Worry, Matthew 6:25-34 (Part 3) self-led family study [March 25, 2020, Wednesday]


Worry is irreverent, v. 25.

a) We worry because we choose to worry.

b) God died for you; therefore, it stands to reason that He will take care of our daily needs.


Worry is irrational, vv. 26, 28, & 30.

a) Proved by the birds.

b) Proved by the lilies.

c) Proved by the grass.

d) He will certainly take care of you (who are made in His image).


Worry is faithless, v. 30b.

a) The things you cannot bear—put them on God in faith (trust Him).


Worry is fruitless, v. 27.

a) You can’t add one minute to your life.


Worry is worldly, v. 32.

a) It overlooks who you are—“all these things the Gentiles seek after.”

b) It overlooks who God is—“He knows you have need of these things.”


Worry is overload, v. 34.

a) Victory does not come by removing these things.

b) It comes by placing them on God (where they belong).

c) Do not worry—rather occupy yourself with spiritual things (vv. 25 & 33).

d) Shift your thinking—occupy your thoughts with good things (Philippians 4:6-8).


Philippians 4—revolves about three simple points: Pressure, Prayer, & Peace


A. PRESSURE, v. 6a.

1. Be careful (worry; anxiety) for nothing.

2. Command (imperative)—appeal to your volition (ability to choose).

3. You can choose to go in another direction.

a) Know that it is expensive to go other routes than the will of God.

4. God is saying that you can take charge of your world. You do not have to be a victim.


B. PRAYER, v. 6b (solution): “But”—strong contrast.

1. Be careful for nothing (things in your hands

2. But—put it in God’s hands.

3. See Psalm 55:22.


4. Four words relating to prayer:

a) Prayer: word used to express our wishes

b) Supplication: specific need.

c) Thanksgiving: this looks back (over your shoulder

d) Requests: another word for specific things.


C. PEACE, v. 7

1. It comes from God.

a) We can live with tranquility even in the midst of pressure if you cast it on Him.

2. It is incomprehensible.

a) Goes far beyond any man-made solution

b) Be careful not to “make a mountain out of a molehill.”

3. Shall guard.

a) Military term.

b) Stands guard over your mental well-being.


Observation:

We mentioned above Philippians 6-8 in the discussion about shifting our thinking from the problem to things that are profitable. Notice how that gives us a barometer of sorts in v. 8. Don’t put time in it unless it is:

1. True—opposite of false.

2. Honest—worshipful thoughts.

3. Just—right versus wrong.

4. Pure—things that don’t contaminate.

5. Lovely--pleasing thoughts (what produces peace).

6. Good report—constructive thoughts.

7. “Let your mind dwell on these.”