God has a lot to say about fear, worry, and anxiety. It’s as though he knew this would be a common problem! In the final week of our Anxiety class, I summarized what I consider to be some of the key Bible verses on the subject. These will help us battle temptation and equip ourselves against the schemes of the enemy.

Here’s a link to the audio of our final week, as well as hyperlinks back to all the other seven sessions, and a copy of the week 8 handout. For a list of other topical studies and sermon series I’ve taught, check out the Sermon Hub.

What verses do you find most helpful in fighting against sinful fear and worry? Leave a comment below!

LINKS TO ALL 8 WEEKS ON ANXIETY

• Don’t Worry, Be Happy (Part 1)
• How to Stop Worrying (Part 2)
• Humility and Faith (Part 3)
• Trusting in the Lord (Part 4)
• Angels – Your Invisible Protectors (Part 5)
• Caring for One Another (Part 6)
• 11 Practical Steps to Stop Complaining (Part 7)
• Some Key Verses on Anxiety (Part 8)

FINAL THOUGHTS ON FEAR AND ANXIETY
ANXIETY CLASS – WEEK 8
COMPLETE HANDOUT

1. Welcome, Announcements, and Prayer
• Encouraging feedback and testimonies already from the course
• Continue assimilating and applying this information for yourself and others
• Only an introduction. More that could be said. All over Scripture.
• Any other questions you have related to this topic?

2. Some key passages we’ve looked at together
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 Your struggles are not unique. God provides a way of escape.
• Matthew 6:25-34 God cares for you as a loving Father, far more than birds or flowers.
• Ephesians 4:22-32 As you put off the sin of anxiety, put on trust.
• Philippians 4:6-9 Do not be anxious, but pray to God and think on what is true.
• Romans 8:28-30 God causes all things to work together for good.
• 1 Peter 5:5-7 Humble yourself and cast your cares on the Lord. He will exalt you.
• Hebrews 12:1-2 Lay aside the sin that easily entangles you and fix your eyes on Jesus.
• Hebrews 1:14 God uses angels and other people to protect and deliver you.
• 1 Thess. 5:12-22 Admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak.
• 2 Thess. 3:16-18 Worldly peace is fragile, but God offers peace in all circumstances.
• Philippians 2:14-16 Avoid grumbling or complaining. Learn the secret of contentment.

3. Other passages I like to use when fighting my fear and anxiety
• Joshua 1:7-9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed
• Psalm 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of death’s shadow, I fear no evil
• Psalm 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?
• 2 Timothy 1:7 God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self-control
• Romans 8:31-39 Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
4. Personal Application
• Now, how do we use all these passages and principles to overcome anxiety?
• Identify the most common sources of anxiety in your life. Think carefully about each (e.g. a child’s health, drama at work, family relationship). Try to get to the root. What are you actually afraid of? How does the Bible answer this?
• James 1:12-15. Slow down. Consider where legitimate concern turns into sinful fear.
• Share one lesson that stood out to you. It’s helpful to put it in your own words.
• Take care of yourself physically. Poor sleep, diet, and exercise affect anxiety levels.
• Ask God to help you put these things into practice. Without him, we can do nothing.
• Spend time with the Lord. Find a quiet place (Mk. 1:35; 6:32). Life is busy and hectic. Consider a prayer journal. Maybe less social media. Even ten minutes will help.
• Go back and review these passages of scripture. Do a deep dive. Look up cross refs.
• Complete the personal application questions at the end of each chapter
• When do you feel stressed, burnt out, overwhelmed, or begin to panic, talk to a friend.
• Sanctification is a life-long journey. You are a work in progress. Celebrate the wins!
• Don’t give up. Even if you stumble, ask forgiveness, get back up, and press on.
• For further study: Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow, Trusting God by Jerry Bridges, Fear Factor by Wayne Mack