Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6-9; 1 Peter 5:7

Introduction:

1. This question highlights an internal struggle every one of us faces to some degree.

2. The answer lies in making a distinction between worry and concern, anxiety and legitimate sadness over the hard things in life.

Discussion:

I. Worry Prohibited

A. Christ clearly prohibits His disciples from living in worry and anxiety (Matthew 6:25; Philippians 4:6).

B. This challenges us to push back our natural tendencies and trust God’s promises to provide (Matthew 6:26-34; Philippians 4:6-9; 1 Peter 5:7).

C. Does the prohibition of worry mean we can never be sad or concerned about anything?

II. Worry Defined

A. “A state of anxiety and uncertainty over actual or potential problems” (Webster).

B. Anxiety: “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome” (ibid).

C. Gr. merimnao: “be apprehensive, have anxiety be concerned, attend to, care for (BDAG).

III. Worry Distinguished

A. On the surface, this biblical term seems to prohibit any care or concern, but the context of the NT makes a critical distinction.

B. This word occurs 19 times in the NT, 15 of which are negative or prohibitory.

C. The other 4, however, make it clear there is a place for genuine, proper concern over things.

1. Twice in 1 Corinthians 7:32-34, Paul commends the singular “care/anxiety” of the unmarried for the things of God.

2. In 1 Corinthians 12:25, he said God arranged the body to prevent division and ensure the members have the same “care” for one another.

3. In Philippians 2:19-20, he desired to send Timothy to cheer them, commending his sincere “care” for them.

4. Each of these use the same word, so care/concern is not inherently wrong.

D. Genuine care, sorrow, concern, etc. are not only permissible, but displayed prominently.

1. Jesus wept, mourned, etc. repeatedly (Luke 19:41-44; John 11:35; Matthew 26:36-46).

2. Paul expressed immense sorrow and anguish over his fellow Jews (Romans 9:1-3).

3. He spoke of his afflictions in writing the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 1:8-9; 2:4).

E. The distinction in worry/anxiety and care/concern seems to be our reactions.

F. Worry wrings its hands, does nothing, and fails to trust in God’s provisions.

G. Godly concern, though truly frightened at times, trusts God and strives to carry out His will (Matthew 6:31-34; Philippians 4:6-9; Hebrews 5:7-9).

Conclusion:

1. When we recognize the difference in worldly worry/anxiety and biblical care/concern, we can pour out our hearts to the only One who can heal them.

2. If we wring our hands in idle worry, we sin by failing to trust His provisions and not making the provisions He demands of us (Proverbs 6:6-8; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:8).

3. We should not be “okay” with the evil, sin, suffering, etc. in this fallen world, but we must learn to keep our eyes heavenward, trusting His eternal ends (Romans 8:28-39).