Living in Trust: Overcoming Worry Through Faith
Summary
Worry is a universal human experience, but Jesus calls us to a higher way of living—one rooted in trust, not anxiety. The name of Jesus is power, healing, and life, and when spoken over our situations, it brings freedom and peace. We are invited to call on His name, not just as a ritual, but as a declaration of faith that His presence is greater than any stronghold, addiction, or fear we face. The peace that comes from Jesus is not a fleeting feeling, but a deep assurance that God is intimately involved in every detail of our lives.
Understanding truth is crucial in a world filled with deception. As followers of Christ, we are called to filter everything through the Word of God, seeking the whole counsel of Scripture rather than cherry-picking verses or clinging to denominational streams. Jesus’ teachings, especially in the Sermon on the Mount, lay out principles for living as people of the Kingdom—here and now, not just in some distant future. The Kingdom of God is present wherever Christ reigns in our hearts, and we are called to live by its values: integrity, generosity, forgiveness, and a focus on others.
Jesus’ command, “Do not worry,” is not mere advice but a directive grounded in the reality of God’s care and provision. He points to the birds and the lilies as reminders that our Heavenly Father knows our needs and is faithful to provide. Worry, unlike healthy fear, is a thief that robs us of sleep, health, and joy, often centering us on ourselves and hypothetical scenarios rather than on God’s sufficiency. The antidote to worry is not passivity, but active seeking of God’s Kingdom—prioritizing His purposes, serving others, and trusting that as we do, “all these things will be added to you.”
Living as Kingdom people means embracing a higher standard, not just in morality but in perspective. We are ambassadors of Christ, carrying His presence and principles into every sphere of life. When we focus on God’s Kingdom, our worries diminish because our attention shifts from our lack to His abundance. Even in seasons of uncertainty—whether it’s job loss, illness, or financial strain—God’s faithfulness remains. The testimony of provision and peace is not reserved for a select few, but is the inheritance of all who seek first His Kingdom and righteousness.
Key Takeaways
- The Name of Jesus is not just a word, but a living reality that brings power, healing, and deliverance into every situation. Speaking His name over our circumstances is an act of faith that invites His presence to break strongholds and bring light into darkness. This is not a formula, but a relationship with the One who is above every other name. [43:06]
- Truth is foundational for the Christian life, especially in a world saturated with deception and half-truths. Filtering everything through the Word of God and seeking the whole counsel of Scripture protects us from error and grounds us in what is real. This requires intentional study, humility, and a willingness to go beyond denominational boundaries to embrace the fullness of God’s revelation. [50:23]
- Jesus’ command to “not worry” is rooted in the context of Kingdom living. It is not a superficial encouragement, but a call to trust in God’s character and provision as we align our lives with His priorities. Worry is countered not by denial, but by seeking first the Kingdom of God and living according to its principles—generosity, prayer, fasting, and single-minded devotion. [01:03:05]
- The Kingdom of God is both present and future, and as believers, we are called to live as Kingdom people now. This means embodying the values of the Kingdom—integrity, compassion, and faith—regardless of our circumstances. Our ultimate allegiance is to King Jesus, and as His ambassadors, we carry His presence and authority wherever we go, impacting the world around us. [01:20:37]
- Worry is a thief that distracts us from God’s purposes and diminishes our effectiveness in His Kingdom. When we focus on ourselves and our lack, anxiety grows; but when we seek God’s Kingdom and serve others, our perspective shifts and God’s provision becomes evident. Even in seasons of uncertainty, God’s faithfulness is proven as we trust Him with our needs and prioritize His will above our own. [01:34:54]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[43:06] - The Power in the Name of Jesus
[47:15] - Prayer and Speaking Jesus Over Every Situation
[50:23] - The Importance of Truth and Biblical Learning
[57:47] - Introduction to Worry: Jesus’ Command
[01:03:05] - “Do Not Worry” as a Command, Not Advice
[01:09:10] - The Whole Counsel of God
[01:12:04] - Beyond Denominations: Embracing All of Scripture
[01:13:20] - The Kingdom of God: Here and Now
[01:18:04] - Living as Kingdom People
[01:24:02] - Principles for Kingdom Living
[01:26:54] - Charity, Prayer, and Fasting in the Kingdom
[01:30:42] - Treasures, Perspective, and Serving God
[01:32:28] - Worry as a Thief: The Cost of Anxiety
[01:34:54] - Seeking First the Kingdom: The Antidote to Worry
[01:37:12] - God’s Provision in Uncertainty
[01:42:06] - Testimony of God’s Faithfulness
[01:43:32] - Trusting God in Every Situation
[01:46:18] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Do Not Worry – Living as Kingdom People”
---
### Bible Reading
Matthew 6:25–34 (ESV)
25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?
27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?
28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,
29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in Matthew 6, what are some of the specific things people tend to worry about?
2. What examples from nature does Jesus use to teach about God’s care and provision?
3. In verse 33, what does Jesus say should be our first priority, and what is the promise attached to it?
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus’ command “do not worry” is not just advice, but a directive. How does the pastor explain the difference between advice and a command? [[01:03:05]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus points to birds and flowers as examples when talking about worry and trust? What is he trying to show us about God’s character?
2. The pastor says that worry is a “thief” that robs us of sleep, health, and joy. In what ways can worry distract us from God’s purposes? [[01:32:28]]
3. The sermon talks about “seeking first the kingdom of God” as the antidote to worry. What does it mean to seek God’s kingdom in practical, everyday life? [[01:34:54]]
4. The pastor mentions that the peace Jesus gives is not just a feeling, but a deep assurance of God’s involvement in our lives. How is this different from the world’s idea of peace? [[43:06]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared that worry often centers us on ourselves and hypothetical scenarios. Can you think of a recent time when worry kept you up at night or distracted you from something important? What was the outcome? [[01:32:28]]
2. Jesus says to “seek first the kingdom of God.” What is one specific way you can put God’s priorities ahead of your own worries this week? (For example: serving someone, giving, praying for others, etc.) [[01:34:54]]
3. The sermon encourages us to speak the name of Jesus over our situations as an act of faith. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need to declare Jesus’ name and trust Him? What would that look like for you? [[43:06]]
4. The pastor talked about the importance of filtering everything through the Word of God, not just picking verses that fit our preferences. Are there areas where you tend to “cherry-pick” Scripture or lean on tradition instead of the whole counsel of God? How can you grow in this? [[01:09:10]]
5. The sermon described the Kingdom of God as both present and future, and that we are called to live as Kingdom people now. What is one value of the Kingdom (like integrity, generosity, forgiveness, compassion) that you want to focus on living out this week? [[01:20:37]]
6. The pastor shared a personal story about God’s provision during a season of job loss. Have you ever experienced God’s faithfulness in a time of uncertainty? Would you be willing to share that story with the group? [[01:42:06]]
7. Sometimes, not worrying is easier said than done. What is one practical step you can take this week to shift your focus from your worries to God’s sufficiency? (For example: journaling prayers, memorizing a verse, helping someone else, etc.) [[01:34:54]]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for one another, specifically naming any worries or anxieties, and to ask for God’s peace and provision as they seek His Kingdom first.
Devotional
Day 1: The Power and Authority of Jesus’ Name
There is power, healing, and freedom in the name of Jesus, and when we speak His name over our situations, we invite His presence and authority to break every stronghold, bring peace, and shine light into every darkness. No matter what you are facing—addiction, depression, sickness, or worry—calling on the name of Jesus is not just a ritual but a declaration of faith that His name is above every other name and that He is able to deliver and restore. Whisper His name over your life, your family, and your circumstances, trusting that He is present and mighty to save. [43:06]
Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Reflection: What specific situation in your life today needs you to intentionally speak the name of Jesus over it, trusting in His power and authority?
Day 2: Do Not Worry—A Command Rooted in God’s Care
Jesus commands us not to worry about our lives, our needs, or our future, reminding us that our heavenly Father knows what we need and values us far above the birds and flowers He faithfully provides for. Worry is not just a harmless habit; it robs us of peace, sleep, and productivity, and it reflects a lack of trust in God’s loving provision. Instead, Jesus calls us to trust Him, to recognize that worry cannot add a single hour to our lives, and to rest in the assurance that God is attentive to every detail of our existence. [57:47]
Matthew 6:25-34 (ESV)
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Reflection: What is one worry you can surrender to God today, trusting Him to provide as your loving Father?
Day 3: Seek First the Kingdom of God
The antidote to worry is to prioritize God’s kingdom and His righteousness above all else, knowing that when we focus on serving, loving, and advancing His purposes, God promises to take care of our needs. Seeking the kingdom means living by kingdom principles—generosity, forgiveness, humility, and love—right here and now, not just waiting for a future heaven, but embodying God’s reign in our daily lives. When our attention shifts from ourselves to God’s mission and the needs of others, worry loses its grip, and we find fulfillment and provision in God’s faithfulness. [01:34:54]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Reflection: In what practical way can you put God’s kingdom first today—perhaps by serving someone, giving, or praying for another’s need?
Day 4: Living by the Whole Counsel of God
To live free from worry and anchored in truth, we must embrace the whole counsel of God, not just isolated verses or doctrines, but the fullness of Scripture that shapes our understanding and guides our lives as kingdom people. Jesus and the apostles modeled this by referencing all of God’s Word, reminding us that our faith and decisions should be rooted in the entirety of God’s revelation, not just denominational traditions or popular teachings. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we gain wisdom, discernment, and a solid foundation for facing life’s challenges with confidence and peace. [01:12:04]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to seek God’s wisdom from the whole of Scripture, rather than relying on a favorite verse or tradition?
Day 5: Trusting God’s Provision in Every Season
God is faithful to provide for His children, both in times of abundance and in seasons of lack, and when we trust Him and prioritize His kingdom, we can testify to His provision and care in every circumstance. Even when resources seem scarce or the future is uncertain, God invites us to shift our perspective from scarcity to trust, seeing every need as an opportunity to experience His faithfulness. Our testimonies of God’s provision—whether through unexpected meals, support from others, or peace in the midst of uncertainty—remind us that we never lose when we put God first. [01:42:06]
Psalm 37:25 (ESV)
I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.
Reflection: Recall a time when God provided for you unexpectedly—how can remembering His faithfulness help you trust Him with your needs today?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jul 20, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?