This past weekend at Eastbrook, as we continued our series “Becoming Real” on the Sermon on the Mount, we turned to Matthew 6:25-34.
This passage speaks right into one of our most personal and constant issues as human beings: worry. I explore what worry is and what it does and doesn’t do. I also spent time talking about the power of creation in relation to our life with worry and our life with God. Ultimately, this is one more teaching that relates to the overall good life that Jesus outlines for His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount where God is the center and life is unified around God’s kingdom and righteousness. That is summarized so powerfully in one of the most memorable verses from the entire Sermon on the Mount, which is found here:
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
You can find the message video and outline below. You can also view the entire “Becoming Real” series here, as well as the devotional that accompanies the series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33)
Why Worry? (6:25, 27, 28, 31, 34)
- What is worry?
- Why do we worry?
- What does worry accomplish?
- The difference between worry and work
What Preoccupies Us? (6:25)
- Preoccupation with food and clothes (6:25-34)
- Preoccupation with treasure (6:19-24)
- Preoccupation with human reward (6:1-18)
- The disciple is not preoccupied, but occupied with something else
Take a Good Look at and Learn from the Birds and Wildflowers (6:26, 28-30)
- The well-provided birds
- The best-dressed wildflowers
- The care of God the Father
- If that is true for them, then what for us?
Disciples’ Faith and Priority (6:33)
- Living by faith in God the Father
- Prioritizing God’s kingdom and righteousness
Making It Real
- Perspective: the uselessness of worry and the power of faith
- Provision: trusting God the Father for what we need Priority: living for God’s kingdom and righteousness first
Dig Deeper
This week dig deeper into Jesus’ teaching on real spirituality in one or more of the following ways:
- Consider memorizing Matthew 6:25 or 6:33 this week.
- Take some time this week to go on a walk or sit outdoors. While you do that notice the beauty of creation around you, especially the birds and the wildflowers. Let your consideration of them lead you into prayer, laying your worries down and choosing to trust God with your life. Perhaps you could use Philippians 4:6-7 as a basis for your prayer.
- Consider exploring some of these articles on themes related to this passage:
- “Mind Your Heart,” The Table, issue 2 (Fall 2013)
Renovate 