1. This verse mentions 2 subjects that received a great amount of attention during Hurricane Matthew: "anxiety" and "prayer." 2. Today we are studying the Lord's teaching on these subjects in the Gospel of Matthew. a. This morning: "anxiety" (Matthew 6:25-34). b. This evening: "prayer" (Matthew 6:5-15).
Discussion:
I. (vs.25a) THE LORD TELLS US NOT TO TAKE THOUGHT FOR OUR LIVES
A. When Jesus said, "Take no thought,": 1. it does not mean that we are not to think about our lives at all 2. it does mean that we are not to be anxious or filled with care about our lives. B. The things that we are not to be anxious about include food, drink, and clothing [the necessities of life]. C. After telling us not to be anxious about these things, . . .
II. THE LORD GAVE 6 REASONS WHY WE SHOULD NOT BE ANXIOUS OVER THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE
A. (vs.25b) We should not be anxious over the necessities of life because our lives are more valuable than food and clothing. 1. Food and clothing are important because we must have them to live. 2. However, our lives and our bodies are much more valuable. 3. Food and clothing allow us to live, but we live to fulfill a very high purpose (Ecclesiastes 12:13). 4. Food and clothing only help us while we live on the earth. 5. Fearing God and obeying His will are to be our top concerns because they will allow us to live forever. B. (vs.26) We should not be anxious over the necessities of life because we are more valuable than the creatures that God has created. 1. Jesus talked about the birds of the air. a. They do not sow, they do not reap, and they do not gather into barns. b. However, the Father feeds them. 2. Are not human beings much better than the birds? (see Matthew 10:29, 31) 3. If we are faithful to God, He will see that we have the necessities of life (Psalm 37:25). C. (vs.27) We should not be anxious over the necessities of life because worrying will not change anything. 1. By worrying about how tall you are, can you change it? 2. Does worry accomplish anything positive? D. (vs.28-30) We should not be anxious over the necessities of life because we are more valuable than the plants that God has created. 1. Jesus talked about how the lilies of the field grow. a. They do not toil or spin, but they are beautifully arrayed. b. Not even Solomon's glory can be compared to the beauty of a flower. 2. If God cares so much for plants that are here today and gone tomorrow, will He not see that we have sufficient clothing? E. (vs.31-32) We should not be anxious over the necessities of life so we will not be like heathens in the world. 1. The "Gentiles" seek after food, drink, and clothing. 2. These are heathen people who do not serve the true God. 3. God's people should have higher priorities than pagan people who do not serve Him. F. (vs.34) We should not be anxious over the necessities of life because we have enough to be concerned about today without worrying about tomorrow. 1. Let us not overlook the fact that we are to work (2 Thessalonians 3:12). 2. However, let us trust in the Lord to provide our daily needs (Matthew 6:11). G. After showing us why we should not be anxious over the necessities of life, . . .
III. (vs.33) THE LORD TELLS US WHAT TO HAVE AS OUR TOP PRIORITIES
A. We must seek God's kingdom and His righteousness first. 1. This is the key to being righteous in God's sight. 2. God promises to bless those who seek His kingdom and His righteousness first with the necessities of life. B. (Luke 10:38-42) We read about 2 sisters who had different priorities. 1. Because Martha was filled with care about many things, she failed to take advantage of an opportunity to sit at the Master's feet and hear His teaching. 2. Jesus said that Mary chose that good part [she had proper priorities].
Conclusion:
1. There are 2 ways of having the necessities of life. a. We can worry about them to the point that we put all of our energy into getting them. b. We can seek God's kingdom and His righteousness first and trust that He will provide them for us. 2. Anxiety over physical matters will choke us spiritually (Matthew 13:22). 3. To please God we must have His kingdom and righteousness as our top priorities.
