1. If anyone
had reason to be anxious, it was Paul.
a) Certain
preachers in Rome were filled with envy and strife and were "out to get
Paul" – Philippians 1:15.
b) Paul was
in prison, waiting for his trial and possible execution when he wrote his
letter to the Philippians.
2. Paul knew
the solution to worry as recorded in Philippians 4:6-7.
I. The
problem – undue care, anxiety (4:6).
A. The word
translated "careful" is translated from a word that means
"anxious" or "full of concern over the future." While
all of us should be concerned about our future, the word here used refers to
a concern that pulls us in two different directions, a distracting concern
(Vines New Testament Word Study).
B. The
scriptures admonish us against undue care, or anxiety – Matthew 6:25-34.
II. The
solution – prayer (4:6).
A. In every
thing. We often have a tendency to pray about the "big things" but
neglect to pray about the "small things." (Perhaps this is why
many "small things" become "big.")
B. We are
to let our requests be made known unto God – I Peter 5:7. Because prayer
is a form of adoration to God, prayer reminds us that God is big enough to
deal with those things we cannot deal with alone.
III. The
result – peace (4:7).
A. Men seek
peace in a number of ways:
1.
Alcohol.
2. Use of
illicit drugs.
3.
Suicide.
4. Place
blame for their problems on God.
B. True,
genuine peace can only come from God.
1. A
peace that passeth all understanding.
2. Will
keep (guard) your hearts. A military term indicating God will guard our
hearts from the intrusion of anxiety, fear, and worry.
3. Notice
that this protection is in and through Christ.
