Image by: Tiage Ribeiro

Bible verses: Matthew 6:24-34

Introduction

As we are living in a world driven by wealth and financial security it isn’t abnormal for you to worry or feel anxious about the future. The dictionary defines the term anxiety as “to worry about the unknown”. However I believe the church should always be free from the issue of anxiety, for we are a unique group of people because we know God and His love for us.

In today’s sermon we are going to do just three things.

1. Learn why anxiety is not the emotion for a Christian to entertain.

2. Learn that God has already set us free from the burden of anxiety.

3. Learn how to overcome anxiety?

1. Trust God – not money, (Matthew 6:24)

A. The context: A common error of Judaism was to regard material wealth as always indicating the blessing of God. Today we have the problem of prosperity gospel.

B. This verse is true for those who do not have much money as it is for those who may already be wealthy.

C. More of a problem for those who don’t have money as they have a compelling desire to get it.

D. For those who may already be wealthy: Think they possess things. In reality things possess them.

E. I need to be careful as to how my needs have affected my view of money and earthly possessions. In light of this verse is there anything I need to do differently?

2. Jesus commands not to worry, (Matthew 6:25)

A. For Christians, worry and anxiety are forbidden, foolish and sinful.

B. It’s the sin of distrusting the promise of God, (Exodus 16:3)

C.  We may try to make it sound better by calling it planning, but the results are still the same.

D. What material needs (not wants. Food, clothes, medicine and shelter are the basic needs of a man) do I have right now? What have I worried about in the past that I shouldn’t have? What do I have that I haven’t turned over to the Lord?

3. God gives worrying takes, Matthew (6:26-30)

A. He feeds the birds of the air – then why are we worried about our own food?

B. He clothes the wild grass and flowers of the field – then why are we worried about our own clothing.

C. If God cares for even the least of His creation – will He not care for man, His crown creation?

D. Our culture  seems to be obsessed with trying to lengthen life, yet worry is that which puts many into an early grave. Worry affects the circulation, the heart, the glands and the whole nervous system.

Conclusion

(Verses 31-34 are covered in part 2 of this sermon)

To worry about food and drink is to have learned nothing from the natural creation which testified to God’s providence. The point is not that Christians need not work, plan for the future, shouldn’t – birds don’t simply wait for God to drop food into their beaks. But that they need not fret.