Do Not be Anxious
Good morning!
Today my message is entitled “Do Not be Anxious!”
As we continue our look at the book of Philippians, we see that we are to live with joy in all our circumstances. In fact, we are to shine that joy so bright that we light up the world around us. We are encouraged to trust God and not worry over everything. Our lives should show people that they can rely on God to work in their lives too.
Today we look at Philippians 4:2-9 NIV
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.
Ronald Brownrigg, in “Who’s Who in the New Testament”, tells us about these ladies: These two women were members in the Christian Church in Philippi and had been disagreeing and Paul heard about it, probably from Epaphroditus. 1
Lawrence Richards, The Bible Reader’s Companion states: This is not an intellectual agreement, but interpersonal harmony. How tragic when believers with similar commitments and goals of serving God can’t get along because of personality clashes. 2
3 Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Brownrigg shares that the “true yokefellow” might well be an Elder of the church or loyal “Syzygus” 3
The NIV study Bible adds this note: “the Book of Life is a divine ledger of all the citizens in the kingdom community.” 4
Revelation 20:12 NIV
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Psalm 97:12 NIV
Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name.
We are encouraged to rejoice always, in all things, because God is holy and righteous.
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Our lives should show the gentleness of God. People should see God in all we do. We live like this because God is near and soon Jesus will return.
Psalm 145:18 NIV
The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
James 5:8-9 NIV
8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
9 Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door.
Are you prepared for the return of Jesus? Have you set your heart on God and live your life like Jesus?
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Matthew 6:25, 33-34
25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?
33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
34 therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Ephesians 6:18 NIV
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Richardson shares this thought on verse 6: “This is one of the most memorized verses of Scripture. We can commit all our concerns to the Lord. We still care deeply about those things we pray for. But because we know God hears and cares too, we can care without being anxious. We thank God because we know that God has not only heard our request, but will send what is good. Because our prayers have been answered even as we pray, thanks are appropriate.” 5
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you, I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Richardson states: “this is the inner peace or sustaining confidence that God gives us when we pray with thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is an expression of assurance, and a reminder, that God has heard and will answer our prayer.” 6
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Richardson explains: “The Greek word here is logizomai, which implies concentrated, focused effort. 7
The NIV Study Bible explains this way: “Paul understood the influence of one’s thoughts on one’s life. What a person allows to occupy his mind will sooner or later determine his speech and his action.
The combination of virtues listed in verses 8-9 is sure to produce a wholesome thought pattern, which in turn will result in a life of moral and spiritual excellence.” 8
9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Richardson shares this thought: “When truth is communicated in words by those who model the lived meaning of those words, then and only then are they likely to be ‘put into practice.’ And only when we put God’s truth into practice will we sense the God of peace with us.” 9
Romans 12:1-2 NIV
1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
All of the book of Philippians leads us to how God wants us to live our lives. We need to focus on God and spend time in prayer and praise to God.
If we do this, we will not be anxious. Follow God’s will and be an example of Christ to the world around you. Our joy will be contagious, and others will find it too.
Let’s give God’s joy and love to all around us.
Let’s pray!
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