Keeping Ourselves unspotted from the world (Lesson 68)
Introduction:
1. An important component of "pure and undefiled religion before God" is "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). 2. In His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), Jesus gave valuable instructions that will help us to remain free from the world's spots. 3. The Lord's teaching in Matthew 6:19-34 relates to having our priorities in the proper order. 4. Having proper priorities involves laying up treasures in the right place (vs.19-24). 5. This lesson is a study of Matthew 6:25-34 where Jesus taught His followers to avoid being filled with care about things such as food, drink, and clothing.
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 give any consideration to our lives at all 2. it does mean that we are not to be filled with care or anxious about our lives, including food, drink, and clothing. B. After telling us not to be filled with care about these things, . . .
II. THE LORD GAVE 6 REASONS WHY WE SHOULD NOT BE FILLED WITH CARE OVER THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE
A. First, our lives are more valuable than food and clothing (vs25b). 1. Food and clothing are important because we must have them to live. 2. However, we live to fulfill a very high purpose (Ecclesiastes 12:13). B. Second, we are more valuable than the creatures that God has created (vs.26). 1. Jesus talked about the birds of the air that the Father feeds. 2. Human beings made in God's image are much better than the birds (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. Third, being filled with care will not change anything (vs.27). 1. If a person is filled with care about how tall he is, he cannot change his height. 2. See Philippians 4:6 D. Fourth, we are more valuable than the plants that God has created (vs.28-30). 1. Jesus talked about the beautiful lilies of the field that do not toil or spin. 2. If God cares so much for plants that are here today and gone tomorrow, He will surely see that we have sufficient clothing. E. Fifth, we are to avoid being like heathens in the world (vs.31-32). 1. The "Gentiles" [heathen people who do not serve God] seek after food, drink, and clothing. 2. God's people should have higher priorities than pagan people who do not serve Him. F. Sixth, we have enough to be concerned about today without being burdened down with care over tomorrow (vs.34). 1. We must 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 filled with care 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 -- God will bless those who do. B. In 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.
Conclusion:
1. Let us always strive to practice "pure and undefiled religion before God." 2. In doing so, let us "keep ourselves unspotted from the world" by maintaining proper priorities and avoid being filled with care over things such as food, drink, and clothing.