Freedom in Christ - Part 16
Anxiety and Fear of Failure

First recorded emotion in scripture was fear.

There are 300 biblical passages that tell us not to fear.

Why do we fear?

We must identify anxiety and fear.

Legitimate fears have an object and our perception of it.

Fear is based on an object being present/potent and imminent.

People will adapt to fit in with others ideas. But we should be God pleasers not people pleasers.

Fear of Death

Physical death is imminent, but the potent aspect has been removed by Jesus.

Fear of Man

1 Peter 3:14-15
But in fact, if you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. But do not be terrified of them or be shaken. But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess.

We often don't share our faith because of this fear of man.

Anxiety

We can be anxious about going to the dentist. But we need to distinguish between temporary and persistent anxieties, such as wealth, health and ability to perform.

If we think about it, the frequency of worrying is out of proportion to the fear.

The cure is to cast our anxiety on God and ask Him what to do - then wait for His answer.

The Fear of God

God is always present - He's imminent and he is all powerful/knowing, which means He is potent.

We have 2 Nervous Systems in our Body

One controls our conscious decision making: to move, speak etc. This we can control and is a thought controlled system.

The other system controls our emotions, which we can't control.

But we can control the way we think - so our emotions are a by product of the way we think.

How we perceive something is how we affect our emotions.

Give problems to God, then our anxieties go.

Stress Turns to Distress

Plan A  or  Plan B

Our Way or Gods Way

2 Kings 6:15,17
The prophet's attendant got up early in the morning. When he went outside there was an army surrounding the city, along with horses and chariots. He said to Elisha, "Oh no, my master! What will we do?"

Then Elisha prayed, "O Lord, open his eyes so he can see." The Lord opened the servant's eyes and he saw that the hill was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

A true knowledge of God overcomes anxiety.

Read Isaiah.

Negative thoughts are overcome by choosing the truth.

Our past experiences affect our belief in the truth. So our understanding is blurred.

We need to run our own anti-virus program - "Put on the armour of God".

Basically we try to deal with the problems on our own, instead of giving them to God. God will set us free.

We must change the way we think and renew our mind by casting all anxieties on God.

Anxiety Spectrum

Don't Care --------------------- God --------------------- Worry

God cares so much He gave His only Son. God doesn't worry.

Hebrews 13:5
Your conduct must be free from the love of money and you must be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you and I will never abandon you."

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

John 1:12
But to all who have received him-those who believe in his name-he has given the right to become God's children

1 John 3:1
(See what sort of love the Father has given to us: that we should be called God's children-and indeed we are! For this reason the world does not know us: because it did not know him.

Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

God is patient with us while we learn. God loves us.

1 Timothy 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this world's goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment. Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others. In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life.

Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren't you more valuable than they are?

Seek first the kingdom of God.

God wants us to live one day at a time and not worry about tomorrow.

Scripture quoted by permission. NET Bible® copyright © 1996-005 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. www.bible.org . All rights reserved.