Commentary on "Divine Provision for Anxiety""

PHIL HARRIS

 

Day 6: Thursday, January 6, 2011 - One Day at a Time

 

Overview

Do not worry therefore, in view of tomorrow for tomorrow will have its own anxieties. Each day’s peculiar troubles are sufficient for it. (Matt 6:34 MLB)

 

Observations

OK, we now come to another ‘therefore’. If you have responded to the message of verse 33 and have joined the kingdom of God, through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, you have the imputed righteousness of God and have received the promised indwelling of the Holy Spirit who is the seal of your salvation. There is now nothing needful for you to be fearful of.

If however, you are still enslaved to the false doctrine of the Investigative Judgment where you must work ‘in partnership’ with God to earn the right to enter God’s kingdom then you have every reason to be fearful and filled with anxiety.

The lesson suggests looking at Phil. 4:11, 12. We will end with this but add a couple relevant verses:

I was uncommonly happy in the Lord because of late your thoughtfulness toward me came to life again, a matter in which you were interested but lacked opportunity. Not that I mention this because of need, for I have learned to make ends meet in whatever situation I am. I know how to live simply and I know how to enjoy prosperity. I am acquainted with all circumstances: to be filled up and to be hungry, to have abundance and to suffer want. I have strength for every situation through Him who empowers me. (Phil 4:10-13 MLB)

 

Summary

1. For those who have joined the kingdom of God there is no need to succumb to fears and anxieties. They are the ones who Jesus directs this message to and are the ones who can experience its reality.
2. For those who do not have an assurance of their salvation due to false doctrines that include some form of a work they must do have every reason to be fearful for their future. If you are one of these people, this verse holds only a promise without possibility of fulfillment. To be without fear means to be free of the sources that produce your fear.
3. Clearly, Paul was speaking from a foundation of knowing he was in the kingdom of God and knew that his Savior empowered him with strength for any situation. He had no fear for his future and neither do we when we know we are cover by the blood of Christ. You are either empowered by God or you are not.

 

GO TO DAY 7

 

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