GOSPEL OF MATTHEW - WORRY LESS ~ TRUST MORE

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW 6:25-34

As we come to the end of Matthew chapter 6 – remember last was Who is your Master – the  world or God?  Where is your treasure – being built up here or stored in heaven and remember the eyes are the pathway to the heart and what you allow in and focus on is where your heart goes – what your heart chases after.

Today Jesus continues and in verse 24 Jesus told us, we cannot serve two masters we cannot serve both God and money and then verse 25 where we start today Jesus says therefore don’t worry.

So as we being today, let us pray!

Sermon Title:

"Worry Less, Trust More”

Primary Text:

Matthew 6:25–34 (ESV)

““Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious 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? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, 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 of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Point 1: Worry Distracts Us from God's Faithfulness

Illustration:

Imagine trying to drive while staring into the rearview mirror. That’s what worry does—it distracts us from the road ahead and causes us to not only miss the journey but we don’t see what is ahead of us – where God is taking us nor what potholes the enemy has dug trying to stop us.

Key Idea:

Worry focuses us on the temporary and makes us forget God's eternal care. 6 times Jesus mentions the word for worry – anxious -

Scripture: Matthew 6:25–27

“Therefore, do not be anxious about your life - Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?... And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”

You cannot serve both God and money therefore do not be anxious – serve God and He will take care of you

Command – do not worry – merimnao – to be anxious, a state of mind that overconcerned about things money can buy – or day to day life

God gives life and gives what sustains life – 3 rhetorical questions Jesus wants us to consider –

 Isnt life more than food and the body more than clothing?

 Arent you more valuable than birds?

         Can you add a single hour to your life by worrying?

Basically – first things first – put God first in your life – the center of the wheel – if we trust Him then we will not fear not worry not be anxious

Supporting Scriptures:

Philippians 4:6–7 – “Do not be anxious about anything... but in everything by prayer and supplication... the peace of God... will guard your hearts and minds...”

Psalm 55:22 – “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you...”

Application Questions:

1. What specific worries are distracting me from trusting God today?

2. How does worry affect my ability to hear God’s voice?

3. What would it look like to replace worry with worship?

Point 2: God Cares Deeply and Provides Daily

Illustration:

A child doesn’t wake up worrying if their parent will feed them breakfast. Why? Because they trust their parent's love and consistency.

Key Idea:

God doesn't just care generally—He cares specifically and faithfully.

Scripture: Matthew 6:28–30

“Consider the lilies of the field... If God so clothes the grass... will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”

Jesus connects this to our level of faith and control – who is in control me or God? 

If God – how much faith and trust do I put into Him?

Supporting Scriptures:

Lamentations 3:22–23 – “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Romans 8:32 – “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”

Application Questions:

1. Do I believe God is deeply invested in the small and big needs of my life?

2. What keeps me from trusting in God's daily provision?

3. Where have I seen His faithfulness that I can remember and rely on?

Point 3: Seek the Kingdom, Not Control

Illustration:

Trying to control tomorrow is like holding water in your hands—it always slips through. But when you give tomorrow to God, your hands are free to receive peace today.

Key Idea:

Worry fades when God’s kingdom becomes your first priority and greatest desire.

Scripture: Matthew 6:31–34

“Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Be better than the Gentiles – have a righteousness greater than the Pharisee’s and Scribes

Don’t be anxious – Don’t worry – Remember the Lord’s Prayer – Give us THIS DAY – our DAILY BREAD

Seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness – When this is your focus – this is in the crosshairs

Seek first – commanded to do this

Jesus teaches against materialism, exhorts us to be kingdom minded and challenges us to look at what motivates us

Seek first the kingdom – Priority of time, treasure and talent

Focus on the excellence of Gods Will and Plan and Purpose

God’s provision does not mean – easy life – life without troubles –

Tomorrow will have trials – but focus on getting through today being focused on God

Supporting Scriptures:

Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

Isaiah 26:3-4 – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

Application Questions:

1. What does it mean for me personally to “seek first the kingdom”?

2. Where am I trying to control outcomes instead of trusting God?

3. How can I make today count without being consumed by tomorrow?

Big Idea:

When we seek God first, we can release worry and rest in His perfect provision.

Closing Thought:

William D. Mounce once said – Worry is practical atheism and an affront to God.

God knows what you need, loves you more than you can imagine, and is already in your tomorrow. Don’t let worry rob you of today. When you seek Him first, He takes care of the rest.