WHO WILL YOU SERVE?

The sermon idea arose from where the text talks about wealth and worry. My mind was arrested with the reality that I must not seek, serve, nor trust wealth, but rather God.

Open Bible to: Matthew 6:24-34

Summary:

Who an individual chooses to serve determines their level of worry.

Application:

This sermon will encourage Christians to lean on God's promises when faced with life's challenges, reminding them that God cares for their needs and will provide for them, even when circumstances appear bleak. It calls believers to act in faith rather than fear, fostering a community of support where generosity reflects God's grace.

Big Idea: Even in our most pressing needs, we can trust that God will provide for us as we live in faith, reflecting His generosity and love in our lives and communities.

Introduction:

In this world of uncertainty and scarsity, people are clamoring to get all they can in an effort to create financial security. This is the issue seems to take up the vast majority of their thoughts and energies. It was in 1959 that Berry Gordy and Janie Bradford wrote a song that was performed and recorded by Barrett Strong called “Money.” The lyrics to the song said: The best things in life are free, but you can give them to the birds and bees; I need money, that’s what I want! Unfortunately, that same sentiment is embraced by multitudes in this postmodern culture.

There isu little wonder about why people are so stressed out with worry. The message of the text reminds us that serving wealth is a the wrong chose because questions that face us today are “What do we want and who will we serve?”

1. We Don’t have to worry (v. 25)

Matthew 6:25 NASB 2020

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing?

“For this reason” points us back to Matthew 6:19-21

Matthew 6:19–21 NASB 2020

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

2. Just Look Around (vv.26-30)

Matthew 6:26–30 NASB 2020

Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they? And which of you by worrying can add a single day to his life’s span? And why are you worried about clothing? Notice how the lilies of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin thread for cloth, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!

Maybe explore the widow’s incredible faith in God's promise through Elijah’s words. Discuss how her willingness to give her last meal exemplifies sacrificial trust, inspiring believers to act generously. Highlight the miracle of sustained provision as a testament to God's reliability, encouraging believers to reflect God’s generosity regardless of seemingly limited resources.

3. Stronghold of Hope

Psalm 62

Perhaps consider the psalmist's unwavering confidence in God as a refuge. This passage teaches us to place our hope in God alone, rejecting reliance on material wealth or human strength. Use this to remind the listeners of the peace found in God’s unshakeable character, encouraging them to find rest in His promises amidst life’s uncertainties.

4. Spiritual Living and Support

Galatians 5:25–6:5

You could emphasize the importance of living by the Spirit and supporting one another as expressions of faith. Faith calls us to serve others, embodying God's love through actions. Encourage the congregation to be vulnerable with one another, bearing each other’s burdens, as a reflection of trust in God’s provision and community support.

5. Endurance in Generosity

Galatians 6:6–10

Maybe focus on the principle of sowing and reaping. Discuss how persistent faithfulness in doing good manifests God’s abundant provision. Encourage believers to not grow weary in helping others, for their efforts will result in eternal benefits. God’s provision follows our trust and obedience, assuring us that generous living aligns with Christ's example.

6. Choose Faith Over Worry

Matthew 6:24–27

Consider exploring Jesus’ teaching against serving two masters, encouraging believers to choose God over materialism. Lay out the futility of worry and the assurance that, as God cares for the birds, He will surely care for us. Challenge the congregation to cast their anxieties on God, reinforcing His faithfulness and sufficiency.

7. Tomorrow’s Trust Today

Matthew 6:28–34

Highlight Jesus' reminder of God's care and the call not to worry about tomorrow. Discuss trusting God for each day’s needs, aligning with seeking His kingdom first. Show how this passage illuminates Jesus as the embodiment of divine provision, and inspire the church to walk in daily trust, reflecting His peace to a worried world.