Welcome to Monday Morning Inspirational Message BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING.
Sharing a little background prior to the lesson. The writer of Philippians before he became a changed man was given the authority to hunt down the Christians, jail them as well as murdered and had them killed like stoned to death. He was a Pharisee who had not accepted Jesus as the Savior of the world. Upon his conversion (change), not necessarily in this order but, name change from Saul to Paul and the acceptance of his calling from Jesus Christ-Himself as Christ’s Apostle. How many of us have accepted and operating in our calling from Jesus Christ?
An old saying “The shoe is now on the other foot.” Paul’s previous buddies in crime are now his “Haters.” Yes Apostle Paul had to go through some “Stuff” as a warrior for Christ. He spoke of his unworthiness throughout his Apostleship and imprisonments for the LORD.” We also feel unworthy when we reflect back on past life events and ways. Similar to Paul our unworthiness is a posture of humility in serving the LORD and when we are in His presence (like when we pray).
Paul said, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Let us be like Paul refusing to allow our past to hold us back from serving and working for the LORD but, to move forward for the prize of the high calling (eternal life with Christ).
So this Epistle/Letters of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians were written while Paul was believed to be on house arrest in Rome (Nothing new under the sun. House arrest is still alive today.) The Epistle/letters were also said to be for all the saints and faithful in Christ in that region. Most importantly this Epistle is still alive.
Now BE ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING helps to cope with the times of today. Just saying and believing an opportunity for the body of Christ to straighten up and get “Right” with Christ. Are we living according to God’s Word. In order for the Word to work in our lives, we must work the Word. We must continue to grow-up in Christ. Therefore believers are reminded to “Be careful (cautious-anxious) for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication (a deep sense of humility, heartfelt and reverence to the LORD) with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” Philippians 4:6-7. Just to note the key words in Philippians are “Joy and Mind.” Therefore focusing on Philippians’ overall theme “A mind stayed on Christ produces joy above and beyond our circumstances.
Hum…”A mind on Christ.” A few “Mind” on Christ scriptures to remember when we are going through are: Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge, strength and very present help in trouble; Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivered him (you/I) out of them all. Do we believe God’s Word of protection and help? Then 2 Corinthians 10:5 “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth (exalts) itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Paul had the mind of Christ, a spiritual relationship-connection with the LORD. He said in 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Paul was in all the way. No half-stepping. “No straddling the fence” which does not exists anyway with Christ. We are in or out. We range from babes to maturity in Christ. Wherever ones’ position maybe with the LORD, you talk to Him about it because He is the God of Love who loves and cares about you and me!
Therefore the believers—a mind of Christ results from a relationship with the LORD through diving into His Word and living a life of thirsts after His righteousness. We trust God. Then through prayer with supplication and thanksgiving we are able to cast down negative thoughts, fear and imagination/illusions during times of trouble that goes against the knowledge and will of God. Yes, we must trust in the power and authority of God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 “For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” His Word is precise hitting His target. Isaiah 55:11 “So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” What more can we ask for?
Yet there’s more. The overall message of 4:1-23 reveals “Christ is ours.” Christ is yours’ and He is mine. Christ is our strength in our weaknesses. We trust You, LORD. The Word says because He is our strength we rejoice through Christ strength over anxiety. More helps are broken down in smaller segments. Verses 5-7 “The secret of the peace of God.” Verses 8-9 “The presence of the God of peace.” Verses 10-23 “The victory over anxious care.” Let us internalize having the “Mind of Christ’s strength, peace and in His presence rejoicing through anxiety. Thank You, LORD our victories are attained through Your power, Your Spirit that lives in us and we in You. Peace, love and blessings! Neatbooks4u
