Don't Worry About a Thing

Introduction

Mt 6:25-34

The contextual framework of or selected passage includes this:

Jesus’s sermon on kingdom behaviour (a call to change and trust God)

Chap. 6 points to a God-centered life

Praying Mt 6:1-15

Fasting Mt 6:16-18

Storing heavenly treasures Mt 6:19-24

Naturally if I am to focus exclusively on God, what am I to do about the other things I need in this life?

Worry

Matt 6:25-34

Dictionary: 1. mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated ; 2. also to bite or to gnaw at something (dog): ANXIETY

The word is mentioned six (6) times in this pericope. This passage is preceded by a teaching concerning storing up earthly treasures.

It has the following definition:

To meditate upon (treated with anxious ca

Disturbed with fear

Concerned about something (usually outside of one’s control)

Early Jewish writers described it as an intentness or striving after something

To be consumed with cares that are uncertain and out of our control

Matt 6:25-34

Jesus argues why we shouldn’t worry using a style of argumentation from the lesser to the greater. “Don’t be worried” [imperative]

“Look at the birds” Mt 6:26

“Look at the lilies” Mt 6:28-29

Php 4:6-7

Philippians 4:6–7 NASB95

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Paul instructs us on how not to worry

Don’t be anxious

Pray - give God your cares/concerns then God will give you His peace

Peter adds another element 1 Pet 5:6-7

1 Peter 5:6–7 NASB95

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

There must be humility in the heart of the one that is “cast all cares on God”

What cares do you have today?

What can Jesus do with it? What can He do with you?