RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-07-22	How Do I Find Freedom From Worry?
		Rom 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Rom 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." First allow me to answer the question of whether worrying is sin. Worry is nothing more than fear. Fear and trust are opposites. Since “sin” is, at its core, “missing the mark” that God has set for us, then worrying is not living up to God’s standard. So the sin of worrying is failing to believe that God will care for us, even though He promised to do so. We battle sin to be free from worry. We deal with worry and sin in a similar way. That is, the word of God will work for us if we hear and believe the promises of God. Why doesn't the Bible teach me to defeat sin by asking the Holy Spirit to do it? Why isn't prayer the “be all” and “end all” of this battle? So here comes the temptation (discouraged about finances, feel fearful because you are sick, feel power because you did something right). Why at that moment can't we ask, “Holy Spirit, I ask you to defeat this sin.” Ask and you will receive, right? It does not work this way. Why? Because Jesus does not get any glory when it is done that way. Gal 3:5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Galatians 3:5 says the Holy Spirit is supplied, and becomes a miracle-working power, when you hear with faith. If you leave out the faith-hearing dimension, which includes the promises of God, then Jesus will not get the glory for those promises you may claim. Jesus would be out of the equation. Jesus cannot be out of the equation. He is the foundation upon which our Christian life exists (1Pe.2:6-7). Everything in the Christian life goes through Jesus. The result is that He alone gets the glory. 2Co 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. When you live your life by claiming a promise of God, remember it was Jesus who purchased that for you. Your worrying is denying Jesus the opportunity for more glory. This means it is all about us. When we worry our focus is on us, not on Jesus. How can I count on the promises of God to be true in my life? One thing, Jesus died for me! Christ bought every promise for you and me. This is the new Covenant. Christ shed His blood so I can claim the promises of God for daily life. I will strengthen you. I will hold you up with the strength of my right hand. I will supply your needs. I cannot claim these because I am deserving. I can claim these because Jesus is deserving. And I trust Jesus, and He gives it to me. Doubt and frustration may arise saying, “They will never change” or “this is a waste of time”. But Jesus looks us in the eye, saying with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. Joh 14:27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Joh 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2Co 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort Heb 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU." Mar 9:23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." We fail if we do not hear by faith the promises of God. Hearing the Word of God by faith and claiming His promises, we can find freedom from worry. Tell worry to flee by the promises of God. Then Jesus Christ, who died for us, will be magnified. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

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