Think Right

 

Philippians 4:8 

SUBJECT: ANXIETY

THEME: Part of the Secret to Victory Over Worry and Anxiety is Right Thinking, coupled with the “God of peace” to guide us and the “Peace of God” to protect our feelings and thoughts against worry.                              

RELEVANCE: Often, we forfeit the joy of the Lord through worries that plague our minds and hearts. Fears, worries, uncertainties, and even people can literally rob us of our joy, leaving us anxious. Yet the Lord wants us to have a heart that is joyful and uninfluenced by the uncertainties life will present. We can have strong joy when we Pray, Think, and Live right, but we must rely on the “God of Peace” to give us the “peace of God” as we meet these conditions.

INTRODUCTION:

In Phil 4:6 the word “careful” means “to be pulled in different directions.” Our hopes pull us one way; our apprehensions pull us in the contrary direction; and we are pulled apart with worry and anxiety. The key is not succumbing to victimhood, but to consciously choose Christ for victory.

The antidote to worry is God’s peace. “And the peace of God ... shall keep [garrison, guard like a soldier] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7).

When you have this:

          1. The “peace of God” guards you (Phil 4:7)

          2. The “God of peace” guides you (Phil 4:9)

          3. With such protection there is no need to worry!

If we are to conquer worry and experience peace, we must meet the conditions God gave. There are three:

     A.  Right Praying (Phil 4:6-7)

     B.  Right Thinking (Phil 4:8)

     C.  Right Living (Phil 4:9)

MESSAGE:

RIGHT THINKING; PEACE THROUGH CORRECT THOUGHTS.  (Phil. 4:8)

    * This inner peace involves the heart (feelings) and the mind (thoughts).

Isaiah 26:3, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

    * Wrong thinking leads to wrong feeling, and before long the heart and mind are pulled apart and we are strangled by worry.

    * We must realize that thoughts are real and powerful, even though they cannot be seen, weighed, or measured. We must discipline and train our minds to be obedient to Christ. This is challenging, but very possible. 2 Cor. 10:5, Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

QUOTE: "Sow a thought, reap an action. Sow an action, reap a habit. Sow a habit, reap a character. Sow a character, reap a destiny!"— Unknown

Paul spells out in detail some things we ought to think about as Christians.

A.  THINK ABOUT TRUE THINGS. Phil. 4:8

The first place to focus is on true matters. Concentrating on the facts and giving preference to what can be verified by the evidence. There is something else here that must not be missed; it is the concept of focusing on the positive.  

Now the apostle gives a closing bit of advice concerning the thought life. The Bible everywhere teaches that we can control what we think. It is useless to adopt a defeatist attitude, saying that we simply cannot help it when our minds are filled with unwelcome thoughts. The fact of the matter is that we can help it. The secret lies in positive thinking. It is what is now a well-known principle—the expulsive power of a new affection. A person cannot entertain evil thoughts and thoughts about the Lord Jesus at the same time. If, then, an evil thought should come to him, he should immediately get rid of it by meditating on the Person and work of Christ. The more enlightened psychologists and psychiatrists of the day have come to agree with the Apostle Paul on this matter. They stress the dangers of negative thinking.^[1]

   1.  Most of Us Worry About Things We Cannot Control.

QUOTE: “Dr. Walter Cavert reported a survey on worry that indicated that only 8 percent of the things people worried about were legitimate matters of concern! The other 92 percent were either imaginary, never happened, or involved matters over which the people had no control anyway.” — Warren W. Wiersbe

   2. We Can Control Our Minds by Believing the Truth.

“True” has the sense of valid, reliable, and honest—the opposite of false or speculative. Such ‘uprightness’ characterizes God (Rom 3:4) and should also depict believers. The idea is what really is or what is so or what has happened.

Romans 3:4, God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

1 Peter 5:12, By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.

True (alēthē) things are of course the opposite of dishonest and unreliable things (cf. Eph. 4:15, 25). ^[2]

A believer that is consistently truthful builds authenticity into relationships; they are transparent and can be counted on for honest feedback that edifies others. He does not resort to lies, manipulations, or flattery.

       A.  Satan Attempts to Controls Our Minds with Lies.

Certainly, we don’t want the devil in our heads!

              1.  Satan is the liar (John 8:44).

John 8:44, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

             2.  Satan wants to corrupt our minds with his lies (2 Cor 11:3).

 2 Cor. 11:3, But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

ILLUSTRATION: “Yea, hath God said?” is the way he approaches us, just as he approached Eve (Gen 3:1).

       B.  The Holy Spirit Controls Our Yielded Minds Through Truth (John 17:17; 1 John 5:6).

John 17:17, Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

1 John 5:6, This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

APPLICATION: But bear always in mind that the devil tries to control our thoughts through lies. Whenever we believe a lie, Satan takes over. He effectively won that battle on that occasion. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to remind us of the truths from God’s Word to help us combat the lies of Satan. It helped us greatly to live by Bible principles and direct statements from the New Testament especially. Also, we must bring our minds under the influence of God’s Word with even greater concentration when we are most inclined to worry. It is both a protective and guiding measure. Submitting our minds to Christ is a pre-conflict decision each believer must make to be obedient to him and to steer clear of the devil’s influence. Remember, Satan will try to manipulate us using his lies, the promise of independence of God, riches, power, pride, and our worship. Often these temptations (the lust of the flesh, lust of eyes, and the pride of life) are hidden or concealed; so, we must be discerning.  

B.  THINK ABOUT HONEST AND JUST THINGS. Phil. 4:8

This means “dignified and worthy of respect.” It speaks of what is morally attractive and deserving honor.

   1. Think on the Things That Are Worthy of Respect.

There are many things that are not respectable, and Christians should not think about these things. This does not mean we hide our heads in the sand and avoid what is unpleasant and displeasing, but it does mean we do not focus our attention on dishonorable things and permit them to control our thoughts. You must discipline your thought life. (1 Tim. 3:8, 11; Titus 2:2)

   2.  Think on Things That Meet God’s Standard.

“Right” speaks of what is upright or just, conformable to God’s standards and thus worthy of his approval.

The word “just” is from the Greek word meaning both “just” and also “righteous,” here, “righteous” in a comprehensive sense.^[3]

APPLICATION: We can help our thoughts, and we can choose to think about things that meet with God’s approval. I must hasten to observe that if we expose our ears and eyes to filth then that is exactly what your thoughts will consist of. Avoid working against yourself by cleaning up the stuff you expose yourself to. Fill your reflections with “right,” respectful, and holy concepts and notions. Good books, healthy Christian biographies, wholesome music with great God-centered lyrics, and Christ filled movies are a great starting place. Remember also, that everything that claims to be godly or Christian is actually worldly, carnal, and devilish!

C. THINK ABOUT PURE, LOVELY, AND GOOD REPORT THINGS. Phil. 4:8

These observations must not be overlooked or diminished in their importance.

    1. Concentrate on Pure Thinking.

“Pure” probably refers to moral purity, since the people then, as now, were constantly attacked by temptations to sexual impurity (Eph 4:17-24; 5:8-12). Our life situation, TV, radio, magazines, and the internet are filled with vile content so, this idea of remaining pure will require real discipline. Songs often portray some scandalous behavior and ideas that we would be wise to guard against. Preaching, teaching, counseling, and instruction in righteousness must contrast wickedness with purity for clarity’s sake but spend the necessary time making the wholesome very clear to the listener also. For example, if the awful imagine of a worldly-wise wicked women come to mind; well, this can be defeated with the image of Christ on the cross willingly suffering for my sins. Another example would be counteracting angry hasty decisions by featuring Abigail armed with a future vision and wise counsel calmly talking David into cherishing the will of God more than personal revenge. Be sure to emphasize the positive solutions and procedures not merely indicating what was wrong.

    2. Concentrate on Lovely Thoughts.

“Lovely” means “beautiful, attractive.”  This relates to what is pleasing, agreeable, or amiable.

APPLICATION: In verse 7, Paul had assured the believer that God would safeguard their hearts and minds through the Lord Jesus Christ. But it is also required that we maintain our responsibilities in these matters.  God does not protect the person’s mind who does not want it to be kept pure. (Dr. W. W. Wirsbe)

Thinking about the “lovely” leadership qualities of David, the inspiring patience of Job, the desirable traits of Daniel, the motivation of Paul, the obedience of Peter, and the devotion of the apostle John is desirable. What about the attractive qualities of Sarah, Mordecai, Ruth, Hosea, and Joseph. While just about anyone can be critical, there is something to be said for a person who can spot these beautiful qualities in others. 

    3. Concentrate on Good Reports.

“Of good report” means “worth talking about, appealing.” It denotes what is praiseworthy, attractive, and what rings true to the highest standards. Our minds are naturally focused on the bad, evil, negative, and shameful. We must fight against this natural tendency to emphasize the good report.

APPLICATION: The believer must major in the high and noble thoughts, not the base thoughts of this corrupt world. The secret to this kind of thinking is to focus on Jesus Christ as soon as an evil thought comes to mind. Whenever we are tempted to think wrong toward someone we have forgiven, we divert our thoughts back to their qualities and the things we can appreciate– refusing to think on matters we have forgiven them for.  Often it helps if we feel compassion for them in their predicament it helps. If we feel tempted to say something nasty or unkind about someone, we must discipline ourselves to report the good and express words of praise and appreciation for what we can because it’s inappropriate to criticize in most cases. Truly our thoughts are a formidable battleground.   

D.  THINK ABOUT VIRTUOUS AND PRAISE-WORTHY THINGS. Phil. 4:8

Now we look at the last area of mental concentration and focus, the virtuous and that which is worthy of praise. Consciencely thinking on outstanding goodness in general, the glory of knowing God and sharing His great power, moral excellence of character, and things deserving of celebratory expressions—matters we can applaud, support, or admire (2Pet. 1:3).

     1. If it Has Virtue, it Will Motivate Us to Do Better; and If it Has Praise, it Is Worth Commending to Others.

     2.  We Cannot Afford to Waste “Brain Power” on Thoughts That Tear ourselves down or That Would Tear Others Down If These Thoughts Were Shared.

ILLUSTRATION:  If you will compare this list to David's description of the Word of God in Ps 19:7-9, you will see a parallel. The Christian who fills his heart and mind with God's Word will have a “built-in radar” for detecting wrong thoughts. “Great peace have they which love Thy Law” (Ps 119:165). Right thinking is the result of daily meditation on the Word of God.  Through the Word we can have peace through Thinking! (Dr. W. W. Wiersbe)

Psalm 19:7-9, The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. [8] The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

One caution here: we do not automatically accept information because it is positively presented, and we do not automatically reject something if it is stated negatively. Evidence is what we need…solid incontrovertible proof is what we require. Alignment with God’s Word is the standard for each of us; our own thought or conclusion may be misinformed, but God’s Word when properly interpreted and applied is totally reliable. It helps us to be thoroughly familiar with it.

CONCLUSION:

Right praying, right thinking, and next right living: these are the conditions for solid peace and victory over worry. There is no middle ground. Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God and practice right praying, thinking, and living; or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry. Again, worrying is sin! We have the peace of God to guard us and the God of peace to guide us!

Many are motivated to protect their ‘peace,’ and they make major decisions to secure their own ‘peace.’ Usually this means avoiding drama, disorder, confusion, and chaos that is generated by others. They opt for an environment filled with quietness, tranquility, and calmness, which is admirable in many regards. But we can be thankful that God’s brand of “peace” provides protection for us! His “peace” keeps us…garrison us about and protect us from excessive anxiety regardless of the external conditions.

Psalm 19:14, Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. We desire that our spoken words, and internal thoughts would be pleasing and acceptable to the Lord. So, we embrace the connection between our inner thoughts and outward expressions. We seek alignment between our external speech and internal reflections and want harmony with God’s will and character. We long for a life of integrity, where thoughts and words are rooted in God’s eternal truth, bringing honor to the Lord as our Rock and Redeemer.  

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^[1] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1979.

^[2] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

^[3] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 5 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 110.

The Fall Season is Almost Here....

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted

 The Fall Season is Almost Here....

I happened upon an unplanned conversation with one of our folks and the talk turned to the Autumn Season. I ventured to ask, "Why do you love the Fall Season so much?" This is her incredible answer....       

                

1. The different color leaves in the foliage and the changes they stimulate in me are awe inspiring...the variations, adjustments, progress, and discoveries that are aching for expression through my experience.
2. The dying of the old year and the preparation for a new beginning--the hope-filled ending that leads to starting again...cherishing and embracing such an ending. Anticipating a kind of rebirth.... Yes, the excitement of a fresh test launch or first-ever endeavor....
3. The Fall’s ending is robust, colorful, revelatory, substantial and certainly a thousand times more vivid and graphic than the monotony of regular life itself, not merely a fading into nothingness or an unimpressionable ending
4. It is taking the time to notice the obvious and evident...climate adjustments... appreciating the crisp air and cool mornings.... stopping the busyness long enough to notice and enjoy the harvesting taking place.                                                                                                         

To say she ‘nailed it’ during our conversation is a huge understatement! These are incredible lessons we all cherish to some degree; they are written deeply on our DNA strains. We have attempted these reflections occasionally throughout life...or we have been reminded of them at times when we were forced to stop and take notice, but afterwards we were so glad we paused...gave ourselves permission to just breathe...allowed ourselves to venture and ponder much deeper than before. Yes, the Fall Season is almost here.... 

Pray Right

 

 

Philippians 4:6-7 

SUBJECT: Prayer

THEME: One Way of Victory Over Worry and Anxiety is Right Praying. We are assured the “God of peace” will guide us and the “Peace of God” will safe-guard or protect our hearts and minds against worry.                               

RELEVANCE: Sometimes we forfeit the joy of the Lord when we worry; this plagues our minds and hearts, effectively stealing our joy. Fears, concerns, apprehensions, worries, uncertainties, and people problems can literally rob us of joy leaving us in a ball of nerves.  But the Lord wants us to have a joy that is untouched and uninfluenced by the problems and uncertainties of life. We can have strong joy when we Pray, Think, and Live right.  We must rely on the “God of Peace” to give us the “peace of God” as we meet his conditions for peace.

INTRODUCTION:

1. What is Worry?

   A.  The word “worry” basically means “careful” and "anxious" or “full of cares.”

   B.  In Phil 4:6 the word “careful” means "to be pulled in different directions." Our hopes pull us in one direction; our fears pull us the opposite direction; and we are pulled apart!

   C.  Basically "worry" means "to strangle." If we have ever really worried, we know how it does strangle a person! In fact, worry has definite physical consequences: headaches, neck pains, ulcers, even back pains.  Worry affects our thinking, our digestion, and even our coordination.

We have here a prohibition which forbids the continuance of an action already habitually going on. The Philippian saints were habitually worrying. Paul exhorts them to stop it. The word “nothing” is literally “not even one thing.”^[a]

Is it really possible for a Christian to be anxious for nothing? It is possible as long as we have the resource of believing prayer. The rest of the verse goes on to explain how our lives can be free from sinful fretting. Everything should be taken to the Lord in prayer. Everything means everything. There is nothing too great or small for His loving care!^[b]

2.  We can conquer worry and experience God’s peace, as we meet the conditions he laid down. There are three:

     A.  Right Praying (Phil 4:6-7)

     B.  Right Thinking (Phil 4:8)

     C.  Right Living (Phil 4:9) (Dr. W. W. Wiersbe)

MESSAGE:

RIGHT PRAYING; PEACE THROUGH PRAYER. (Phil. 4:6-7)

Sometimes we’ll say, "I’ll pray about it!" But the apostle was too wise to say that using three different words to describe "right praying": “prayer,” “supplication,” and “thanksgiving.” "Right praying" involves all three.

Joy and gentleness (vv. 4–5), accompanied with an awareness of Christ’s imminent return, should dispel anxiety. Paul’s appeal to the Philippians is do not be anxious about anything. But this was not a call to a carefree life. To care and be genuinely concerned is one thing. To worry is another. Paul and Timothy cared for the people they ministered to (2 Cor. 11:28; Phil. 2:20), yet they retained trust in God. Jesus warned against worry which obviously eliminates trust in God (Matt. 6:25–33).^[c]

A.  PRAYER. (Phil. 4:6)

Describes a believer’s approach to God. ^[d] This is the general word for making requests known to the Lord. It carries the idea of:

    1. Adoration

    2. Devotion

    3. Worship

APPLICATION: Whenever we find ourselves worrying, our first action ought to be to get alone with God and worship Him. Adoration is what is needed. We must see the greatness and majesty of God! We must realize that He is big enough to solve our problems. Too often we rush into His presence and hastily tell Him our needs, when we ought to approach His throne calmly and in deepest reverence. The first step in "right praying" is adoration.

B.  SUPPLICATION. (Phil. 4:6)

Emphasizes requesting an answer to a specific need.^[e]

   1. Supplication is an Earnest Sharing of Our Needs and Problems.

There is no place for halfhearted, insincere prayer!

   2. While We Realize God does not Hear for Our "Much Speaking" (Matt 6:7-8),

Matthew 6:7-8, But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. [8] Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

   3. Still, We Realize That Our Father Wants Us to Be Earnest in Our Asking (Matt 7:1-11).

Matthew 7:7-11, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: [8] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. [9] Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? [10] Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? [11] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

   4.  This Is the Way Jesus Prayed in the Garden (Heb 5:7), and while His closest disciples were sleeping, Jesus was sweating great drops of blood!

Hebrews 5:7,  Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

    5.  Supplication Is Not a Matter of Carnal Energy but of Spiritual Intensity (Rom 15:30; Col 4:12).

Romans 15:30, Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

Col. 4:12, Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

C.  THANKSGIVING. (Phil. 4:6)

After adoration and supplication comes appreciation, giving thanks to God. An attitude of heart which should always accompany one’s prayers.^[f]

Ephes. 5:20, Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;  

Col. 3:15-17, And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

APPLICATION: Certainly the Father enjoys hearing His children say, "Thank You!"

ILLUSTRATION: When Jesus healed ten lepers, only one of the ten returned to give thanks (Luke 17:11-19), and we wonder if the percentage is any higher today. We are eager to ask but slow to appreciate.

D. REQUESTS. (Phil. 4:6)

Speak of definite and specific things asked for.^[g]

Someone has summarized the verse as saying that we should be “anxious in nothing, prayerful in everything, thankful for anything.”^[h]

“Requests” … emphasizes the objects asked for, namely, the things requested. The preposition “unto” … suggests…, “in the presence of God,” and is a delicate and suggestive way of hinting that God’s presence is always there, that it is the atmosphere surrounding the Christian.^[i]

 E.  RESULTS. (Phil. 4:7)

  1. The Peace Filled Attitude.

      A.  You Will Note That "Right Praying" Is Not Something Every Christian Can Do Immediately.

      B.  Because "Right Praying" Depends on the Correct Attitude.

      C.  This Is Why Paul's Formula for Peace Is Found at the End of Philippians and Not at the Beginning.

             1. With the single attitude of Phil 1, we can give adoration.

(How can a double-minded person ever praise God?)

             2. With the submissive attitude of Phil 2, we can come with supplication.

(Would a person with a proud heart ask God for something?)

             3. With the spiritual attitude of Phil 3, we can show our appreciation.

(A worldly-minded person would not know that God had given him anything to appreciate!)

              4. Summarily, we must practice Phil 1, 2, and 3 if we are going to experience the secure attitude of Phil 4. (Dr. W. W. Wiersbe)

   2. Everything is Covered.  Phil. 4:6

Philip. 4:6, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

       A.  Paul Counsels Us to Take "Everything to God in Prayer."

"Don't worry about anything, but pray about everything!" is his admonition.

       B.  We Are Prone to Pray about “Big Things" in Life.

             1. Usually, we forget to pray about the so-called "little things."

             2. Until they grow and become big things!

APPLICATION: Talking to God about everything that concerns us and Him is the first step toward victory over worry.

   3. Peace of God. (Phil. 4:7)

The result is that the "peace of God" guards the heart and the mind.

          A.  Remember Paul was chained to a Roman soldier, guarded day and night.

          B.  In like manner, "the peace of God" stands guard over the two areas that create worry - the “heart” (wrong feeling) and “the mind” (wrong thinking).

          C.  When we give our hearts to Christ in salvation, we experience "peace with God" (Rom 5:1)

          D. But the "peace of God" takes us a step farther into His blessings.

                  1. This does not mean the absence of trials on the outside.

                  2. But it does mean a quiet confidence within, regardless of circumstances, people, or things.

ILLUSTRATION: Daniel gives us a wonderful illustration of peace through prayer. When the king announced that none of his subjects was to pray to anyone except the king, Daniel went to his room, opened his windows, and prayed as before (Dan 6:1-10). Note how Daniel prayed.

     1.  He "prayed, and gave thanks before his God" (Dan 6:10)

     2.  He made “supplication” (Dan 6:11).                                                   

     3.  Prayer - supplication - thanksgiving! And the result was perfect peace in the midst of difficulty! Daniel was able to spend the night with the lions in perfect peace, while the king in his palace could not sleep (Dan 6:18).

APPLICATION: The first condition for God’s peace and victory over worry is right praying.

CONCLUSION:

From the spiritual point of view, worry is wrong thinking (the mind) and wrong feeling (the heart) about circumstances, people, and things.

     A.  Worry is the greatest thief of joy. It is not enough for us, however, to tell ourselves to "quit worrying" because that will never capture the thief. Worry is an "inside job," and it takes more than good intentions to get the victory. (Dr. W. W. Wiersbe)

    B.  The antidote to worry is God’s peace! "And the peace of God ... shall keep [garrison, guard like a soldier] your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:7).

    C.  When you have God’s peace foremost in your thoughts:

          1. The “peace of God” guards you (Phil 4:7)

          2. The “God of peace” guides you (Phil 4:9).

          3. With that kind of protection - why worry?

Prayer is both an act and an atmosphere. We come to the Lord at specific times and bring specific requests before Him. But it is also possible to live in an atmosphere of prayer. It is possible that the mood of our life should be a prayerful mood. Perhaps the word prayer in this verse signifies the overall attitude of our life, whereas supplication signifies the specific requests which we bring to the Lord.^[j]

Right praying is one condition for having a sense of God’s peace and victory over worry. There is no middle ground. Either we yield heart and mind to the Spirit of God and practice right praying or we yield to the flesh and find ourselves torn apart by worry. There is no need to worry! Besides, worry is sinful! Read Matt 6:24-34. With the peace of God to guard us and the God of peace to guide us - why worry?

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^[a] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 5 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 109.

^[b] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1978.

^[c] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 663.

^[d] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

^[e] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

^[f] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

^[g] Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 664.

^[h] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1979.

^[i] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 5 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 110.

^[j] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1978–1979.

Who You are in Christ

Ephesians 2

Who Are You in Christ Jesus? Just take a moment to ponder that question.... 

Once again, our identity is presented by God to forge unity, and harmony among believers in the same church. These are true confessions we can make to God daily as believers in Jesus Christ. It is vital that we pay attention to how these truths apply to anyone suffering from an over-inflated ego, delusions of grandeur, false self-importance convictions, distorted perceptions of oneself, or a superiority complex.

Caution: these concepts are true, humbling, chastening, corrective, and helpful. Let’s look at each one.  

1.      I am saved, quickened, and made alive…or suddenly awaken to the reality of my sinfulness and life in Christ (Eph. 2:1)

 

The sinner who trusts Christ has been raised and seated on the throne (Eph. 2:1–10), and believing Jews and Gentiles have been reconciled and set into the temple (Eph. 2:11–22). What a miracle of God’s grace! We are taken out of the great graveyard of sin and placed into the throne room of glory.^[1]

 

2.     I was loved by God even when I was living for worldliness, by the devil’s influence, and for myself in carnality like everyone else (Eph. 2:2-3)

3.     I am saved by God’s merciful grace and made alive together with Christ because of God’s great love (Eph. 2:4-5)

 

It comes as a shock to some people when they discover that we are not saved “by God’s love,” but by God’s mercy and grace. In His mercy, He does not give us what we do deserve; and in His grace He gives us what we do not deserve. And all of this is made possible because of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. It was at Calvary that God displayed His hatred for sin and His love for sinners (Rom. 5:8; John 3:16).^[2]

 

4.     I am raised-exalted and seated-enthroned with Christ in the heavenly realm so I may be an ageless demonstration of His grace and kindness (Eph. 2:6-7)

5.     I am reconciled-a recipient of God’s gracious salvation gift through a simple act of faith in His matchless work and impeccable character (Eph. 2:8-9)

6.     I am free from all bragging, personal determination, prideful efforts, and arrogance for this salvation in Christ (Eph. 2:9)

One reason why salvation is a free gift of God and not earned by works, is given us in the words; “lest any man should boast.” Grace glorifies God. Works would glorify man.^[3]

 

7.     I am re-created in Christ for the good works that God ordained for me to fulfill and complete with/during this incredible new life (Eph. 2:10)

8.     I am delivered by God from alienation regarding heritage, estrangement to God’s promises, and hopeless worldliness and brought into peace, promise, and harmony through the precious blood of Christ (Eph. 2:11-13)

 

When they trusted the Savior, God placed them in Christ Jesus and accepted them in the beloved One. From then on they were as near to God as Christ is, because they were in Christ Jesus. The cost of effecting this marvelous change was the blood of Christ. Before these Gentile sinners could enjoy the privilege of nearness to God, they had to be cleansed from their sins. Only the blood of Christ shed at Calvary could do this. When they received the Lord Jesus by a definite act of faith, all the cleansing value of His precious blood was credited to their account.^[4]

 

9.     I am no longer alienated, but rendered near to God who is uniting all believer’s bringing peace, union, agreement, and cultural connectivity (Eph. 2:13-14)

10.  I am reconciled to God as a new individual regardless of my guiltiness, my offensiveness, and national origins and united with other believers through the cross (crucifixion) of Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:15-17)

11.   I presently share a new position—access to God the Father by the Spirit as a fellow-citizen with other saints and belong to and included in God’s household of faith (Eph. 2:18-19)

12.  I am built on the same foundation of Christ, the chief cornerstone, and we share together in the work of the apostles and prophets (Eph. 2:20)

 

Paul has shown that though the Gentiles were formerly outside God’s household, they are now one “new man” with Jewish believers. This new entity is like a temple that is structured on the apostles and prophets, with Christ being the chief Cornerstone; it is indwelt by God through the agency of the Holy Spirit.^[5]

 

13.  I am gifted and enabled by God to contribute to the ever-growing welfare of the Church as a part of the Lord’s living Temple—his Spirit-provided dwelling place (Eph. 2:21-22)

And so the chapter that began with a description of Gentiles who were dead, depraved, diabolical, and disobedient, closes with those same Gentiles cleansed from all guilt and defilement, and forming a dwelling place of God in the Spirit!^[6]

In conclusion, recite these God-centered statements to your Father and you daily confessing your acknowledgement and agreement with his views of you as his child. Try this for a solid month. Consciencely recognize this corrective position for your own ‘freeing’ benefit and mental adjustment. Gradually let go of any over-inflated ego observations…any erroneous delusions of grandeur…all untrue self-importance persuasions… all distorted perception of oneself, and every wrong superiority complex. Stop now any efforts to overcompensate for any feelings of inadequacy or shortages from your entire life! Spiritually we are all equal “in Christ” and this includes every believer without a single exception. This is wonderful!

It is true that our heavenly Father regards all of us, His children, in the same way. We are equals…special, but not individually unique. We are privileged and exalted because of who God is, not in or of ourselves. We all enjoy elevated gracious blessings and not mere individual earthly rights in God’s eyes. The honors that we have do not favor one over the other but are evenly distributed to all believers alike “in Christ.”

Go ahead and admit these ideas to our heavenly Father. Adopt this correct perspective for yourself; embrace these God-given ideas fully. Personally witness God's wonderful truth transforming your understanding of yourself and freeing you from elevated arrogance, fault-finding comparisons, and paranoid fears. In the name of Christ Jesus be free from hoax-laden cover ups, double-standard pretenses, two-faced hypocrisies, national or cultural expectations, fraudulent lifestyles, fakeness, and other delusional ideas rooted in distorted perceptions of reality. God, your heavenly Father, wants you to be ‘free’ indeed!

 

 

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^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 17.

^[2] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 19.

^[3] Kenneth S. Wuest, Wuest’s Word Studies from the Greek New Testament: For the English Reader, vol. 4 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997), 70.

^[4] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1920.

^[5] Harold W. Hoehner, “Ephesians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 628.

^[6] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 1924.