Luke 12:13-34 - Anxious for Nothing
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction:
According to the NIH, almost 20% of American adults were diagnosed with an anxiety within the last year. An estimated 31.1% have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.
This number is almost identical for those 13-18 as well. Some of these anxiety disorders include panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder among others (1).
In today’s world, shouldn’t there be less to be anxious about? With all of modern man’s inventions, shouldn’t we rest even more easily?
Now we have smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, alarms on our phones, banking alerts, car blind spot detectors and collision warnings, weather warnings, and home security systems. Many of our home appliances have overheating protection. We have GFCI outlets that protect against power surges.
I could continue to list things that have been created in order to give us less to be anxious about. Yet, it doesn’t work. There is always something that we are able to be anxious about. No matter how much we attempt to control our own lives, we must admit that we can’t control everything! There is always something that we cannot control.
So in a world full of variables that we cannot control, how can we be anxious for nothing? How can we fight against the wave of anxiety that is affecting so many of us in America?
This the overarching issue that Jesus is going to address with us today - How to be anxious for nothing.
Before we get started, let’s go to the Lord in prayer.
Prayer
Today we will see four ways that you must fight against anxiety. The first is…
I. You Must Fight Against Anxiety Through Contentment (13-15)
I. You Must Fight Against Anxiety Through Contentment (13-15)
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
We just talked about this large crowd that had gathered around Jesus. In the middle of this crowd we see a man ask Jesus to intervene for him. There was an inheritance issue and this man wanted to have the inheritance divided in a different way than what had happened.
We aren't given the details in this situation, but culturally speaking, the oldest brother would receive double the inheritance. In other words, the elder son would get 2/3 of the inheritance while the younger son 1/3. Although we cannot know for sure, it is likely that this man was the younger brother and did not agree with the way this was being done. However, this was what was prescribed by the Jewish law as seen in Deuteronomy 21:17. Some commentators state that there is a possibility that the younger brother wasn't getting anything, however this is less likely with Jesus’s response that comes in verse 15.
But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?”
It seems from Jesus’ response to this guy by calling him ‘man,’ that Jesus was not too thrilled with his interjection during this time of teaching. This informal greeting showed that Jesus did not consider this man a follower of His.
After giving this informal greeting, Jesus asks the man, “Who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” This is an interesting statement by Jesus. Jesus is actually Who will be in judgment over everyone. However, this man likely did not acknowledge Jesus’s authority in most matters but wanted to acknowledge Him in this matter.
This speaks of hypocrisy that is common today. Many people like to quote Jesus or the Bible when it benefits them. However, they do not want to be held accountable to the other sections of Scripture. As you can tell, Jesus doesn’t play that game. He isn’t going to be roped into this family feud.
Instead, Jesus takes this opportunity to teach an important lesson in Verse 15. This next verse is why it seems apparent that this man who has interrupted Jesus did not have a valid reason for his complaint:
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Jesus goes straight for the heart here. He hits on covetousness - in other words He addresses the sin of discontentment.
He asserts that one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.
We live in a world where the natural sin of coveting is exactly where marketing attacks. Your neighbor has a new big screen TV then you need one as well. Your friend just got a new car then you should get a new car. Your colleague got a raise, well then you should get a raise.
This is nothing more than blatant sin spelled out in the last of the 10 commandments (Exodus 20:17).
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.”
We are not to covet.
The word translated covet in Luke 12:15 can also mean greed. Jesus says to take care, or beware, of greed. This is a warning like what we saw in 1 Timothy 6:10 a couple of weeks ago:
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Beware of the love of money. Beware of the love of things.
If you want to take your first step in fighting anxiety, start by embracing contentment.
In reflecting on these opening verses, ask yourself these important questions.
Am I content with what God has given me?
Do I always want more? Am I like this brother who has his mind set upon his own wealth and honor? Am I bitter toward someone who I feel has done me wrong?
If you have answered yes to any of these, spend some time asking God to help you find contentment in Him alone. Jesus is all that you need.
Embrace contentment in Christ instead of the anxieties of this world.
Next we see that…
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 21:17, Exodus 20:17, 1 Timothy 6:10
II. You Must Fight Against Anxiety Through Concern (16-21)
II. You Must Fight Against Anxiety Through Concern (16-21)
Now this is not just any type of concern. Concern may quickly morph into a form of anxiety if it is focused on the wrong things. If you are concerned about worldly things and yourself then you will become more anxious and not less so.
Instead, this concern must be for the Lord and for others more than for yourself. This brings us back to the first and second greatest commandments as found in Matthew 22:37-39....
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
With that in mind, let’s jump into a parable about a rich man who did not obey these two greatest commandments.
And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’
It is important to note that this man was already rich before this abundant crop had been given. He had many goods as we will see in a moment, and now his land produced an amazing amount of crops.
I love the way Jesus tells this parable. This rich man has quite a dialogue with himself. He starts off in verse 17 with asking himself a question - frankly a pretty good first question. He needs to know what to do with all of these crops. That is a wise and practical question. He can’t just leave it all there and let it spoil. He needs to make a decision. Sadly, that is where his wisdom stops. Let’s keep going forward.
And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’
He answers his own question with an idea that he comes up with on his own. Unfortunately, his answer is actually a pretty common answer that we might see from many today. Many financial advisors might recommend such an answer. It seems prudent and practical, right? And in the right situation - such as Joseph in Egypt preparing for the famine to come, it might be the right thing (Genesis 41-47).
But note something very important that is missing here. What did he not do at this time of abundant blessing?
He did not thank God, and He did not pray for wisdom on how he should use this crop.
There is no consulting God at all in this matter.
Farming is one of the most obvious jobs that shows our utter dependence on the grace of God (although we are actually completely dependent upon Him in every way). But with farming it is very easy to see. God controls the weather. He controls whether the sun scorches the plants, a drought or pestilence kills the plants, an excessive rain floods them out, or if just the right amount of the elements produce an abundant crop.
This man has completely ignored the blessing of God and has completely ignored inquiring of what the Lord wanted him to do with the blessing.
What is your response to a windfall blessing? Maybe you are given a bonus at work or an unexpected check. Maybe it is a gift from someone. Do you respond selfishly or do you respond with thanksgiving and prayer?
This man had decided in his heart that he would live life to the full because of this windfall. He was going to build bigger storehouses and get his retirement party ready. He was going eat, drink, and be merry. In other words, he was ready to live his life to the full as modern people would say. He was going to party it up and live in gluttony, pleasure, and sin. He was going to make sure numero uno was taken care of.
To put this into modern understanding, this man has now accomplished the American dream. He can retire and not need anything or anyone. He can live his life for himself. He doesn't need to work. He can move to his retirement community in Florida and live life for his pleasure alone. His entire heart is directed only toward himself. He is self-sufficient and needs no one. As the blasphemous poem by William Ernest Henley entitled ‘Invictus’ pridefully boasts, ‘He is the master of his fate and the captain of his soul’ - or so he thinks.
Listen to Jesus finish this parable…
But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
Right at the peak of this man's wealth and self focus, God demands his life. This man will not be able to enjoy his riches. His soul is required from God. We saw back in verse 5 of this chapter a frightening verse in which Jesus told us not to fear man but to fear God Who after taking our life can cast us into hell (Luke 12:5). This man was about to experience that up close and personal. His focus was on himself. His life was all about him. Yet all of his efforts were for nothing. His riches would go to someone else. And now he would receive the wages he had earned for himself - the wages of sin which is death as we see in Romans 6:23.
In completing this parable, Jesus teaches that this is what happens to those who are not rich toward God and instead store up treasure for themselves alone.
I find it interesting that this is one of the most obvious passages addressing a possible retirement and yet it is in a very negative light!
The Bible does teach that we slow down as we age and many need to change what we do. We see this played out in Numbers 8:24-26 where the Levite men who were over 50 were not to be carrying the load of the tabernacle. They, instead, took on a modified role. The Bible is also clear that investing is Biblical as well. Time would fail me to discuss all of that. Come to GrowthGroup on Sunday mornings and you will learn all about Biblical finance for the next several weeks!
However, we are clearly not to retire into a self-absorbed oblivion. We must be rich toward God by giving Him all of our lives - financial, energy, and everything else.
Thus far, Jesus has shown us that we can fight against anxiety by being content as well as being concerned for the Lord and for others above ourselves. Moving on to our third point, we see that…
Scripture References: Matthew 22:37-39, Genesis 41-47, Luke 12:5, Romans 6:23, Numbers 8:24-26
III. You Must Fight Against Anxiety Through Contemplation (22-30)
III. You Must Fight Against Anxiety Through Contemplation (22-30)
The word contemplation means thoughtful observation or careful study. Jesus is going to give the disciples some very simple and yet thought-provoking things to consider as He addresses their anxiety and worry.
And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.
Jesus starts off with telling His disciples to be anxious for nothing. Don’t worry about your life, your food, you body, or your clothes. Note that this doesn’t mean that you are not to work or take care of your body or go to the grocery store! But you are not to be anxious or worry about these things.
His overarching reason for not worrying is that life is more than the things of earth. Worrying about the things of earth often leads to greed and selfishness.
The late theologian William Arndt once said:
“Greed can never get enough, worry is afraid it may not have enough.”
William Arndt
By this quote we can see the danger of greed and worry. They form a vicious cycle of worry which leads to greed which leads to worry. Worrying that one might lose what they have acquired leads to more and more hoarding.
So how do we fight against this cycle of greed and worry? Listen as Jesus gives some illustrations that show God's faithful provision.
Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!
Jesus is going to give two different examples of how He provides. First, He brings up God’s…
Provision for the Ravens - The Ravens Are Fed
Ravens are interesting birds for Jesus to mention here. God actually used them to feed Elijah and the wilderness (1 Kings 17:2-6). Yet these birds were actually unclean and not really good for anything for the Jews. Unlike sparrows that were mentioned last week in Luke 12:6 that were used for food, ravens were unclean animals and not able to be eaten. Yet God provided food for these birds. How much more does He provide for His children.
Jesus ends the example with showing that mankind is of much greater value than the birds at the end of verse 24. This is an important teaching today. Evolutionary theory has demeaned mankind. The lies of evolution teach that we are just a product of our environment - an amazing accident. Yet the Bible teaches that we are the crowning glory of creation. Mankind has been given the charge and authority to exercise dominion over the world. Listen to God speak of the creation of man in Genesis 1:27-28:
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.”
We are made in the image of God! We are not like the birds of the air or fish in the sea. We are not like the animals that move on the earth. We are uniquely made in the image of God.
In light of this great truth, Jesus then gives rhetorical questions in response to God’s provision.
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?
In essence, Jesus asks the following questions…
Jesus Rhetorical Question in Response to the Ravens - Can you add to your lifespan? If not, then why be anxious?
Jesus questions His disciples and asks them if their worry can add a single hour to their span of life. This literally says one cubit to your height, however the context is more likely that Jesus is speaking of adding hours to one’s life.
Jesus, then says that if you are unable to do a small thing such as add moments to your lifespan or add to your height, why be anxious about anything else? Acknowledge the fact that you are not in control. God is. A firm belief and understanding of God's sovereignty will help us fight against anxiety.
Ironically, study after study has shown that worry and anxiety actually shorten our lifespans (2)!
Trusting in God and His sovereignty is not only good theology, but good for practical living as well!
Obviously, we know the rhetorical answer to this question is no. We can’t add to our lifespan. God determines one’s day of birth and day of death as seen in the many verses in your handout that we cannot go through due to time! I would suggest that you read them. They will increase your faith and trust in God’s sovereignty! (Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 1:15, Psalm 71:6, Hebrews 9:27, Psalm 33:18-19, Psalm 56:11-13, Isaiah 25:8, Acts 2:22-24, Ephesians 1:19-21, Revelation 1:18, John 21:20-23, Exodus 20:12, Ecclesiastes 8:8, Proverbs 3:1-2, Ephesians 6:1-3).
This doesn't mean that we don't need to care for our bodies. This doesn't mean that there will not be consequences for careless actions. However, God knows everything and has determined a birthday and a death day for each person.
But we know we can trust Him because as God cares for the ravens, God will care for us even more.
Moving forward we come to a second example of provision.
Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
Provision for the Lilies and the Grass - The Lilies Grow Without Working and the Grass Is Clothed with Beautiful Flowers
Jesus starts off by mentioning the lilies growing without working at all. This shows God’s provision even moreso! The ravens were fed but at least they could move and go after their food! Lilies are just stuck where they are planted. Yet, God gives growth to them.
And these lilies clothe the grass of the field in a way that is greater than Solomon in all his glory. If you remember Solomon, he was the king of Israel after David. He was the wealthiest and most wise king ever other than Christ obviously. His reign was marked by such prosperity and beauty that silver was seen as nothing (See 1 Kings 10:14-22). But yet even the lilies of the field clothe the grass in more glorious splendor than Solomon had on earth. And all of this is by the hand of God.
See Jesus’ rhetorical questioning again in verses 28:
But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
Jesus Rhetorical Question in Response to the Lilies and the Grass - Will God not clothe you as well?
The lilies and the grass have very short average lifespans compared to man. In a matter of days or months, they are no more. Yet, God cares much more for us.
Now we come to the final couple of verses in this section of admonition…
And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.
Jesus summarizes His statements and verses 29 and 30. He tells them not to be anxious about their food or drink. They are not to be worried about other things. He contrasts His people with the nations around them. He reminds them that their Heavenly Father knows what they need.
An old saying points out the harm and uselessness of worry:
Worriers feel every blow
That never falls
And they cry over things
They will never lose.
Unknown Author
May we not worry about tomorrow, for it has enough worries of its own (Matthew 6:34).
Jesus has illustrated through contemplation - or thoughtful observation - that His children should not be anxious because the Father will provide.
And finally, Jesus gives the final way to fight against anxiety in this passage:
Scripture References: 1 Kings 17:2-6, Luke 12:6, Genesis 1:27-28, Verses on God’s Sovereignty Over Day of Birth and Death (Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 1:15, Psalm 71:6, Hebrews 9:27, Psalm 33:18-19, Psalm 56:11-13, Isaiah 25:8, Acts 2:22-24, Ephesians 1:19-21, Revelation 1:18, John 21:20-23, Exodus 20:12, Ecclesiastes 8:8, Proverbs 3:1-2, Ephesians 6:1-3), 1 Kings 10:14-22, Matthew 6:34
IV. You Must Fight Against Anxiety Through Concentration (31-34)
IV. You Must Fight Against Anxiety Through Concentration (31-34)
Concentration on what? Concentrating on what matters. Namely, the kingdom of God. Listen to one of the most powerful verses in the Bible as we read Luke 12:31:
Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
This is a parallel from a more familiar verse in the Bible from Matthew. I am going to have us go through it as well.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Jesus tells His disciples again to be anxious for nothing. Our focus should not be on our needs but instead about the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. If we focus on Christ, our needs will be provided for us. If we work for His glory, our work will be blessed. This doesn't mean that we won't struggle. But this does mean that He will provide for our needs. We can trust our Heavenly Father.
Are you focused on Christ and the Kingdom of God more or are you focused on the things of this world more?
Paul teaches us a good lesson in this area…
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
We must be focused on what is eternal if we want to make an impact for Christ. Every decision we make and everything we do needs to be understood through the lens of God’s kingdom.
I have been watching Keyan play baseball this spring and it reminds me of how important concentration is. When batting or pitching or playing the field, if one loses his concentration for even a moment, the entire game changes.
In the same way, our concentration needs to be laser focused on Christ moment by moment. That is why we are told to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). We must walk with Christ in order to keep our minds fixed on Him and His kingdom.
Moving forward, verse 32 has really been a word of encouragement to me this week.
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
In a Fatherly and loving tone, Jesus encourages us to have no fear. He states that it is God’s good pleasure to give us the kingdom. Wow.
It is God’s good pleasure to save your soul.
It is God’s good pleasure to offer up Jesus Christ to be crucified for our sins so that He might have eternity with us.
Oh, how insignificant we are for such a statement. Yet, His good pleasure is in saving a sinner like us. His good pleasure is in showing His glory by graciously offering His greatest treasure up for us on the cross.
May we find our good pleasure in Him more than anything in this world. He is worthy of our honor and praise.
Finally we come to our final two verses:
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Obviously, the Scriptures do not condemn those who do not sell everything. There are certainly those Jesus does call to do so, however. Consider the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22). But Jesus is hitting the heart here. We should be willing to give up anything for Christ. Our treasure must be in heaven and not on earth. Because where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.
There are a couple of probing questions that you need to ask yourself in light of these two verses.
1. What possession do you own that if you were asked to give away, would cause you the most grief or pain?
2. Are you willing to give it up if the Lord requires it of you?
Be sure that this possession has been offered to God. Be sure that you are holding everything loosely. God may not require it of you, but may you always be ready to give whatever He asks. Remember that everything is His - even you are - as you were bought with a price - the price of His blood on the cross (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
3. Where is your treasure today? What is most valuable to you?
Because where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The cure for greed is generosity. The cure for idolatry is to destroy the idol and replace it with Christ. As we have stated before, the problem with greed is not a money problem - it is a worship problem.
Scripture References: Matthew 6:33, Colossians 3:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Matthew 19:16-22, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Conclusion:
As we come to a close, we have heard some tough words from Jesus. He has told us to be anxious for nothing. He has encouraged us to fight anxiety by being content, being concerned for the things of God and for others more than ourselves, contemplating or carefully observing God’s providence, and concentrating on what really matters - namely the kingdom of God.
My friends, there are so many things we can worry about. Finances, health, possessions, retirement, the state of our nation, world affairs. The list is endless. But there is one great cure for all of this. And that is seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.
When we daily seek Christ above all, we can rest well knowing that He is sovereign over everything. We can trust Him to provide for what we need. And we can rest knowing that our eternity is secure if we are in Christ.
Brothers and sisters, may you trust Christ fully. He is worthy, and He is faithful.
