Trusting God: Overcoming Worry and Seeking His Kingdom
Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the profound truths of The Sermon on the Mount, focusing on the latter part of Matthew chapter 6. We explored the tension between devotion and division within our hearts, particularly concerning the issue of worry and the trust we place in God's providence.We began by acknowledging the distractions that vie for our attention, the things that consume us and lead us away from Jesus. We identified these distractions as more than mere concerns—they are often manifestations of a demonic force intent on dividing our hearts and leading us into bondage. We were reminded that Satan and his forces will use any means, including worry and anxiety, to achieve their goal of division. However, we stand firm in the knowledge that our God is greater than any worry we could ever have.We then asked the question, "Why shouldn't we worry?" Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, provided us with three reasons: First, we cannot serve God and worry simultaneously. Worry distracts us from our devotion to God. Second, worry affects our perception of our worth and our faithfulness to God. If God cares for the lilies and the birds, how much more will He care for us, His beloved creation? Lastly, worry does not add a single moment to our lives; in fact, it detracts from the quality and longevity of our existence.Jesus' message is clear: seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for us. We are called to trust in God's care and provision, to lay aside our worries, and to believe in the value He places on us. We are to seek God first daily, weekly, and in every choice we make, aligning our will with His and surrounding ourselves with a community that points us toward Him.As we approach Easter, let us prepare our hearts, remembering that God knows our worries and cares deeply for us. We are encouraged to lay our anxieties at the feet of Jesus, trusting in His provision and care.Key Takeaways:- Worry is a tool used by demonic forces to distract us from our devotion to God. It is essential to recognize that these forces seek to divide our hearts, but we must stand firm in the truth that God is sovereign and His love for us is unwavering. Our focus should be on God's kingdom and righteousness, not on the anxieties that seek to consume us. [49:33]- Our perception of self-worth is deeply affected by worry. When we are consumed by anxiety, we question our value in God's eyes. However, Jesus assures us that we are more valuable than the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. If God provides for them, He will certainly provide for us. This truth should anchor our hearts in times of uncertainty. [53:10]- Worrying about the future is futile and does not extend our lives. Instead, it can lead to a diminished quality of life. We must trust that God, who has been faithful throughout history, will continue to be faithful to us. Our longevity is in His hands, and we should live with the peace that comes from this assurance. [50:42]- Seeking God first in all things is not just a spiritual practice but a lifestyle. It involves daily surrender, weekly community engagement, and making God-centric choices in every aspect of life. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's will and purpose, ensuring that our lives reflect His glory and grace. [01:01:29]- Jesus knows our struggles with worry and anxiety, and He cares for us deeply. In moments of doubt, we must remember to cast our cares upon Him, for He is fully capable of handling our burdens. Our response to worry should be prayer and trust in God's providential care, as He is intimately involved in every detail of our lives. [01:05:15]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:25-34 - "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three reasons Jesus gives for why we shouldn't worry, according to Matthew 6:25-34? ([39:48])
2. How does Jesus illustrate God's care for His creation in Matthew 6:26-30? ([44:42])
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well"? ([56:35])
4. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between worry and our perception of self-worth? ([49:59])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize that we cannot serve both God and worry? How does this relate to the concept of a divided heart? ([37:10])
2. How does the analogy of the birds and the flowers help us understand God's provision and care for us? ([44:42])
3. In what ways does worry affect our faith and trust in God, as discussed in the sermon? ([53:10])
4. How can seeking God's kingdom first change our perspective on daily worries and anxieties? ([56:35])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when worry consumed your thoughts. How did it affect your relationship with God and your daily life? ([41:44])
2. Jesus says that we are more valuable than the birds and the flowers. How can this truth help you combat feelings of low self-worth or anxiety? ([49:59])
3. What practical steps can you take to seek God's kingdom first in your daily routine? Consider specific actions you can implement this week. ([56:35])
4. Identify a specific worry or anxiety you are currently facing. How can you lay this concern at the feet of Jesus and trust in His provision? ([01:05:15])
5. How can you support someone in your small group or community who is struggling with worry and anxiety? What are some tangible ways to encourage them? ([01:02:34])
6. Think about the distractions in your life that pull you away from focusing on Jesus. What changes can you make to minimize these distractions and realign your heart with God's will? ([01:00:10])
7. How can you incorporate prayer and community support into your strategy for dealing with worry and anxiety? Share specific ways you plan to do this. ([01:02:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Sovereignty Over WorryWorry is often perceived as a natural response to the uncertainties of life, yet it can be a spiritual battleground where forces beyond our immediate control seek to distract and divide us from our devotion to God. Recognizing worry as a tool used by negative forces to undermine our faith is the first step in reclaiming the peace that God intends for us. It is essential to understand that these forces aim to create a chasm in our hearts, but the truth remains that God's sovereignty and love are steadfast. By focusing on the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we can resist the anxieties that threaten to overwhelm us and live in the freedom of God's care. [49:33]"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." - Philippians 4:6Reflection: How can identifying worry as a spiritual attack change your approach to dealing with daily anxieties?Day 2: Valued Beyond WorryAnxiety often leads us to question our self-worth, especially in the eyes of God. Yet, Jesus assures us that we are more valuable than the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, which He cares for without fail. If God provides for the least of His creation, how much more will He provide for us? This profound truth should be the anchor for our hearts, especially in times of uncertainty. By embracing our worth as God's beloved, we can stand firm against the tide of worry and live with the confidence that we are cared for beyond measure. [53:10]"Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered." - Matthew 10:29-30Reflection: In what ways can you remind yourself of your value to God when worry about your circumstances begins to creep in?Day 3: The Futility of WorryWorrying about the future is not only futile but can also lead to a diminished quality of life. It is a common misconception that by worrying, we can somehow extend our lives or prevent negative outcomes. However, this is far from the truth. Instead, we must trust that God, who has been faithful throughout history, will continue to be faithful to us. Our longevity and well-being are in His hands, and we should live with the peace that comes from this assurance. [50:42]"Which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?" - Luke 12:25Reflection: What practical steps can you take to redirect your focus from worry to trust in God's faithfulness when faced with uncertainty about the future?Day 4: A Lifestyle of Seeking GodSeeking God first in all things is a lifestyle that encompasses daily surrender, weekly community engagement, and making choices that reflect God's will. This lifestyle is not merely a spiritual practice but a holistic approach to living that ensures our lives glorify God. By aligning our will with His, we create a life that is rich in grace and purpose, and we encourage others to do the same through our example and community involvement. [01:01:29]"But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works." - Psalm 73:28Reflection: What is one decision you can make today that prioritizes seeking God's kingdom over your personal desires?Day 5: Casting Cares Upon JesusJesus is intimately aware of our struggles with worry and anxiety, and He cares for us deeply. In moments of doubt and fear, we are invited to cast our cares upon Him, trusting in His ability to bear our burdens. This act of surrender is not a sign of weakness but of profound faith in the One who holds all things together. By turning to prayer and trusting in God's providential care, we acknowledge His involvement in every detail of our lives and find rest for our souls. [01:05:15]"Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7Reflection: Can you identify a specific worry you need to surrender to Jesus today, and what steps will you take to actively trust Him with this concern?
Quotes
- "A divided heart cannot be a devoted heart. You cannot serve both God and money... it is whatever is in your heart that consumes you and distracts you from your Jesus." [37:10] ( | | )
- "Satan and his forces will use any means necessary, including worry and anxiety, to accomplish their goal... but church have hope because my God is greater than any worry we could ever have." [38:28] ( | | )
- "When our attention and our affection gets away from who God is, we fail to see how caring our God is... we are no longer seeing clearly who our God is in our life today or tomorrow." [43:56] (Download clip | | )
- "God's care does not cease, his love for you will not ever cease... God's care and worry too, when our attention and our affection is placed upon the what-ifs and the worries of today." [46:03] ( | | )
- "When I worry, I am literally slandering what the truth of the word of God says. I am saying God, you're a liar, God I don't believe you, God I don't think you can handle it." [48:42] ( | | )
- "Jesus knows. Whatever it is that you wrote down, Jesus knows not out of condemnation or judgment; he knows out of complete care for you." [01:05:15] ( | | )
- "Seek God first daily... to realign my will with His will... and to put God first weekly as well... surround myself with others that are doing the same." [01:01:29] ( | | )
- "If God cares for the lilies and the birds, how much more will He care for us, His beloved creation? Aren't you worth more than they?" [49:59] ( | | )
- "Worrying won't affect your longevity; it's not going to make you last longer or anything else. It can affect your worth and make you feel like you're less than." [52:29] ( | | )
- "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore, don't worry about tomorrow." [57:20] ( | | )
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