"Let Go of Your Worry"

INTRODUCTION

Series Image

Years ago when we lived in Iowa the boys and I were moving some furniture in our home. We had a large bookcase that wasn’t massive in size but it was heavy! On this particular day we were moving it downstairs (I’m not sure how we got it up there in the first place) which is easier because of gravity but also more dangerous because of gravity. In this tight space of a stairway the bookcase was placed on my back as the boys guided it down. I almost died that day – if the boys would have lost grip gravity would have taken over and I would have been crushed under the weight of this massive object, I think this was the heaviest load I’ve ever carried and it probably wasn’t safe which is why Dana closed her eyes and left stairway. Machines, not human beings, are designed to carry heavy loads and yet we carry our fair share don’t we.

· Pics

Most of have carried a heavy load at one time in life even if it’s just a heavy bag of books that weigh us down.

Series Need

And yet being weighed down by a heavy load doesn’t have to be a literal object. We can be weighed down by things that are unseen and untouchable. We can be weighed down by guilt, shame, fear, anxiety, doubts, insecurity, despair, grief, the pursuit of success, the desire to be accepted and loved, regret, and pain. I’m not sure what’s weighing you down this morning but I know that we don’t have to carry these heavy burdens in life. We are going to have our share of trial and suffering in this life but we don’t have to carry so many burdens that weigh us down.

Series Preview

Today I want to begin a three-week series entitled “LET IT GO” – just in case you’re wondering it has nothing to do with “Frozen” and hopefully you won’t have that song going through your head each week (that’s would be a burden that weighs me down). I’m concerned that we spend too much of our life oppressed, enslaved, and weighed down by the burdens of worry, pain, and regret. I would love to sit down with each of you and listen to what weighs you down in life. Over the next three weeks we’re going to open up God’s Word and have Him speak to us about letting go of our worry, pain, and regret.

Sermon Image

Today we begin with the worry we carry that weighs us down (backpack). How many of you would call yourself a “worry wart?” (Raise hands) Nice!

· Worry (list/joke/quote)

Sermon Need

Worry wart or not, worry is a reality of our lives. What do you worry about? (Share) Worry weighs us down. Worry enslaves us. Worry can master us. I lay awake at night worrying about the next day, only to wake up worrying about the day ahead, anyone else? On the latest update on my Iphone there is a section in the “Settings” that tracks my “Screen Time.” It’s been eye-opening – I can see the total amount of time I’ve spent on my phone each day – it even breaks it down into categories like “Entertainmet” (music & pics), Productivity (email, calendar), and Social Media (messages, Facebook, &Twitter). What if your phones tracked how much time we spent worrying each day – I wonder how surprised we’d be by the amount of time we spend worrying about situations, circumstances, people, events, and ideas. We desperately need to “Let Go of our Worry” in life – it’s weighing us down. What does God say about worry? Is there any relief from worry in this life? Can we really “Let Go of Our Worry?”

Sermon Preview

If you have your Bible, and I hope you do, please turn to the gospel of Matthew. Matthew’s Gospel– it’s the first book of the NT. Turn to . Matthew Chapter 6:25-34. . In were find Jesus’ instructions about “Worry.” Jesus’ teaching on worry is a part of His broad teaching known as “The Sermon on the Mount” (). Here’s a brief outline (OL) of “The Sermon on the Mount” that helps frame His teaching on worry. The “Sermon on the Mount” presents “Kingdom Living” on earth – Jesus’ kingdom was inaugurated in His first coming and will be consummated at His second coming. Jesus is Lord – reigning now at the right hand of the Father – and we can live as Kingdom people on earth We can give people a glimpse of the Kingdom that will come in the here and now. We can live as Kingdom people – and as we’re going to see life in Jesus’ kingdom can be “worry free.” (Read ).

Jesus’ teaching on worry is powerful and profound. Let’s walk through it together as we consider Jesus’ Prohibition on Worry and Jesus’ Reasons “Why” we can let go of our worry.

I) JESUS’ PROHIBITION ON WORRY

There are many things we are not permitted (allowed) to do in life—let’s consider some of the “Prohibitions” of life—the certain actions we are prohibited (forbid) from doing by an authority or law. How many of you don’t like prohibitions – being told what you can’t do?

· “No Smoking”

· “No Hunting” (Private Property)

· “No U-Turn”

· “No Parking”

· “No Firearms”

· “No staying out past curfew”

· “No Loitering” (linger aimlessly)

· “No Running” or “No Diving” (Swimming pool)

· “No Shoes, no shirt, no service”

· “No Cell Phones in class”

· “No Crying in Baseball” (Tom Hanks)

· “No Worrying” (Make Sign – Powerpoint)

I’ve never seen a sign that prohibits worry but that’s what we find in God’s Word this morning! Matthew’s gospel records Jesus’ “Prohibition on Worry.” If you’re artistic go ahead and draw a “no worry” sign in the margin of your Bible next to this passage. Jesus’ prohibits “worry” in His kingdom. Seriously?! Does He know how ridiculous this sounds – how impossible it seems – in light of the fallen (crooked & perverse) world we live in? Let’s take a closer look at Jesus’ “Prohibition on Worry.”

A) Do not worry about the essentials of life (6:25, 31)

Jesus’ First Prohibition: Do not worry about the essentials of life.” “Do not worry about the essentials of life.” We find this specific prohibition twice in this passage—“Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear” (6:25)—and “So do not worry saying ‘What shall we eat? or ‘What shall we drink?, or ‘What shall we wear?” (6:31). These are not simply good ideas or mere suggestions, they are divine imperatives and authoritative instruction that prohibit “worrying” about the essentials of life.

The opening command begins with “Therefore” (For this reason) so we have to ask the important bible study question—“What’s the therefore there for?”—it connects what’s to come with what has already been stated in the previous section of Jesus’ sermon. Jesus had just instructed His disciples “to not store up treasures on earth where moth and rust can destroy them, and thieves break in and steal them but to store up for themselves treasures in heaven” (6:19) and declared they can’t “serve God and money” (6:24). Jesus teaching about heavenly treasures and serving God instead of money are linked to commands about not worry. We must see this initial connection between pursuing “wealth” (making $ our god) and “worry” in life. Now this is not to say that having “money” is inherently evil (sinful) or the effort to earn money means that we’re pursuing “earthly” things over spiritual things. When I set aside a portion of my check each month to put in my retirement account doesn’t automatically mean that I’m “storing up treasures on earth” – I could be guilty of that if I was putting all my hope and trust in my IRA – so Jesus’ teaching about “not storying up treasures on earth” isn’t a prohibition on earning money and saving money. Jesus’ teaching reveals that money is a lousy god – the pursuit of money above serving God is troublesome – the pursuit of money produces worry. For those who make money their pursuit will “worry” about getting it and “worry” about keeping it and getting more of it. Jesus wants us to see that connection in light of His prohibition on worry.

Jesus’ imperative is a strong prohibition against worry in the life of a disciple. Jesus called His disciples to not worry (merimnao)—do not have “anxious concern based on apprehension of possible danger—don’t be “worried,” “concerned,” or “anxious” about life. We find the same word used when Jesus told His disciples to not be worried about what they will say when brought before the synagogue because the Holy Spirit will tell them what to say (), when Jesus confronted Martha about being “worried” about many things but Mary has chosen what is better (), in Paul’s encouragement to the Philippian Christians. The command speaks of a present action – worry is an act that we do as opposed to something that happens to us – certainly there are times when “anxiety” overwhelms us (we don’t choose and need help) because of an internal or external situation but that’s not what Jesus is addressing in this sermon. The “worry” Jesus refers to our willful decision & practice, allowing our minds to worry about a situation or circumstance, and “worrying” or “being anxious” is something that I don’t have to do.

· Plane/flight – Our recent travels took us on flights from Denver to Burbank Ca, and then San Diego to Denver. I’ve been on a lot of flights, I began taking planes back and forth from the hospital when I was a young boy, so I’m not afraid to fly, I don’t get anxious when I fly. And yet, there is always a thoughts about “what could happen” or “if this plane is going to crash” as you board the flight. In that moment I can choose to “worry” about the risk and danger of flying the entire flight, sitting in my chair turning it over and over in my head, “What’s that noise?” “Why did we turn so suddenly?” and “We’re going to crash!” – worry, worry, worry all the way home but I don’t’ have to let that one thought give way to a life of worry. I could spend the whole flight worrying, wasting my time because in the end I land safely, or I can entrust my life to God, stop worrying about what could happen, and enjoy the flight (crackers).

Jesus is prohibiting the “act” of worrying – the conscious, intentional, and willful time spent worrying, for He knows our hearts and how they can be consumed with worry. Jesus went on to explain the things of life we should not worry about—specifically ‘what you will eat or drink, about your body, what you wear”—in essence don’t worry about the essentials of life like food and clothing. We must remember the context of Jesus’ teaching. Jesus didn’t deliver this message to people who had electronic refrigerators that stored food and a closet of full of clothes they bought at Target. Jesus addressed people familiar with poverty, some of them not knowing where they would find food for the next meal, and so this was radical teaching. Jesus taught His disciples not to worry about the basic human needs—food that sustains our life—and clothes that keep us protected from the outdoor elements (cold). Perhaps there are some of you gathered here that “worry” where the next meal will come from, how to fill the refrigerator because you don’t have enough money to buy a bag of groceries, but I suspect most of us in this room don’t “worry” about having/getting the essentials of life (food and clothes). Most of us “worry” about what or when we will eat, and “worry” if our clothes are fashionable (keep up with latest trends or be made fun of by others because you’re wearing hand-me-downs).

Worrying about the essentials of life is foreign to most of us and yet worrying about issues of life remains one of our greatest preoccupations as human beings. We spend a lot of time worrying about life—if not food, water, and clothes to keep us warm—it’s worrying about having money to buy the food and clothes that we want, our health, job security, bills to pay, the state of our country, making and sustaining life-giving friendships, the health and happiness of our kids and grandkids, and our future (will I have money form social security?) which leads us to Jesus’ second Prohibition.

B) Do not worry about the future (6:34)

Jesus’ Second Prohibition: “Do not worry about the future.” “Do not worry about the future.” Look at Jesus’ final command that serves as the summary statement of His teaching on worry—"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own—the repeated “therefore” links this command with all that Jesus has just taught them about worry. Do not worry about the future. In this context the “worry” about tomorrow is connected to worrying about the essentials of life. We worry about tomorrow’s provision of food, water, and clothes. If we’re not worried about tomorrow’s provisions of food and clothing, we’re worried about other aspects of the future.

Worrying about the future is at the top of our worry list. We spend a lot of time worrying about the future—we worry about getting older, we worry about being able to have enough resources to retire, we worry about a future job/promotion, we worry about our the choices our kids will make (marry, success, and live far away), upcoming elections, who will take care of us when we’re old, or perhaps the day of our death. Jesus prohibits worrying about the future. Jesus’ prohibition against worry is challenging because we spend many minutes of our day worrying about life and our future. God’s Word calls us to a worry-free life as followers of Jesus.

II) “WHY” WE MUST NOT WORRY (Four Reasons)

Jesus’ “prohibition” on worry seems absurd, ridiculous, if not down right impossible! Some might question “Doesn’t Jesus know what life is like here?” “How can He say ‘do not worry’ whe we live in such a broken world and face so many circumstances that cause worry to flood our hearts?” The command “Do not worry” seems a bit far-fetched, pie in the sky, and much easier said that done. Most of the people in Jesus’ original audience struggled to find the daily provisions of life (food & clothing) so this call to “not worry” about those things would have been even more challenging for them. Most of us don’t wake up each day without the ability to go to the fridge/cupboard to have food and go to our closet to pick out something to wear. And yet our lives are riddled with worry about earthly things! We live a real world with real problems, real struggles, real concerns about the future, our kids, the economy, job security (Charlie), blended families, cars that need fixed, parenting struggles, college planning, marital strife, and retirement. We feel like we have to worry about so many things in life. The notion of living a “worry-free” life seems impossible.

Jesus did live in this broken world. Jesus did face His own share of temptations and trials. Jesus does sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews). Jesus faced His own share of temptations and trails, suffering and sorrow, rejection, and death without worry through His dependence upon the Father and the Holy Spirit. The command implies that it’s possible for us to live in this world free from worry although it seem so foreign to our frail hearts. Jesus doesn’t simply give us the command and then leave us on our own. First and foremost in Jesus’ kingdom we have the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to live a worry free life. Secondly, prohibits worry and then explains why! Most of us don’t like being told “not” to do something but in general it’s helpful when we are told “why.” We do this as parents, right?! “Honey, do not touch the stove because it’s hot and it will burn you.” Jesus is gracious and explains “why” we must not worry as His disciples. Let’s consider “Three Reasons” as to “why” we must not worry – four reasons “why” we must live a worry-free life

A) Worry is unnecessary (6:25-30)

Reason #1: (Why we must not worry) –Worry is unnecessary in our lives as followers of Jesus. I’m not sure we believe that? Worry is unnecessary for us living in Jesus’ kingdom.

We return to Jesus’ opening prohibition on worry in —"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?— Jesus’ followed up His command with a rhetorical question—“Is not life more important that food, and the body more important than clothes?—the implied answer is “Yes!” Jesus’ rhetorical question presents a logical argument from the greater to the lesser often used in the Scriptures. The “greater” things are our life and our body, the lesser things are food, water, and clothes. Food and clothing are essential for life and the body but they aren’t the essence of our life and body. Our life and our body are more important than the food that nourishes it and clothing that covers it. Jesus’ question corrects any distorted perspective on life and reveals “why” we don’t have to worry. God has given us what is more important (greater)—a life and a body (our very existence)—so we can have confidence He will give us the food, clothing, and clothes (our essentials) that sustain and support them. We don’t have to worry about food, water, & clothing because the One who gave us our life and body will also provide what is needed to sustain and support them. Since God has given you a life and a body you don’t have to worry about Him providing what is needed to sustain your life and cover your body. Jesus’ teaching gives us the proper perspective on life—He is the giver of our life and body (greater things)—so we can trust Him to give us the food, water, & clothing to sustain us (lesser things). Our life is more important than the food and water than sustains it. Our body is more important than the clothes that cover it. Worry distorts our perspective on life. We begin to see secondary things as primary things. We begin to see the things that support our life and body as more important than our life and body. If live with this distorted perspective we’ll begin to pursue these things instead of the One who provides all things to support our life and body.

Jesus reveals how unnecessary it is for us to worry through two illustrations from nature. Jesus calls us to consider the “birds” and the “flowers” to see that worry is unnecessary because the heavenly Father is our Provider.

1) Look at the Birds of the Air (6:26)

We begin with Jesus’ call to consider the birds of the air” (6:26). Jesus’ declared “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Jesus called the crowd of disciples gathered on the hillside to “look” at the birds which don’t do what farmers do—they don’t sow a seed in the ground, they don’t reap a crop, and they don’t store way the crop in the barns for themselves—and yet your heavenly Father feeds the birds of the air. The birds don’t plan to plant a crop and they don’t do the hard work of harvesting and storing the crop—this is not a commendation of the carelessness & laziness of the birds (as if we should follow their example)—and this is not a declaration that birds are idle for they do search for food. Jesus’ point is clear, birds don’t engage in the agricultural process (like a farmer) but they are fed by “your” heavenly Father. “Your” heavenly Father is the One who provides for the birds of the air, can you not trust “your” heavenly Father. The illustration is a celebration of the Father’s provision for the birds of the air.

Jesus’ followed up the illustration with another rhetorical question— Are you not much more valuable than they?”—the implied answer once again is “yes.” The Father deems human beings to be more valuable (greater worth) than the birds of the air. Wow. You and I are more valuable in God’s eyes than the birds that fly through the air all over this great planet. The question draws the disciples to a deeper trust in their Father to be their provider. If your heavenly Father feeds the birds because they are valuable to Him, you can trust that He will provide food because you are even more valuable to Him than the birds.

2) Look at the Lilies of the Field (6:26-30)

Secondly, Jesus calls us to “Look at the Lilies of the Field to explains “why” His disciples must not worry about the things of life. Jesus transitioned from the birds of the air to the flowers of the fields—And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these—Jesus moves from worrying about food to worrying about clothes. Jesus questioned “why” HIs disciples would need to worry about their clothing (apparel) and then encouraged them to “look” (see) at how the lilies (think wild flowers that look like lilies instead of an actual lily) of the field grow—they don’t engage in hard work (toil) and they make yarn by twisting fibers together (spin)—and yet even King Solomon in all of his splendor was not dressed like one of these flowers. Jesus’ mention of “one of these” implies that they were able to see these flowers of the field where they were sitting during His teaching. Jesus draws attention to the growth process of a flower, they don’t engage in hard labor or make anything to adorn themselves, and yet the splendor of King Solomon could not compare to the beauty of the flowers. King Solomon was the richest man of his day, his throne was made of ivory and overlaid in gold, lions surrounding his throne, and his cups were made of pure gold—talk about a king’s glory—and yet not even King Solomon’s magnificent and remarkable appearance was dressed with beauty like the flowers of the field. The untended wild flowers of the field do even less than the birds and yet they are adorned with beauty that surpasses the greatest splendor of King Solomon.

Jesus followed the illustration with another rhetorical question—" If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”—Jesus’ question gets to the heart of trusting in the Father to provide clothing for them. If God the Father “clothes the grass of the field” (or the flowers with beauty) with beautiful wild flowers, flowers and grass that are temporary, here one day only to be burned used as fuel for the fire that heats their ovens when wood was in short supply or too expensive, how much more will the Father clothe you?” Since God clothes temporary plants with beauty, how much more will the Father to clothe you as well? The phrase “O you of little faith” highlights their lack of trust in the Father’s provision which is why they need the observe the His provision for the flowers—they possess a small measure of faith in the Father to provide clothing—since the Father does so much to adorn plants with beauty you can fully trust Him to provide clothing for His servants.

Application

Worry is unnecessary because the heavenly Father is our provider. We don’t have to worry about the essentials of life because the One who gave us our very existence is the One who will provide what is needed to sustain and support our life and our body. Remember you are valuable to the Father and He already knows what you need so you don’t have to waste time in worry. The Father will provide the essentials of life and all things to freely enjoy (), rendering worry unnecessary.

B) Worry is unsuitable for followers of Jesus (6:31-33)

Reason #2: (Why we must not worry) - Worry is unfitting because we have a greater pursuit as followers of Jesus. Worry is unfitting because we have a greater pursuit as followers of Jesus. Jesus declared that worry is unfitting for His followers – worry doesn’t suit disciples of Jesus – for we have a greater pursuit in our lives.

Turn your focus to . In we see that Jesus began with the charge to “not worry” about your life, specifically food and clothing, and in He repeats the charge—"So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?”—this repeated command includes the questions that would be asked by people who are worrying about the things of life. Jesus proceeded to explain “why” they should not be the type of people who are asking these worrisome questions—“ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (6:32).

First, don’t “worry” in this way because that is what the “pagans run after.” The term “pagans” is translated as “Gentiles” (ESV)—it is literally the “ethne” or the people who don’t know God—the unconverted, unbelievers from various nations, or those who don’t belong to the Christian faith.” The people who don’t know God spend their time “seeking” food, water, and clothing, it seems realistic enough but remember life is more than food and clothing, and in this context it refers to people who are seeking (pursuing or chasing) the basic essentials of life. You don’t have to worry, pursuing the essentials of life, first and foremost because that’s what those who don’t know God do. And yet just as important, you don’t have to worry—spending your life pursuing (seeking) the essentials of life because “your heavenly Father knows that you need them” (6:32). Jesus’ disciples don’t have to be anxious in their pursuit of the essential so life because their heavenly Father knows that you need them. You don’t have to be consumed with seeking the essentials of life, again this doesn’t imply we don’t work or are not engaged in the activities to obtain these things, and yet we don’t have to worry about them because our Father already knows we need them and will provide them for us. Our God knows we have all of these needs and will provide them for us just as He has provided food for the birds and clothing for the flowers.

Jesus has commanded us “to not worry” about the basics of life—spending our lives seeking these things because that’s what people who don’t know God do, your heavenly Father knows you need them (implying He will supply them), and finally we have a greater pursuit in life. In contrast to the pagans seeking “food, water, and clothing” Jesus presents another command that outlines what His disciples should seek—"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well—Jesus commanded His disciples to not worrying about the things pagans spend time seeking and to make it their priority to “seek His kingdom and His righteousness.” Obviously, every Christians has basic needs of food, water, and clothing but Jesus declared that’s not where our attention should be focused or what we should be seeking in life.

· God’s Kingdom (6:33a) A disciple’s first priority is seeking His kingdom and His righteousness. A disciple’s attention should be first and foremost and above all else (first importance) on seeking God’s kingdom, not your personal needs. The kingdom of God refers to HIs “area of rule”—His present reign on earth that will eventually consummate in His final kingdom—it’s the call for submission to HIs sovereign authority and obedience to His sovereign will.

· God’s Righteousness (6:33b) Secondly, a disciples must make it a priority to seek God’s righteousness—the term “righteous” denotes “doing what is right” or doing what God requires—and while we have been declared “righteous” (justified) by faith this is a call to live a righteous life. It’s a call to live out practically what we are positionally in Jesus Christ. The seeking of God’s righteousness then is seen as pursuing the “righteousness that God requires of us (, , & ).

Pursuing God’s Kingdom and Righteousness is our priority. Jesus call is accompanied by a promise—the Father will take give us what we need—for Jesus said “and all these things will be added to you” (6:33). Seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness is the priority, and when we do God promises to provide all we need, so there is no need to waste time worrying about them.

Application

Worry is unsuitable for followers of Jesus. We have a higher pursuit—seeking God’s Kingdom & Righteousness is our priority—our thoughts must not be consumed with worry but rather consumed with seeking God’s reign and righteousness.

· Oswald Chambers

Is seeking God’s kingdom & righteousness a priority in your life? Seriously. Are you consumed with seeking to live under His reign and live a righteous life? Are you seeking earthly things over eternal things? You might be seeking happiness, recognition, satisfaction, money, or your own selfish pleasure and gain. Maybe today’s message on “worry” is your wake-up call—time for you to refocus and renew your priorities—seeking God’s kingdom & righteous living.

Worry is unsuitable for followers of Jesus Christ.

D) Worry is unprofitable (6:27, 34)

Reason #3 (Why we must not worry) – Worry is unprofitable because it can’t improve our lives. Worry is unprofitable because it can’t improve our lives. Jesus’ offers this reason twice in this test.

1) Worrying about the essentials of life is unprofitable (6:27) - Jesus concludes the illustration of the birds with a question—" Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”—this is an interesting expression in the Greek text which reads “who of you by worrying can “add one cubit to his height or stature?” The “cubit” was traditionally the distance from the elbow to the end of the fingers (18 inches) or a small amount time (an hour or a day). The term “life” is translated from the Greek word “ἡλικία (hēlikia) meaning “span” as in length of life or height. Either way Jesus’ is asking the question, “can worrying about the things of life add even an “hour” to your life span?” The implied answer is No. Worry is unprofitable. Worrying does not add even add one hour to the length of your life.

2) Worrying about the future is unprofitable (6:34) Jesus said “do not worry” about the future for two main reasons. First, “tomorrow will worry about itself.” What a unique declaration from the lips of Jesus. Obviously “tomorrow” is not literally capable of worrying about itself so this is a figurative expression—it’s a call to cast off your worry about the future—you don’t need to worry about tomorrow. Secondly, the statement “each day has enough trouble of its own” highlights that “tomorrow will have its own share of trouble.” The future (tomorrow) will have a sufficient share of difficulty and distressing circumstances. We’re going to experience trouble but we don’t have to worry about the future trouble. The declaration also highlights that we will face enough trouble tomorrow so don’t add to it by wasting your time in worry, we don’t need to multiply the troubles we face by worrying about them.

Application

Worry is unprofitable! Worry has no value in our lives. We gain no benefit from worry. Worry doesn’t extend our life. Worry doesn’t enable us to avoid tomorrow’s trouble. Why are we wasting our time worrying when it offers no benefit to our lives?

· Husband/wife

Anyone here going to live longer because you worry? Nope! Anyone here going to change what happens tomorrow by worrying today? Nope! Worry is unprofitable!

III) THE REMEDY FOR WORRY ()

Jesus calls us to “worry-free” living as His disciples! Jesus not only prohibited worry but provide several reasons “why” we must not worry as His followers. Please remember this is not a suggestion but a command – He wants us to obey and enjoy a life free from worry. Worry is more than a habit, for most of us it’s a way of life. Can we truly “Let Go of our Worry?” (Lay this burden down)? Is it possible? Yes! We can let go of our worry by the power of the Holy Spirit. Will it take more than good reasons to rid our lives of worry? Yes. God has given us the remedy for worry. Let’s get practical.

1) Let go of your worry by trusting in God to provide all you need

Letting go of your worry requires faith. It might sound trite but it’s true. In the prohibition on worry Jesus declared “O you of little faith.” The Christian life is a life of faith. We often think of faith as “passive” but its active! We must trust in our heavenly Father moment to provide all that we need and more! We must have faith that God is going to provide all that we need and more. Living by faith will enable us to let go of our worry.

· G. Campbell Morgan

Faith is a verb—trusting in our Father moment by moment—believing who He is and His promises. Are you living by faith? Are you trusting in your heavenly Father to provide all you need and more? Your heavenly Father values you. Your heavenly Father knows what you need. Your ongoing and ever deepening trust in our heavenly Father will enable us to let go of our worry.

2) Let go of your worry by praying gratefully ()

Take your Bible and turn to Philippians. . In Paul penned five final exhortations at the Philippians about how to “live” their lives. Paul’s final exhortations here are likely well-known to you and this passage is high on the list of Bible memorization and for good reason.

Read

Paul’s quick flurry of commands are distinctively Christian-- live joyfully (4:4), exhibit gentleness (4:5), replace worry with prayer (4:6-7), and think rightly (4:8), and follow Paul’s example (4:9). Tucked away in this flurry of exhortations we find “The Remedy for Worry.” In we find a parallel to Jesus’ commands about worry—" Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God—here we find the call to “not be anxious.” The word “anxious” is the same word Jesus’ used in the sermon on the mount—“do not worry” or “do not be anxious” about anything—enlarging the prohibition on worry from “food, water, and clothes” to “anything” in life. Don’t worry about “anything” but in every circumstance of life that create worrisome thoughts "present your requests to God by prayer and petition with thanksgiving”—it’s a call to replace worry with gratefully prayer. In every circumstance and situation that creates worry (anxiety), come to God in prayer and petition—talk to God and plead with Him with a grateful attitude—“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

When we replace worrisome thoughts with grateful prayers the peace of God will surround your heart. The “peace of God” that surpasses our ability to understand or reason will become a “garrison” that surrounds your inner being (heart & mind). The “guarding of our hearts and minds” depicts an army that encamps to defend a position in battle. When we replace worrisome thoughts with grateful prayers our inner being will be “guarded” or “protected” by His supernatural peace. Anxiety will give way to tranquility. What an incredible promise from God!

APPLICATION

What are you worried about today? Think of your most recent worry? Replace that worry with grateful prayer! Do it today…do it tomorrow. Grateful Prayer is the remedy for worry. When worrisome thoughts come, pray! Lay down your worry today by coming to God with grateful prayers! Pray gratefully, talk to Him and present your requests to Him with a heart of gratitude and your heart will be guarded by His peace. Instead of your heart being flooded with worry it will be protected by the peace of God.

CONCLUSION

Refresh – Joke/Quote

I trust that all of us have a long list of “worries” this morning.

Renew

Jesus calls us to a “worry-free” life as disciples living in His kingdom – giving us four reasons “why we don’t have to worry” as followers of Jesus. Are you being weighed down by worry this morning? If not today, the temptation will come tonight or tomorrow.

Restate - Let Go of Your Worry.

· Worry is unnecessary because the Father is your provider,

· Worry is unfitting for a disciple because our pursuit is God’s Kingdom and righteousness,

· Worry is unprofitable.

Trust in God’s provision for you in every situation – You are valuable to your heavenly Father and He already knows what you need.

Pray in every worrisome circumstance and the peace of God will guard your heart and mind!

COMMUNION

Celebration of the gospel – salvation from sin and death through Jesus’ death & resurrection!

Celebration of communion with God and one another – peace with God & peace of God & letting go of our worry.

PRAY