Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

Thinking about our attitude to food and clothing
Are we taken up with material things?
Some people do struggle with putting food on their table

Example
Worry and anxiety can have devastating effects on people

Jesus is now addressing His disciples

Jesus had addressed the man who had interrupted Him
Jesus knows His disciples/God’s children can worry
v22

Do we worry about these things?

We live in affluence compared to others in the world – how does this apply to us?

Though we have provision – there is still worry
A number need help (like foodbanks)

In other places, people have far less

Example

We are bombarded with advertising for material gain and food

We can be taken up with these – rather than lacking them
They should be of secondary importance – v23

Life is about your soul and its relationship to the living God
Loving the things that please God and loving God

1 Cor 7 – have a light hold on material possessions
Do you envy others?

Examples from Psalmist – Ps 73

Overview – If we are not to worry:

Life is more than the material
Your value before God
No benefit to worrying
The pagan worry about these things
His promises are sure and His provision is great

Life is more than the material

Life is not primarily about these things

Your value before God

v24 – we are of more value that birds, therefore God will provide for us
Remember that we are precious in God’s sight
The parable of the sower – the things of the world can choke our faith

Worry can be severe – Quote from Winston Churchill
Jesus tells His disciples not to be anxious but cast their care on God

v27-28

No benefit to worrying

v25 – No-one can add one cubit to their stature

Worry is futile
Worry will not increase your height but it will bow you low
Worry will not prolong life but shortens your life

Examples:

Prov 12:25
Example of Frank Sinatra
Quote from Poem
Example of statistics/figures

Only a minority are true worries

Quote from “O what a friend we have in Jesus”

We worry when we are prayer-less

The pagan worry about these things

v29
Christianity is counter-cultural

We are not to ‘fit in’

It is about seeking the Kingdom of God first

Unbelievers do not seek after God
Believers are the children of God with a heavenly Father

Generally speaking, children do not worry about their parents provision
We should not doubt God

His promises are sure and His provision is great

v31-32
Seek God’s Kingdom first – in all areas of life – If you do, your needs will be met

“My God shall supply all of your need”
Ps 37:25, 84:11
Example of Elijah

“Godliness profits above all things”

Example of Concert Violinist
Example of Martha and Mary

Recap of key points

Concern yourself with treasure in heaven

v33
Concern yourself with treasure in heaven – v34

What is your treasure?
Is it loving God and the Lord Jesus?

Give alms and provide for the poor
Quote from Hudson Taylor
God did not spare His own Son – will He not give us everything in Jesus?