Man’s anxiety – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything let your requests be made known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.”
Introduction to Philippians 4:6
The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians while he was imprisoned in Rome, encouraging them in God at all times. In the verse we’ve been reading, he talks about anxiety, a problem that existed in his day and is much more evident today, stressing that it must not dominate the life of God’s servant. Paul offers an antidote, an effective remedy: prayer, supplication and gratitude as a means of dealing with the worries that generate so much anxiety. The message of Philippians 4:6 is a call to total surrender to God in a world marked by so many afflictions.
We live in times of worldwide crisis, economic uncertainty, mental health challenges, social instability and many family problems. Anxiety has become a predominant feature of our environment and society. This verse is as important today as it was in Paul’s time.
Even in the face of this scenario, in the days of the apostles or in our own day, there is a refuge for anxiety, Jesus Christ and his redemptive work.
Anxiety is a universal reality
“Don’t be anxious about anything…”
Life is a great movement and many experiences, we are bombarded at every moment with situations in which anxiety arises, and sometimes it seems that it will never end. This is when we look for help, and we don’t always find a refuge that comforts our soul, especially when we look for it in man. Only in Jesus will we find true consolation and the care that only he can give; it is in him that we should place all our anxiety. Have you been doing this?
“Cast all your anxiety on him, for he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Recognize your anxiety and lay it at Jesus’ feet. Replace worry with trust in God and understand that he is in control of everything. Surrender your life completely to the Lord Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your life at every moment.
The Biblical solution: Prayer and supplication
“…but in everything let your requests be made known to God by prayer and supplication…”
Paul teaches that instead of allowing worries to grow, we should present every need to God.
Getting things off your chest before God is something extraordinary; He really does listen to us and comforts us. There are times when people don’t understand what we’re going through, many say that it’s a joke, but only those who are going through it know how difficult it is.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)
Establish a prayer routine, talking to God constantly is giving Him the opportunity to act in your life. Set aside a specific time to talk to God, presenting your fears, desires and struggles. Include family prayer. God has always wanted to hear man’s voice, to relate to the work of his hands.
The attitude of gratitude
“…with thanksgiving.”
Gratitude is an essential component in overcoming anxiety. Thanking God for what he has already done strengthens our confidence and gives us the certainty of what he will still do for us and our home.
“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
We should be thankful for everything, because this is God’s will, even when things aren’t going well we should be thankful. Sometimes we don’t understand how God works. Even when everything is going wrong, we should trust that God is in control, we just need to obey his teachings and always listen to his Holy Spirit.
God’s peace as a result
Although it is not explicitly in verse 6, the context of the text includes verse 7:
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
The peace of God is not the absence of problems, but an unshakeable security in the midst of the struggles we face every day. This peace guards our hearts and minds, freeing us from the grip of anxiety. To be at peace is to have full trust in the Lord and his will. Are you trusting God fully?
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give it as the world gives it. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“You have afflictions, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
As you surrender your anxieties to God, trust that He is in control. Whenever you feel anxious, declare out loud: “God is in control.”
The Salvation project
The definitive solution to Anxiety
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
The greatest source of anxiety is man’s distance from God and his involvement with his sins. Through Jesus, God offers not only relief from daily worries, but eternal redemption. The cross is the definitive proof that God takes care of every detail of our lives.
The Lord Jesus gave his life and took all our pain upon himself on the cross of Calvary, hallelujah. Jesus’ sacrifice is the effective remedy for solving our problems. What’s more, the certainty that with him we will secure a place free of all problems, namely eternity with God. No pain, no fear, no afflictions or worries!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
If you haven’t given your life to Jesus yet, today is the day to do it. Trust him, acknowledge him as your Savior and find rest for your soul, something the world cannot offer.
Conclusion of Philippians 4:6
Anxiety is not a new problem, but in Christ we have a way to overcome it. Philippians 4:6 invites us to exchange worries for prayers, regrets for supplications, and insecurities for gratitude. Jesus’ plan of salvation is the greatest proof that God cares for us and has the power to heal our afflictions and anxieties.
Today, give your anxiety to God. Pray about what worries you, give thanks for what He has already done and trust that His peace will guard your heart and your journey. If you haven’t yet surrendered your life to Jesus, receive him as Lord and Savior and experience the true rest that only he can offer.
Preaching Outline on Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything let your requests be made known to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.”
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