Overview:
Philippians 4:4–9
Our world is filled with addictions. To the surprise of many, addictions are not limited to those outside the family of God. Many within the body of Christ struggle with nagging, relentless habits that defy quick and easy solutions. We seek help, but they don’t go away. We share them with a few close friends, hoping that in the process we will somehow break free, but that doesn’t happen. There are rare occasions when we find a measure of relief, but it isn’t long before the battle returns—and usually it’s with the same enemy of our souls that leaves us discouraged and defeated.
Curiously, the most common addiction is not labeled as one. Thanks to our creative ability to rationalize our way around it, we pass it off like it’s of little consequence. We even convince ourselves that it’s normal—we say to ourselves, “Well everybody does it, so it’s okay.” But the truth is that this habit is never treated lightly in the Scriptures. And what is the “most common of all addictions? Worry. What an emotional drain! What a waste! It’s time we stopped our habit of worrying and replaced it with the God-given solution: trusting!
Message Summary:
Message Key Facts:
- Worry as an Addiction: Swindoll argues that worry fits Webster's definition of addiction—occupying oneself habitually or compulsively. He describes it as living in a "self-made prison" or cell of anxiety [8–10].
- Jesus’ Mission Statement: In Luke 4, Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah to announce His mission: to bring good news to the poor and to proclaim that "captives will be released." Swindoll applies this directly to the mental captivity of anxiety [12–14].
- Definition of Worry (Marimnao): Swindoll explains that the Greek verb used for worry in Matthew 6 is marimnao, which means "to be divided." Worry distracts and separates the mind, preventing focus.
- The Four Effects of Worry: Drawing from Matthew 6, Swindoll lists the consequences of anxiety:
- Values become confused: We value food and clothing more than life itself.
- Perspective becomes myopic: We become self-centered and obsessed with our own needs.
- Distinctives are blurred: Believers begin to think and act exactly like unbelievers.
- Fear turns to dread: We borrow trouble from tomorrow, which ruins today [19–21].
- "He Who Dies With the Most Toys": Swindoll recalls seeing a license plate frame on a Porsche that read, "He who dies with the most toys wins." He corrects this philosophy, stating, "He who dies with the most toys dies empty-handed".
- The Four R's of Trust: Swindoll outlines the prescription for peace from Philippians 4:
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- Rejoice: Find something to laugh at or be grateful for daily. Swindoll cites Proverbs 17:22, "A cheerful heart is good medicine."
- Release: "Worry about nothing, pray about everything." Turn the worry list into a prayer list.
- Relax: Let God's peace "guard" (a military term for sentry duty) your heart.
- Respond: Fix your thoughts on the six virtues listed in verse 8 (true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable).
- The Air Conditioner Miracle: Swindoll shares a personal story from his seminary days. Facing a hot summer without AC, he and his wife prayed but told no one. A friend named Richard Parks called out of the blue and provided a window unit, teaching them that God answers specific requests [30–31].
- Shalom Shalom: Commenting on Isaiah 26:3, Swindoll notes that the Hebrew text literally promises "Shalom Shalom" (peace peace)—a double portion of peace for those whose thoughts are fixed on God.
- "I'll Sit Up": Swindoll closes with a story from Ruth Graham about a worried man who heard God gently say, "You go to sleep, Jim, and I'll sit up." God is awake 24/7, so we do not need to be.
Message References:
- Philippians 4:4–9: The primary text outlining the antidote to anxiety: Rejoice, don't worry, pray, and think on excellent things.
- Luke 4:14–21: Jesus reading from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, declaring His mission to set captives free [11–12].
- Matthew 6:24–34: Jesus’ core teaching on worry, commanding His followers not to worry about food, drink, or tomorrow [17–18].
- John 8:31–36: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" [15–16].
- Proverbs 17:22: "A cheerful heart is good medicine".
- Isaiah 26:3–4: "You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You... for the Lord God is the eternal Rock".
- Philippians 4:12–13: The secret of living: "I have learned to be content... I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength".
