nothing ·  Anxiety is the enemy of faith; it is the opposite of trust.  Anxiety is worry without purpose.  Anxiety can have many causes. o  We should not worry about sins already forgiven. o  We should not worry about necessities of life.  (Matthew 6:33) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” NKJV o  We should not worry about those who have passed away.  §  If faithful, they are in paradise.  “The Rich Man and Lazarus” §  If not, there is nothing we can do to help them.  “Great gulf” o  We should not worry about death.  (Psalm 23:4) “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” NKJV ·  Trust helps us to not be constantly afraid.  (Psalm 56:3-4) “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.  In God (I will praise His word).  In God I have put my trust; I will not fear.  What can flesh do to me?” NKJV   II.  Let Your Requests Be Known to God ·  Prayers and supplications emphasize our dependence upon God and the blessing of asking God to help us.  (I Peter 5:7) “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” NKJV ·  With thanksgiving, we have a sense of gratitude that will help rid us of anxiety. ·  The result of our praying is peace which is being free of anxiety, the opposite of a fearful, apprehensive mind.  (John 14:27) “Peace I leave with you.  My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” NKJV  (John 16:33) “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer.  I have overcome the world.” NKJV ·  Peace of God will “guard” our hearts. It stands as a sentinel to keep our mind protected from anything that would cause anxiety.  This is done through Christ.   III.  Meditate on These Things ·  To keep anxiety out, meditate – think on – dwell on certain matters: o  True things – Make sure what we’re thinking about in every avenue of life, is indeed true [real], not just our imaginations running wild.  “Unconcealed” o  Noble things – Honorable, dignified o  Just – There are no degrees, things are either just or unjust.  Focus on justice, treating people fairly.  (Micah 6:8) “He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” NKJV o  Pure – That which is not contaminated.  Holy is from the same root word.  Contaminated doctrine cannot be considered pure. o  Lovely things – They are opposite of severe, unkind, stern, harsh things, including all things beautiful.  [Consider if these are lovely: TV, music, books, video games, friends] o  Things of good report – They should be pleasant, gracious, courteous, respectful.  [Conduct that is spoken highly of] ·  Think on – Meditate on – These six things only!  Philippians 4:6-8  (Psalm 101:2b-3a) “I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.  I will set nothing wicked before my eyes.” NKJV o  “If” – Not doubtful, but think only on things virtuous and praiseworthy. o  “Virtue” – Moral excellence, moral courage, standing for what is right. o  “Praiseworthy” – All that is worthy in God’s sight. Conclusion: A war is going on in our minds.  It is one that we can win by aligning our thoughts with God’s Word and using the Word to cast down everything that exalts itself above God, bringing every thought into captivity.   Bobby Stafford  June 2, 2019  Series on Philippians:  Lesson 11