Sermon Tone Analysis

The same Greek word here for casting, “epiripsantes”, occurs also in referring to the action of throwing their coats upon the colt for Jesus to sit upon them.

We can infer from this usage in Peter’s letter that not only should we give our anxieties on to God, but we also should let them go as well.

However, to do so requires a faith that for many of us we simply do not possess.

As we trust God and his mighty power, we follow a God who cares deeply for us.

Peter may have had in mind the words of Jesus ( ).

If so, he borrowed them and placed them in the context and crucible of suffering and persecution.

Whatever we are anxious about tends to distract us from trusting God.

It tends to pull us in different directions so that we do not depend on him.

When we limp in this direction, we do not resist Satan, but play into his hand.

He wants us to put more trust in ourselves and others as opposed to God.

Peter’s first-century readers, like their twentieth-century cousins, failed to remember this truth even in the midst of anguish and pain: God cares for you.

The form in which the verb appears (present active indicative with the dative) indicates that God’s care and concern for believers is constant, ongoing, and unending.

God is not indifferent to the suffering of his followers, but desires our active, humble trust in him, especially during difficult days.

How many of us go to the Father in prayer about our burdens, but we still want to manage them our way?

We’ll let God work in the background, but we still want to control the process.

We pray for relief from our knees, yet pick the burdens back up on our way off of our knees.

We lack trust.

But we have to remember we do not see our life as God sees it.

We only live but in a moment of time, while God is timeless and knows our story from the beginning to the end.

We may not understand everything that happens to us, but it is in our trust where we can draw claoser to God -

When we have such faith in God’s Word and believe in His ability, we can truly cast our anxieties on Him, knowing He will sustain us ( ).

February 19, 2018

When we have such faith in God’s Word and believe in His ability, we can truly cast our anxieties on Him, knowing He will sustain us ( ).

Even better, such a faith will help us truly feel His presence in our lives.

Whatever we are facing today, is only temporary

In Jesus we have eternal security - ; ;

Faith, confidence, and the realization of God’s presence in our lives brings us a comfort beyond measure—but it does not relieve us of future trials and temptations.

However, knowing that He is walking with us means that we should perceive all of these burdens to be simply opportunities to draw even closer to Him, for the God we serve and love has overcome the trials of this world ( ).

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

One day, all the suffering in this life will end -

“casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

For God is the source of all comfort -

The same Greek word here for casting, “epiripsantes”, occurs also in Luke 19:35 referring to the action of throwing their coats upon the colt for Jesus to sit upon them.

We can infer from this usage in Peter’s letter that not only should we give our anxieties on to God, but we also should let them go as well.

However, to do so requires a faith that for many of us we simply do not possess.

I am reminded of the words of Billy Graham, who so often would say to everyone listening: God Loves You

You are precious to Him

How many of us go to the Father in prayer about our burdens, but we still want to manage them our way?

We’ll let God work in the background, but we still want to control the process.

We pray for relief from our knees, yet pick the burdens back up on our way off of our knees.

So remember these words of comfort and remember that no matter what you are facing, you are not alone.

God knows everything about you and He loves you so much that He sent His only Son to die for you that you may have eternal fellowship with Him

Prayer:

Almighty God, I lift up these wonderful children of yours in this room today.

I praise you for their lives and know that everyone in the sound of my voice is truly precious in your sight.

I pray that if there is anyone hear who does not know you as their Lord and Savior, they will make that commitment today, by praying with me these simple words:

"Dear God,

I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness.

I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son.

I believe that He died

for my sin and that you raised Him to life.

I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord,

from this day forward.

Guide my life and help me to do your will.

I pray this in the name of Jesus.

Amen."

I am not advocating a “let go and let God” mentality here (if you know me from previous writings, I’m far from a fan of such a practice), but rather taking such a condition and growing from it.

Let me illustrate.

Suppose you were in the kitchen by yourself preparing a meal for others.

You want everything to be perfect, so you begin to question your ability, wondering if everything looks and tastes okay.

Then, someone you know and trust comes in and confirms that everything looks and tastes great.

You feel such relief!

You no longer feel the burden of the meal alone, since you now have confirmation by another that everything is great.

Even more, you believe this person because you trust them.

The burden you felt was lifted in an instant.

When we have such faith in God’s Word and believe in His ability, we can truly cast our anxieties on Him, knowing He will sustain us (Psalm 55:22).

Even better, such a faith will help us truly feel His presence in our lives.

When we develop this sense of companionship in our daily walk, we can then take hold of the promise He has given us in Matthew 11:28-29 and never need to feel alone in any situation.

The assurance the He truly cares for us and will never leave us (Hebrews 13:5-6) is our promise that our God can overcome anything we face in this world (1 John 4:4).

It is in that sense of presence in our lives where we can really grow in our faith.

When we can learn to listen for God’s direction in the silence of our day, we not only feel closer to our Lord, but are learning to be obedient to His plan for us.

Faith, confidence, and the realization of God’s presence in our lives brings us a comfort beyond measure—but it does not relieve us of future trials and temptations.

However, knowing that He is walking with us means that we should perceive all of these burdens to be simply opportunities to draw even closer to Him, for the God we serve and love has overcome the trials of this world (John 16:33).