The secret of a mind set free of anxiety

A study from Philippians chapter 4 on the subject of anxiety; what does the bible have to say on overcoming anxiety, gaining victory over our worry and fears? 

In this message I am not  attempting to give a lecture; but trying more to paint a picture! The picture I have in mind is  that of Matthew 14; the storm tossed disciples in the boat. 

In essence this message on anxiety has only 1 point and 4 pointers to that sole point: 

To know the peace of God (v7) we…

Philippians chapter 4 verses 3 to 9 - Overcoming Anxiety - Dr J Stewart Gillespie

A study on what the bible has to say on the subject of anxiety.

Overcoming anxiety as a Christian.

Want to use Matthew chapter 14 as a picture background on which to write the text of Philippians chapter 4. 

The picture of the disciples in a storm tossed boat in the midst of the sea. 

A place provoking anxiety and a place where they found the secret of peace! 

This is the same secret Paul presents in Philippians chapter…

God is the master of tethering together 

In each of the spheres of human experience, God holds together. 

“by Him all things consist” (Col 1:17) 

Consist: 4921: ‘συνίστημι’: set together 

In the sphere of the: 

Universe – gravity 
Atom – electrostatic forces, nuclear forces 
Biology – ICAMs 
Relationship – love – the perfecting bond of unity; ‘together glue of perfection’ (Col 3:14) 

So too the word of God, not multiple tiny disconnected, incoherent pieces, but one consistent story from beginning to end…

The attributes of God are the attributes of Jesus: 

All powerful (Matt 28:18) 
All knowing : “… Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”(John 21:17) 
Everywhere “Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.”  (John 1:48) 
Eternal: “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58) 
Unchanging…

The attributes of God are the attributes of Jesus: 

All powerful (Matt 28:18) 
All knowing : “… Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”(John 21:17) 
Everywhere “Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.”  (John 1:48) 
Eternal: “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58) 
Unchanging…

It is one of the great causes of concern / stress when circumstances in life are changed out with our control! 

When circumstances are changed out with our control – people often react by attempting to return the circumstances back to a familiar norm, they often fail, increasing still further their anxiety. 

With that in mind an American Bible teacher many years ago phrased the serenity prayer: 

               ‘God give me the courage to change the things I can change 

               The serenity to accept…

“for me to live is Christ to die is gain” (1:21) 

We saw how for those who were: 

led by the spirit and 
obedient to the Spirit 

That 1:21 is a great assurance and comfort that when lead and guided by the spirit of God we can look at our current circumstances with the assurance that he ‘leads is in the paths of righteousness for his name sake.’ 

Therefore the path no matter how difficult it is, it is for: 

For his glory 
For our good 
For others blessings 

So it was for: 

David in the Valley of Elah 
Daniel in…