2. Benefits Of Worry
1 Peter 5:6-8

3. Satan Thinks Worry Is The Most Wonderful Thing
Paralyzes Christians from being effective
Draws them to sins to distract them from their work
University study found that:
40% worry about things that never happen
30% worry about the past that cannot be changed
22% worry over petty, needless things
8% worry about legitimate concerns

4. Beneficial Characteristics Of Worry
Matthew 6:24-34 – Cannot serve two masters
Directly opposes God’s commands – v.25 “do not worry”
Demotes human worth – v.26 “are you not of more value than they?”
Futile – v.27 “your heavenly Father knows that you need these things” – Mark 16:3,4
Causes people to rely on themselves – v.30

5. Beneficial Characteristics Of Worry
“Oh you of little faith”
Matthew 6:30 – in connection with anxiety
Matthew 8:26 – “Save us, Lord”
Matthew 14:31 – “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 16:8 – missing meaning of leaven
Heathenistic – v.32 undermines trust in God

6. Benefits Of Worry Disregards God’s Commandments-
“Be anxious for nothing…” Philippians 4:6
“Cast your care upon Him..” 1 Peter 5:7
Deters From Duties As A Christian-
“Walk circumspectly…” Ephesians 5:15,16
What were you worrying about a year ago?

7. Benefits Of Worry It Impairs Health- “Worry herself sick!” Literally!
Lack of sleep, ulcers, high blood pressure, etc.
Worry a direct cause of stress in our lives- 1 Corinthians 6:20
Creates Lack Of Trust-
James 1:5,6; Mark 11:24

8. Benefits Of Worry Chokes The Word In Christian’s Life- Luke 8:14
Dictionary: “Worry originally mean to ‘strangle.’ The sense ‘harass physically’ (as in ‘dogs worrying sheep’) emerged in the 16th century, via an intermediate ‘seize by the throat.’”
Can’t fulfill – Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

9. Benefits Of Worry How many have worried about money? The future?
If we will survive?
How many have starved to death or froze to death?
Worry robs us of the great things God has promised - Hymn 560 “It is Well With My Soul”

10. We Have The Upper Hand We can fight back – and win!
Ephesians 6:13-17 “the whole armor of God”
1 Peter 5:8,9 – “resist him…”
James 4:7 – “Submit to God – resist the devil…”
Set our minds to overcome worry – Proverbs 4:23

11. We Have The Upper Hand
Happiness is in our control – Internal, not externally influenced
2 Corinthians 2:11
Form the right relationship with God
Philippians 4:6,7
“Guard” – same word found in 2 Corinthians 11:32
Coupled with “thanksgiving”
If thankful – not wanting and worrying – Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 55:22

12. We Have The Upper Hand Live One Day At A Time
Does not neglect planning ahead, but includes God – James 4:15
Engage is purposeful work-
Won’t have time to worry!
Have you ever been really busy?
Idle hands are the devil’s workshop – idle minds too!
Matthew 6:33 – “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”

13. We Should Only Worry If We Are Not Christians
NO blessings of PEACE!
NO HOPE of SALVATION!
SHOULD BE WORRIED!

14. If you are a Christian, are you letting Satan win battles in the area of worry?
Next time you find yourself worrying about something-
THINK about what Satan is gaining from your thoughts