The Old Testament Teaches Us How to Avoid Anxiety (Romans 15:4)
Introduction:
1. This verse refers to "whatsoever things were written aforetime" [the Old Testament Scriptures]. 2. The Old Testament Scriptures are a great source of: a. knowledge -- they "were written for our learning" [they teach us things we need to know] b. "hope." 3. Many of the instructions given to us in the New Testament are illustrated in the Old Testament. 4. We are especially interested in the instructions given in Philippians 4:6-7. a. Vs.6a teaches us to avoid anxiety. b. The alternative is revealed in vs.6b. c. According to vs.7, practicing the instructions given in vs.6 will enable us to enjoy a special blessing. 5. In our lesson we are examining the life of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. 6. In 1 Samuel 1-2, Hannah showed us how to avoid anxiety by applying the principles recorded many years later in Philippians by the apostle Paul.
Discussion:
I. HANNAH IS INTRODUCED IN 1 SAMUEL 1:1-5
A. A man named Elkanah had 2 wives: Hannah and Peninnah. B. Elkanah was devout in his service to God. C. Although Elkanah loved Hannah, she had no children, but Peninnah had sons and daughters.
II. HANNAH COULD HAVE BECOME ANXIOUS BECAUSE OF HER SITUATION (1 SAMUEL 1: 6-8)
A. Peninnah is pictured as Hannah's adversary -- Peninnah provoked Hannah because she had no children. B. This caused Hannah to cry, and she was unable to eat. C. It seems from vs.8 that Elkanah did not understand why Hannah was so upset. D. Hannah could have become filled with anxiety because of her situation. E. Apparently, Hannah was aware of the alternative to anxiety.
III. (1 SAMUEL 1:9-18) HANNAH MADE A REQUEST OF THE LORD
A. She went to the place of worship and asked God to give her a son. B. Eli the priest accused her of being drunk, but she did not allow this to discourage her. C. After Hannah explained her situation to Eli, he assured her that God would grant her request. D. Vs.18 shows us that Hannah experienced the peace of mind that comes with taking problems to the Lord.
IV. (1 SAMUEL 1:19-28) HANNAH KEPT HER VOW TO THE LORD
V. (1 SAMUEL 2:1-10) HANNAH EXPRESSED HER JOY TO GOD THROUGH PRAYER
Conclusion:
1. Did Hannah avoid being anxious when she faced a difficult situation as we are taught in Philippians 4:6a? 2. Did she make her request of the Lord as we are taught in Philippians 4:6b? 3. Did she experience the peace of mind that is mentioned in Philippians 4:7? 4. The Old Testament certainly teaches us how to avoid anxiety. 5. Let us remember and follow Hannah's example.
