Freedom From Worry

Introduction

Before we read let me set the scene.

Jesus the Son of God, has just been on a healing streak and has gathered quite a crowd to see him heal and to listen to his word. Large crowds have come from all over the area, Galilee, Judea, Decapolis (the City). Like a Billy Graham Crusade. If you have ever had a chance to go to a Billy Graham crusade you know that the lines to get in are bigger than any football, basketball, or baseball event. The lines go on forever and you had better be there early. If you get their early enough you can get inside, if you are on time you might get to watch from the Giant TVs they have out side in the parking lots of the places he speaks at, and if you are late you wont even get to go into the parking lot before you are told to turn around.

Such a crowd had gathered Not as big as all that but for the 1st century it was comparable remember they don’t have microphones. So seeing such a large crowd coming Jesus goes up into the mountains, Sits down and begins to teach and to preach. The mountains themselves act as a natural AMP. so that all the people can hear and while he teaches he paints such a picture for us a Christians to strife for that we realize that it is only through grace we are saved.

Matthew 6:25-34

Matthew 6:25–34 LEB

“For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, what you will eat, and not for your body, what you will wear. Is your life not more than food and your body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky, that they do not sow or reap or gather produce into barns, and your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are? And who among you, by being anxious, is able to add one hour to his life span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe the lilies of the field, how they grow: they do not toil or spin, but I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed like one of these. But if God dresses the grass of the field in this way, although it is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not do so much more for you, you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?,’ for the pagans seek after all these things. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow, because tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Jesus has stated just prior to this that we are not to be materialistic, craving after materials. Thus the reason why this passage begins with don’t worry about it. What you will where, eat, drink.

Why shouldn’t you worry Because God the Father will take care of it. Look at the birds they get fed we are more important to God then them. Verse 27 is an important one. Who by worrying can add a single hour to his life. Life is short. Worrying doesn’t change that.

I was watching a cartoon one time (still a kid at heart) and one character said I am worried! The hero of the show who is little more than a kid said “oooooh is if fun” Well No its not suppose to be. Does it help. No. Then why do it?

Very good Question. Why do it? But we all do from time to time. Jesus isn’t finished. Don’t worry about what you will cover your body with. When I was young I Thought this was a problem for women but I have learned that this is a problem for all people worrying about what to put on. When instead it would be better to just be grateful that we have something to put on. We are not to worry.

Jesus tells us that this is the way of Pagans and we are to be set apart because we are under God’s protection.

Matthew 6:32–33 LEB

for the pagans seek after all these things. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Verse 32 Tells us that God knows we need them Verse 33

Seek First his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. We like to take this passage out of context. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things will added unto you (meaning everything we want). Here he is just talking about everything we need.

The Idea is if we are truly seeking his kingdom first and his righteousness, then his desires become our desires. Not our desires become his. Therefore don’t worry about it because today is enough for its own. Like Yoda says Be mindful of the future but keep you focus on the now.

How do others survive without the freedom of being worry free because they can’t claim his promise. The way of the pagans or world is to worry we need not be like them. There are times however in which we are like them worrying. Why?It doesn’t do any good. So when I used to tempted to worry about whether or not I will make rent or if we will have food or can I buy books for classes. Or will the car make it. I pray

Times of worry become times of prayer And God is Good and gracious to give you your need. So be free.

Be free

Next Steps

Be Free by Seeking First His Kingdom, Not your kingdom, but His.