Following Jesus Series

May I submit to you today, that maybe these statements are coming from a life that is too focused on profits than a pursuit of God? You might say, “Well, I make it to Sunday morning worship.” Yet your mind is so weary that you find it impossible to retain the truth from the sermon.

Another situation is the mere fact you are living a life without contentment. You better believe that discontentment will fill your heart with stress and anxiety!

Jesus knew very well how many hours are in a day and how much of you it takes to provide for your family. He also knew very well that the pursuit of riches will never ease your mind.

In verse 24, Jesus declares a reality of every human being on planet earth: You have a particular inability; you can only serve (bond servant) one master (owner)…God or wealth.

What Jesus is instructing us to do today is this: STOP pursuing a limited resource and start TRUSTING the limitless PROVIDER.

1) Trusting God Removes Worry & Anxiety

A. Jesus knows that life is far more than food and clothing

The fact that Jesus says, “…do not worry about your life” tells us that everyone falls prey to this at some point.

Is Jesus being insensitive?

Jesus is actually being very sensitive!

He knows how we are and he is actually trying to save us from ourselves. (in every sense)

Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

Jesus knows what your “new man” needs the most of and that He is the one and only provider of that satisfaction.

“…life is more than food and the body more than clothing.”

Food and clothing are a minor provision from God’s abilities.

Illustration: It’s like picking up a five pound weight verses picking up a car.

However, light weight does not mean light concern from God! God never looses sight of your needs!

God is the one who makes all things to continue.

Did you realize that humanity is the only creation that worries?

Here are the top areas many of you worry about:

Money and the future. Whether it's debt; worrying you won't be able to cover all your bills next month; or fear about your financial security in the future – when you have kids or when you retire – financial insecurity is a major cause of stress.

Job Security

Relationships

Health.

Notice the example of nature Jesus gives (vv26, 28-30)

Notice the birds of the air: They teach us that NO MAN faithful to his duty in which God has called him will ever be allowed to come into poverty!

Notice the flowers: They teach us that if God takes thought of perishable flowers, He will never neglect those who’s body’s contain an immortal soul.

Jesus poses an awesome question in verse 27

Anxiety is one of the most useless thing to add to your life.

Quote: Our life is certainly in God’s hand; all the care in the world will not make us continue a minute beyond the time which God has appointed. We cannot add one hour to our lives: we shall not die till out work is done. — Jeremiah Burroughs (Puritan)

Worrying is simply being irresponsible with the health and energy God has given you to live for Him!!!

TOMORROW is always on our minds!

Notice verse 34

Dr. Paul Chappell said it well when he said, it’s like taking tomorrows clouds and covering today’s sunshine.

To worry about tomorrow is to lose sight of stewarding well the blessings God has graciously given you today.

You might DIE before tomorrow comes!!!

Worrying will never add days to your life…it could very well subtract days from your life!!!

Quote: “If tomorrow brings a cross, he who sends it can and will send grace to bear it.” — Jeremiah Burroughs (Puritan)

One great focus of “heathenism” is living for the PRESENT. (V32)

Why do they do that? Well, that is actually all they have to live for.

Outside of Jesus, the present is the most one has to focus his/her life on.

They can only be anxious because they know nothing of a Heavenly Father’s love.

2) Pursuing God’s Kingdom Guarantees Provision

Verses 32-33

Dear Christian…you are not like the heathen!

You have clearer light and knowledge!

Because you PERSONALLY know the Father, you have the POWER OF CHOICE to walk by faith and walk with contentment.

Philippians 4:11 “11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Hebrews 13:5 “5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

1 Timothy 6:6-8 “6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”

God would not have you set your heart on something that actually totals up in light of eternity as NOTHING!

Jesus gives us the REMEDY against an anxious spirit!

“seek first”

Jesus begins with words of priority.

How many of you typically do certain things of a morning rather than evening?

What worrying has done is cast an irreverence toward God; not recognizing God has the life giver and sustainer.

Jesus is speaking FIRST AND FOREMOST about seeking a place in His kingdom of grace and glory.

Romans 3:23 “23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Jesus is speaking SECONDlY about the believer’s concentration on doing God’s will.

What you and I need is a positive answer to worry and anxiety!

When you seek His kingdom FIRST you will naturally leave secondary matters to His providential care.

Are you taking advantage of all what your church is providing you and your family with?

You might ask, “How do I get to that point?”

It will demand self-denial; being content with what God has provided you.

The answer is not MORE STUFF, but rather making life LESS ABOUT YOU.

It is more about there being a reference to God and not about whether suits my body or pleases my comforts.

Quote: “All creatures in the world say contentment is not is us, riches say, contentment is not in me, pleasure says, contentment is not in me; if you look for contentment in the creature you will fail. No, contentment is HIGHER.” — Jeremiah Burroughs (Puritan)

When you finally learn that what is necessary for your life is higher, then you will quit worry about things that are lower.

CATCH THIS…No matter how poor you are, God has made it that you will always have what is absolutely necessary.

Quit leaving your heart and mind idle…fill your time with engaging your heart and mind to pursue Jesus.

When you finally grasp this world is not YOUR HOME, you will then purge out worrying over this life.

Psalm 119:19 “19 I am a stranger in the earth: Hide not thy commandments from me.”

Conclusion

Are you a worrier? Do you find yourself filled with anxiety?

Your freedom rests in a PERSON, not wealth!

You first need to trust Jesus with your soul and then begin to let go of this life to pursue His kingdom and righteousness.

Which kingdom will you fill your life with? The materialistic world can only promise you a worry filled life. The kingdom of God promises you a life filled with joy, peace and purpose.