JOY IN ANXIETY
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Philippians 4:1-7 NASB
1Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord. 3 Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
OUTLINE
- High Calling 4:1
- High Cost 4:2-7
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- Willing – Will Time Fix It? (v. 4:2)
- Work – Fixing the Problem Not Blame (v. 4:2)
- Words – Offensive Words Produce Defensive People (v. 4:3)
- Walk – Resolve Conflict or Dissolve Relationship (v. 4:4)
- Winsome – I’m Never Persuasive When I’m Abrasive (v. 4:5)
- Worry Wart – Hot Potatoes Hurt (v. 4:6)
- Win – The Promise Starts with A Promise(v. 4:7)
QUESTIONS
- Anxiety is a huge issue in America. What has your experience been with worry and anxiety? How does your anxiety impact those closest around you? What would freedom in that area of your life look like?
- Where is most of your worry and anxiety focused on? What is your conflict style? How does this passage inform your conflict style?
- Why do you hold onto worry? What do you believe it will help or accomplish? What does your worry show about what you value?
- What are Paul’s simple commands to us about anxiety? Why should the Lord’s nearness impact our anxiety? What would repentance from worry look like today?