Untitled Sermon

Be Anxious for Nothing

Anxious: is that the same as anxiety?

Anxiety is a mental condition

The fight or flight response can be triggered by any number of stressors. Many are are unreasonable even to the sufferer.

2. Anxiety is not the same as anxiousness in the Bible

The word “anxious” in the Bible has a broad definition.

1. it can be a good thing: Epaphroditus would be truly concerned (anxious) for the welfare of the Philippians (). The Corinthians are to be concerned (anxious) for each other (). The single person can be anxious about the things of the Lord (1. Cor. 7:23, 34).

2. The Christian is told to not be anxious.

a. Often refers to food and clothing (, , ; ).

b. Refers to the concerns of the betrothed or spouse for their partner (1 Cor. 7:7:32 ff)

c. Misc. other references.

The idea in the Bible is that the mind of the Christian should not be consumed with thoughts to the exclusion of God working in the situation or being in ultimate control.

Summary:

The first thing to remember is that anxiety and being anxious as spoken of in the Bible are not the same thing. Anxiety is a medical condition where the fight or flight response is triggered in response to any number of stressors. These stresses may be unreasonable, even to the one having the anxiety attack.

The word for being anxious in the Bible has a broad definition. It is spoken of as a good thing four times (; , ; ). However the Christian is told numerous times to not be anxious for things like food & clothing (, , ; ), the future (), what they should say under duress (), etc. Each time it is either stated or implies that God should be considered in the equation. He will supply, and he is in control.

If I were to put the Biblical concept in one statement it would be this: The idea in the Bible is that the mind of the Christian should not be consumed with thoughts to the exclusion of God working in the situation or being in ultimate control. We can and should think about things and we all get into stressful situations - even Jesus, as you mentioned. But he was conscious of the Father being in control.

It is not wrong to have an anxiety attack. it is not wrong to be very concerned about something. What the Christian should not do is forget that God is our provider, and that he is in control.