Series Outline What is it? What does it do to me? How do I kill it?

Secret Weapon Recap Fear – Love Discouragement – Humility Loneliness – Introspection Guilt – Acceptance Worry – Shame

What is it? Anxiety or unease. Mind dwelling on difficulty or problems. Uncertainty over actual or potential problems. Word in the Bible roughly translates to “having a divided mind.” (Spiritual texting) When, oh when, is worry ok?

The Litmus Test Does it belong to you? Does it have levers of control? Does it exist today? Yes to all 3 – “Concern” Otherwise, “Worry”

What does it do to me? What were the common ROOT sins in these passages? Our desire to obtain unobtainable control is a root to a host of relationship- destroying, spirit snuffing, paralyzing sins. We desperately try to repackage it: – “Concern,” but over things in the future or beyond our control. – “Planning.”

What does it do to me? Worry is also a stealth sin. – We often view our “great concern” (worry) about any and everything as a mark of nobility. – As far as worry bogs us down and steals our joy, we try to pawn it off as a form of dignified suffering or martyrdom. Worry is a class-A sin, and an insult to God. It deserves a frontal attack.

What does it do to me? Worry is INCONSISTENT (6:25) – Worrying about the details of your life sends the following message to God: “So, I know you created the universe, and you created my very own body, but I’m not sure about your ability and reliability to provide for my upkeep.”

What does it do to me? Worry is IRRATIONAL (6:26) – Worrying about the details of your life sends the following message to God: “I realize you provide everything to the birds of the air, but I don’t trust Your character enough to believe you will take care of me in the same way, despite my position in all of creation.”

What does it do to me? Worry is INEFFECTIVE (6:27) – A cubit = 18 inches. – By worrying, a 5’6” person cannot attain 7’. – Conversely, we cannot add any “length” to life through worrying. In fact, worrying is a sure- fire way to shorten both your posture and your lifespan.

What does it do to me? Worry is ILLOGICAL (6:28-30) – Solomon is just about the tip of the mountain in examples of earthly comfort and financial security. If we want to worry ourselves to perfection, he’d be a good template to follow. – The flowers of the field K.O.’d him. – Our best efforts can only become a shadow or dim reflection of God’s creation.

What does it do to me? Worry is IRRELIGIOUS (6:31-32) – By choosing to worry, despite all the evidence and our knowledge of God, we are making ourselves no better (and no more effective) than those who worship wood and iron for their own sense of security. – If those around you perceive worry in your life, how drawn will they be to your walk?

How do I kill it? Come to accept a few things: – You are not assured of tomorrow. – You do not call the shots. – You do not have the right to outcomes exactly as you see them. (God’s greatest blessings usually result from the opposite). – You cannot mix your priorities successfully. – You are not here for your own comfort and glory.

How do I kill it? Step 1: PRIORITIES – Seek the Kingdom of God first, and He will take care of all the other details. The loving punishment of our occasional failure to do this sometimes spawns a cycle of worry from our “lack of control.” – What is your biggest priority? – Would an impartial investigation verify this? Hint: God doesn’t need special counsels.

How do I kill it? Step 2: The Strategy of TODAY – No one has ever sunk under the burdens of today. Letting yesterdays and tomorrows rush in is what does it! – Seal off your compartment from the waters of yesterday: Sins Successes Sorrows

Bonus Slide The sad, perfect day at the circus. See worry for the ugliness that it is. Give it no quarter. Mercilessly exterminate it in your life. Live for God. Give Him your all today, and do the same tomorrow…if you’re still here!