Sermon on the Mount: Overcoming Worry

Context

• Delivered by Jesus on a hillside on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee.
• Jesus taught a multitude (hundreds of people).
• Focus: What it means to be a disciple, with emphasis on materialism and priorities.

Key Points: Matthew 6:25-34

Opening Statement (v.25)

• Instruction: Do not worry about your life, including what you will eat, drink, or wear.
• Reason: Life is more than food and the body more than clothing.

Context and Connections

• Previous Teachings:
  • Value heavenly treasure over earthly treasure.
  • Heart and treasure are interconnected.
  • Cannot serve both God and material wealth (Mammon).

Main Commands

1. Do Not Worry (vv. 25-26)

• Jesus' Words: “Do not worry about your life.”
• Focus: Material concerns dominate but life is more than these.
• Example: Birds of the air - they don’t sow or reap but God provides for them.
  • First Reason Not to Worry: Value over Birds: We are more valuable than birds.

2. Worry is Useless (v. 27)

• Question: “Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”
• Meaning: Worry doesn’t help, and may even be harmful (takes away from life, does not add).
• Second Reason Not to Worry: Uselessness of Worrying: It achieves nothing productive.

3. God's Provision (vv. 28-30)

• Consider the Lilies: They grow without laboring or spinning.
  • Third Reason Not to Worry: God's Care: If God clothes the grass, He will clothe us.
• Faith Issue: Directed at those of “little faith.” Calls for trust in God's goodness.

Application (vv. 31-34)

Do Not Worry About Basic Material Needs

• Gentiles' Focus: Those who don't know God worry about material things.
• Contrast: Believers should trust that God knows their needs.

Fundamental Principle: Seek First the Kingdom (v.33)

• Main Verse: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
  • Not about adding more priorities, but letting it influence all aspects of life.
  • Practical Examples: Be godly in daily actions, at home, work, school, etc.
  • God’s Assurance: Focus on spiritual growth, and God will provide for material needs.

Final Thought: Living in the Present (v.34)

• Advice: “Do not worry about tomorrow. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
• Implies: Solves much of life’s anxiety by focusing on today.

Additional Reflection

Skeptics’ Perspective

• Challenge: What has God done for me?
• Ultimate Answer: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, a supreme demonstration of God's love and care.

Personal Application

• Prayer Encouragement: Casting cares upon God, seeking kingdom in daily life.
• Spiritual Growth: Continual pursuit of God's kingdom integrates godliness into all areas of life.