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Learn how to overcome worry through faith by understanding its origins and effects. Discover the Bible's teachings on worry and practical steps to deal with it effectively.
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The Problems We Face • Many of the problems we face today are not new. Many have been around throughout history. • Yet, because man’s nature has not changed, the Bible deals with many of these problems. • And they can be overcome
The Problems We Face • Dealing with them is not easy to do. • It is easy to stand up and preach what we need to do, but anyone who has struggled with problems knows it is not easy! • But, if we are willing to follow God’s pattern, we can overcome whatever problems we face
THE CONCERN OF WORRY • Problems Christians Face Today (2)
What is Worry? • Origin – to choke or strangle • “To give way to anxiety or unease; allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles”worry, www.google.com, 6/13/17 • “A sense of uneasiness and anxiety about the future.” Dictionary of Bible Themes, Logos
The Problem with Worry • Physically – stress, high blood pressure, ulcers, headaches, sleep loss, even heart problems • Emotionally – depression, hopelessness, doubt, low self-worth. It can rob you of joy, peace and happiness.
The Problem with Worry • Relationships – Sullen moods and constant fretting unpleasant to be around. • Spiritually – worry can be sinful! When we become overly concerned, consumed with something, failure to deal with your problems, etc.
The Bible and Worry • Concern and apprehension are not wrong – • Jesus in the garden – Luke 22:44 • Paul and his concern for brethren – 2 Corinthians 11:28, 2:12-13 (even sleeplessness); 1 Thessalonians 3:5-7
The Bible and Worry • Worry – μεριμνάω (merimnaō) – used 5 times in Matthew 6:24-34 • 1 Corinthians 7:32-33 “cares” for one’s wife,… • 1 Corinthians 12:25 – in the body we have “the same care for you” • Philippians 2:20 – Timothy sent who sincerely cared for their state
The Bible and Worry • Worry is when reach that state where the thing begins to consume us and affect the way we behave and think • It can affect how we pray – James 1:5-7. Is our worry a lack of faith?
The Bible and Worry • Worry can waste our time • Only about 8-10% of what we worry about are genuine concerns • Most worry about 1) What will likely not happen2) What has already happened3) Something yet future4) What we cannot control • Ephesians 5:16
The Bible and Worry • Proverbs 12:25, Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad. • Psalm 94:19, In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.
The Bible and Worry • Matthew 13:22, the thorny soil is chocked by “the cares of this world” • Luke 10:41, Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things • Philippians 4:6-7, Be anxious for nothing…
The Bible and Worry • Matthew 6:24-34, Jesus taught us not to worry! • Vs. 24, You cannot serve 2 masters. This is where the trouble of worry often begins • Vs. 25, we are commanded no to worry, especially about your life – food and clothing! (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:10). Don’t obsess about these!
The Bible and Worry • Matthew 6:24-34, • Vs. 26, God takes care of birds. You are of more value than birds! • Vs. 27, Why worry about what you cannot change? • Vs. 28-30, God takes care of flowers and gives them splendor. He can clothe you as well.
The Bible and Worry • Matthew 6:24-34, • Vs. 30, O you of little faith. HERE, is the problem with worry. It shows a lack of trust in God. Typically, we worry because our faith is weak! We trust more in ourselves than in Him!
The Bible and Worry • Matthew 6:24-34, • Vs. 31-32, God knows what you need.So, don’t act like the world (that lacks faith in Him) • Vs. 33, instead, seek FIRST God’s kingdom. “And all these things shall be added to you”
The Bible and Worry • Matthew 6:24-34, • Vs. 34, don’t’ worry about tomorrow – you have enough to do and to concern you today!
Dealing with Worry • What am I doing to deal with it? 2 Corinthians 13:5.I need to honestly examine where I am and WHY I am worrying? Is it valid?Is it the 8% or the 92%? • Make up your mind! Ephesians 4:22-24, renewed in the spirit of your mind
Dealing with Worry • Change your behaviorIf what you are worrying about is something you can control, do it! • How often is our worry related to sinful behavior, lack of self-control and poor decisions? • If you are worrying about where you stand before God, chances are you need to change your behavior!
Dealing with Worry • Accept who you are(NOT sinful conduct), but whatever it is that you cannot change! (e.g. your height! • Learn to trust God He is in control. 1 Peter 5:7, Matthew 11:28-30, cf. Matthew 14:31, “why did you doubt?”
Dealing with Worry • Make Him your priorityMatthew 6:33, seek His kingdom first. Doing so will keep you focused on what is really important! 1 Corinthians 15:10 • Matthew 6:24 – if you seek to serve two masters, you will constantly be worried about both of them!
Dealing with Worry • Deal with todayMatthew 6:34, There is enough going on right now. Focus on what you can control right now. OFTEN, when we are dealing with a seemingly insurmountable problem, if we take it one step at a time, we will eventually overcome it. Do what you can today and let it go!
Dealing with Worry • Pray about itPhilippians 4:6-7, prayer is needed in everything we deal with!
Worry is something you CAN deal with! Keep pressing forward and NEVER give up!