Sermon Notes

THE STRESSLESS LIFE: Intro Week
Philippians 4:6-7
 
· 75% of Americans experienced at least one symptom related to stress (2017 Stress in America report by the American Psychological Association)
 
· 48% of Americans struggle to sleep at night because of stress – American Institute of Stress https://www.stress.org/daily-life
 
· Nevada is #1 most stressed state in the U.S. (https://wallethub.com/edu/most-stressful-states/32218
 
· Nearly 8 in 10 adults (78%) say the coronavirus pandemic is a significant source of stress in their life – America Psychological Association https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/report-october
 
· Stress causes around one million workers to miss work every single day in America https://www.stress.org/42-worrying-workplace-stress-statistics

“But understand this, that in the last days will come perilous times of great stress and
trouble (hard to deal with and hard to bear.)” – 2 Timothy 3:1 (Amplified Bible)

THE BIG QUESTION: In difficult circumstances, do you stress out with worry and anxiety or do you experience the peace of God? Which word MOST describes you: STRESS or PEACE

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

“Everyone feels anxious now and then. It’s a normal emotion. For example, you may feel nervous when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or before making an important decision. Anxiety disorders are different, though. They are a group of mental illnesses, and the distress they cause can keep you from carrying on with your life normally.” – WebMD
 
I. WHAT IS STRESS?

“This statement does not mean that we are to exercise no care about worldly matters – no care to preserve our property or to provide for our families; but that there is to be confidence in God as to free the mind of anxiety, and such a sense of dependence on Him as to keep it calm.” – Albert Barnes

Definition of “STRESS”:
Fearful concern experienced when life’s demands seem greater than my ability to meet
them Genuine concern (BURDEN) expresses itself in dependence on God – what will He do? Fearful concern (STRESS) expresses itself in dependence on self – what am I going to do?
 
II. WHY SHOULD I NOT STRESS?

1) Stress is not pleasing to God
 
“Do not be anxious about anything…”
 
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not more life than food, and the body more than clothing?” – Matt.6.25

2) Stress endangers my health, physically and spiritually

“Being anxious is a cancer that eats away at our flesh and our faith” – Clyde Cranford (Because We Love Him)

3) Stress is inconsistent with the character of God
 
· Since God is love He desires only the best for us

· Since God has all wisdom He knows what is best for us
 
· Since God is all powerful He can bring about what is best for us
 
· IF ALL THAT IS TRUE – WHAT ARE YOU STRESSED ABOUT???

4) Stress misrepresents the character of God to those around us

5) Stress doesn’t change anything (for the good)

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?” – Luke 12:25-26
 
III. HOW DO I KEEP FROM BEING ANXIOUS IN MY LIFE? NEXT WEEK

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:6-7