Matthew 6:24-26 / Don't be Anxious (part 1)
Notes
Transcript
A recent Pew research poll indicated that 20% of Americans have been displaced during the COVID-19 epidemic.
That’s around 66.2 mil.
Probably NOT moving willingly
Emotional health of people is big concern for pastors right now.
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Main Point
Main Point
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
This is this the main point of this section.
“Therefore”
Previous is an argument – this is the main point
Point made 5 times in 10 verses
Gave 9 arguments to support it.
A couple points about anxiety for context:
Can be caused by chemical imbalance due to excessive stress.
It still has an emotional component
THIS IS FOR YOU!!!
Greek word: “merimnate” – to be anxious, care for
Anxiety may even start as a genuine care (possibly good)
“All scripture is God breathed”
God placed what He wanted in scripture.
Jesus knew this was needed (then and now)
All this means = GOD CARES ABOUT YOUR ANXIETY!!!
Argument 1
Argument 1
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Verse often used as a stand alone point. (and it does work)
Actually the first argument Jesus made about avoiding anxiety.
How interesting
A point rooted in idolatry would be about anxiety.
What is it saying:
(Illustration) “Why are you working overtime?”
Battle between Things of God vs Things of this world.
Do we need certain goods?
Yes, but this can become idolatry.
Misplaced or an imbalance desire.
We may just “love” what money can buy
But our desire is still money.
We become enslaved with this unquenchable passion for money
Our life become about making money.
“You cannot serve God and Money. THEREFORE … Do not be anxious about your life…”
Argument 2
Argument 2
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
“... Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”
Jesus makes 2 comparisons
Life vs Food.
Body vs Clothing.
These are important things
“If I don’t have these things I would die.”
Illustration: Camping in 19 degree weather
You have to be pretty strategic in order to not freeze
Some important lessons
Fill coffee pot the night before
We were there by choice
For some people – that is their life.
This might seem like an odd example to use…but
The point is...
Know what is MORE.
Know what is MORE.
Life > Food & Body > Clothing
It isn’t that food and clothing do not matter
They just don’t matter MORE.
Our highest concern should not be how we live but rather how we live for God.
Our highest concern should not be how we live but rather how we live for God.
Anxiety comes when we get that out of order.
We are here for a purpose
That purpose is to glorify God.
Jesus gives us an example of why it’s foolish to get them out of order...
Argument 3
Argument 3
Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
Can hear the arguments, “Gotcha! What about squirrels, they gather and store food!”
I think we can agree that squirrels are ungodly vermin. (JK)
Jesus is giving us an example.
Consider the relationship between God and birds.
Consider the relationship between God and birds.
(Type) Birds
Birds work each daily and trust God to provide.
We are made to work
Trusts God – one worm at a time.
“… Give us this day, our daily bread.”
(Antitype)
Trust in self to get what God is willing to provide.
When we our the antitype to this example, we miss out on two vital points
Enjoying God’s provision.
“… your heavenly father feeds them.”
In time of want – I’ve gotten to witness God’s provision.
Being secure in God’s love.
“Are you not of more value than they?”
Calming effect of knowing you are loved by God.
We are valuable = we are cared for.
But the world will say...
“But what about people who are starving?”
Evidence of a fallen world
This is not a promise that starvation will be eradicated. (it will be one day)
(first) Beware of 1st world problems.
What we consider want is not always so.
Remember to “Know what is more”
God does provide
(Hard truth) Losing your life is not the worst thing that can happen to you.
This example is about considering and trusting in our relationship with our heavenly Father.
This example is about considering and trusting in our relationship with our heavenly Father.