I. The Apostle Paul had every reason to live in

anxiety and fear

1. His beloved friends at Philippi were fighting with one another.

Philippians 4:2&3 2) I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3) Yes, I ask you also, true companion, to help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

2. There were preachers in Rome who were filled with envy and strife, and were out to "get" Paul as he is at his weakest time.

Philippians 1:15-18 15 - It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 - The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 - The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 - But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,

II. Paul’s secret....he didn’t try to handle it

on his own

Philippians 4:6-7

• 6 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. • 7 - And the peace of God, which transcends

all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

III. A closer look at ANXIETY

The word "anxious" (careful, KJV)

is from "merimnao" {mer-im-

nah'-o}

As defined by THAYER... a. It means "to be pulled in different

directions

“Worry" (a synonym for anxiety) in its English origins presents a different, yet enlightening picture. a. It comes from a word meaning "to strangle” b. If you have ever truly worried, you know how it does indeed strangle a person!

1) IN FACT, WORRY (OR ANXIETY) HAS DEFINITE PHYSICAL SIDE

EFFECTS: HEADACHES, NECK PAINS, ULCERS, EVEN BACK PAINS

2) WORRY AFFECTS OUR THINKING, OUR DIGESTION, AND

EVEN OUR COORDINATION

IV. The spirit of fear comes when the enemy wants something from

you

2 Timothy 1:7

7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

- Eve fears she was missing out on being “like God” when Satan came after her in the garden (Gen. 3). - Martha feared Mary was take Jesus’ attention from her (Luke 10:40-42).