ABIAKUM MACBETH FEAR, WORRY AND ANXIETY– Luke 12: 1-7

Hymn: What a friend we have in Jesus.

Lesson aim: To encourage brethren not to allow any of the vices of the enemy to distract, discourage or take our hearts off our Creator and His plan for us.

Introduction:  Today, we will be looking at Fear, Worry and anxiety and how these vices can affect not only our spiritual life, but also every aspect of our social relations. These things are not sins, but rather, they are weights that weigh us down in our work with God. If not properly managed, they can take us off the right path or slow our progress in life.

What is Anxiety?

ü  A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome

ü  A strong desire or concern to do something or for something to happen

What is Worry?

§  A feeling or cause to feel anxious or troubled about actual or potential problems.

§  The state of being anxious and troubled over actual or potential problems

What is Fear?

      An unpleasant emotion caused by the threat of danger, pain, or harm

      To be afraid of (someone or something) as likely to be dangerous, painful, or harmful.

Fear, worry and anxiety could be used interchangeably but the major difference is in the degree of the feeling or emotion they generate in us. This feeling begins with anxiety, anxiety then becomes a worry and the ultimate result is fear. The word Fear is used more than 500 times in the bible and in most of the instances; it is an advice, or an encouragement to believers not to allow that negative emotions or feelings have their grip on us. Luke 12:32Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Why do the people of the world exercise fear, worry or overwhelmed by anxiety>Uncertainty.

Why do believers exhibit these negative vices as the people of the world> Uncertainty, lack of faith in the God we serve, inability to trust God, lack of an encounter with the Holy Spirit etc.

What are people generally afraid of, worry or anxious about>jobs, marriage, health, children, future, finances, businesses, loss of any form, shame or embarrassment, and ultimately DEATH

What do fear, worry and anxiety do to its practitioners> Loss of self-confidence, loss of trust both in man and God, generate negative emotions, sickness, loss of strength, depression,

How can believers overcome fear, worry and anxiety>Matt. 11:28, Pro.12:25, Phil. 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7, Matt. 6: 24, 33

Self-examination:

1              What is that thing (s) you are afraid, worry or being anxious about.

2              Do(es)  it really call for, is it worth worrying about            

3              Can you change the situation? Can you help yourself out             

4              If you stop worrying, being anxious or afraidof that thing, will your life get any better.

5              Has anxiety, worry, fear ever solved any man’s problem (s) that you know about?

6              If there is only one thing you are afraid of, worry or anxious about and you want to let go, what will that be?

Conclusion: Fear, is one of the greatest weapons the devil is using today to distract, and discourage us from the Christian race. He does this by making us to focus on material gains at the expense of the kingdom. He causes us to lose confidence in our Creator, His abilities, or promises. He uses fear to steer up doubt and unbelief in our hearts. The devil has succeeded in the lives of some people even Christians to make fear their silent companion, worry, their way of life, anxiety their room mate who is always there to remind them of the promises or the things God hasn’t done yet or of the impending dangers ahead thus causing us to leave in uncertainty negating the promises of God concerning us. Jer. 29:11.

Considering how much details God has about us and his creation, why anxious, why worry, why allow yourself to be overwhelmed by fear, why the negative energies when you have someone like Jesus who cares for you, like the Holy Spirit who is your closest companion, or like God the Father whose plans for you are Good. The Lord is calling on someone who is cumbered with a load of care to come unto Him and he will give him or her rest; rest from fear, worry and anxiety. Have you surrendered all to Jesus? If not, do so now!