The Secret of Victory Over Worry

Topic: Worry
Passage: Philippians 4:1–7

December 18, 2019

Commentary

Paul starts off by telling the people how much he loves them and longs to see them (v. 1). He then tells two women in the Church to stop arguing (v.  2) and for others to help them (vv. 3-5). Paul takes time in this chapter to explain how we can have victory over another joy robber, worry . (vv. 6-9). What is worry?  It is when our hopes are pulled in one direction, our fears are pulled in the opposite direction, and we are pulled apart. It is a fact that worry has definite physical consequences such as headaches, neck pains, ulcers and even back pains. From the spiritual point of view, worry is wrong thinking (the mind) and wrong feeling (the heart) about people, circumstances and things. The only way to conquer worry is for us to meet the conditions that God has laid down in His Word:

  1. Right Praying (vv. 6,7) – When we find ourselves worrying, the first thing we should do is get alone with God. “ Most of us tend to pray about the “big things” in life and neglect to pray about the “small things” until they grow and become “big things.”
  2. Right Thinking (v. 8) – II Corinthians 10:5 says, “casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalth itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” This consists of the things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report with virtue and praise.
  3. Right Living (v. 9) – James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the Word, and not hears only.” We can not separate our outward action from our inward attitude. The apostle Paul not only taught the Word but lived it so his listeners could see the truth in his life.

Application

There is no need to worry! Worry is a sin!  I need to take time to read Matt. 6:24-34 again and apply it in my life.

Philippians 4:1– 7 (NET)

1 So then, my brothers and sisters, dear friends whom I long to see, my joy and crown, stand in the Lord in this way, my dear friends!

2 I appeal to Euodia and to Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I say also to you, true companion, help them. They have struggled together in the gospel ministry along with me and Clement and my other coworkers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! 5 Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! 6 Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.