Trusting God’s provision

Sermon Outline: Matthew 6:25-34, NKJV

Title: Trusting God’s Provision

Introduction:

This passage is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about trusting God instead of being consumed by worldly concerns.

Anxiety and worry are universal struggles, yet Jesus commands His followers not to worry.

Today, we will explore three key points from this passage about worry, God's provision, and our response.

I. The Problem of Worry (Matthew 6:25-27)

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry 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?" (v. 25)

Life Then vs. Life Now

In Jesus’ time, daily survival depended on hard labor; food, water, and clothing were not easily acquired.

Today, many still struggle for basic needs, but anxiety has expanded to financial security, career stability, and social pressures.

Jesus' Question:

"Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?"

Worry distorts our perspective, making temporary concerns seem more important than eternal matters.

Illustration: A child trusts their parents to provide without stress; we should trust our Heavenly Father the same way.

Application:

Recognize that worry cannot add to our lives (v. 27).

Shift our focus from survival to trusting God's provision.

II. The Father’s Care and Provision (Matthew 6:28-30)

"Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." (v. 28-29)

God’s Care for His Creation:

Birds do not stress over food, yet God feeds them (v. 26).

Flowers do not worry about clothing, yet God clothes them in beauty.

If God Provides for Them, Will He Not Provide for You?

Jesus emphasizes that God values us far more than birds and flowers.

Worry often stems from a lack of faith (v. 30).

Illustration: The changing of the seasons reminds us of God’s constant care—if He provides for nature, how much more for His children?

Application:

Reflect on God’s past provision in your life.

Trust that God will continue to meet your needs.

III. Seek First the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:31-34)

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (v. 33)

A Change in Priorities:

Instead of being consumed by material needs, Jesus calls us to seek His kingdom first.

When we do, God promises to provide for us.

Each Day Has Enough Trouble:

Worrying about tomorrow drains today of its peace (v. 34).

Trusting God daily keeps our focus on Him, not our fears.

Illustration: A GPS only reveals the next turn when it's time—God provides direction and provision one step at a time.

Application:

Prioritize your relationship with God over worldly concerns.

Live with faith, trusting that God will provide as you seek Him first.

Conclusion:

Worry accomplishes nothing, but faith in God brings peace.

God is a faithful provider—He cares for the birds and flowers, and He cares for you.

Seek His kingdom first, and everything else will fall into place.

Final Challenge: What are you worrying about today? Surrender it to God and choose to trust Him.

What does Jesus instruct us not to worry about in Matthew 6:25?

According to this sermon, how does the care God provides for birds and flowers relate to His care for humanity?

How can we practically shift our focus from worldly concerns to God's provision in our daily lives?

What specific worries do you need to surrender to God in order to live with greater peace?

What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God, according to this sermon?

In what ways does worry distort our perspective on life, as highlighted in the sermon?

How can reflecting on God’s past provision strengthen your faith in His future care?

What steps can you take to prioritize your relationship with God over material concerns?

What does Matthew 6:27 teach us about the futility of worry?

In what areas of your life do you struggle with anxiety, and how can you apply the truths from this sermon to those areas?

What practical strategies can you implement to remember God’s provisions in your life?

What does the sermon say about the relationship between worry and faith?

How can you seek the kingdom of God in your daily activities this week?