There are many ways in which we can be tempted…many areas where we need deliverance. In the New Testament, we find lessons encouraging us to pray for deliverance from the temptation of anxiety, marital infidelity, and the temptations that come through persecutions – just to name a few. Today we will begin our study by looking at Paul’s encouragement to pray instead of worry.
ASSIGNMENT:
1. Read Phil. 4:4-7.
Have you ever thought of anxiety as a temptation? Most of us worry – some of us more than others. We may worry over our health, our finances, a possible terrorist attack, etc. Anxiety can grow into chronic worry; and worry can paralyze to the point that we are of little use to our families or God’s kingdom.
2. Paul tells us that, instead of worrying, we should _________.
3. He tells us not to be anxious about _______________, but to pray about ____________ (each blank can be answered with a single word).
4. What does Paul assure will be the outcome of such prayers?
It is interesting that Paul describes God’s peace using military language – as a sentry at his post. Essentially, he is telling us that, instead of worry, we must pray and ask and thank God about/for everything that is on our hearts. Then we are promised God’s peace – a peace we can’t even explain using human reasoning. This peace will stand guard over our hearts and minds. The NIV study notes for verse 7 describe peace as: “Not merely a psychological state of mind, but an inner tranquility based on peace with God; the peaceful state of those whose sins are forgiven; the opposite of anxiety; and it is the tranquility that comes when believers commit all their cares to God in prayer and no longer worry about them.
Concluding thoughts: Tony Ash believes the last petition of the Lord’s prayer could be understood this way: “Don’t let us get in where the water is over our heads and we can’t swim.” This interpretation allows for the human situation of trials and temptations. However, it also teaches us to depend upon God Who responds to our prayers and delivers us from temptations we are not strong enough to withstand.
Lord, teach us to pray….lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil. And all God’s people say Amen!
