Reverse What’s First - 6/30/2024 Sunday Sermon

The Tabernacle Today

Reverse What’s First

In today’s passage Jesus is going to reveal a basic problem – you care too much about things that matter less, and not enough about things that matter most. All good things matter, but you have to rank them right.

Matthew 6:25-34

The context of the command not to be held back by worry - V. 25a

When you see the word “therefore,” find out what it’s there for, and look at the point the author made in the verses leading up to the “therefore.”

In light of your commitment to eternal things, do not be held back by worry about the basics in life.

Jesus’ words let us know the folly of the adage that ‘Some people are so heavenly minded they are no earthly good.’ In reality, ‘Most people are so earthly minded they are no heavenly good.’ Historically, the most heavenly minded Christians also have done the most earthly good.

The Command not to be held back by worry - V. 25a

The word for anxiety is the word merimuao (G3309); it occurs 19 times in the New Testament, 6 right here in this passage. It can be used positively to speak of concern or care, or negatively to speak of worry and anxiety.

“That there may be no division in the (church) body, but that the members may have the same CARE for one another.” - 1 Cor. 12:25

“For I have no like him (Timothy), who will be genuinely CONCERNED for your welfare.” - Phil. 2:20

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are so ANXIOUS and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” - Lk. 10:41-42

It is not wrong to be concerned about what needs to be done, but good care and concern becomes sinful worry and anxiety when it holds us back from being a faithful and fruitful follower of Jesus Christ.

5 reasons not to worry (descriptors from David Jeremiah):

1. Worry is Inconsistent (v. 25b)

2. Worry is Irrational (v. 26)

God loves birds and meets their needs. He loves you more than big bird. He may not give you all you want in life, but you can trust Him to meet your basic needs!

3. Worry is ineffective (v. 27)

An hour spent worrying is an hour lost for meaningful productivity. It paralyzes us by focusing on what’s beyond our control. It’s better to trust God for what we can’t control, and act on what we can change.

4. Worry is illogical (v. 28-30)

God makes flowers beautiful by being what God created them to be even though they don’t last long. People matter more to God, and He is wants us to concentrate on being eternally beautiful, not on worrying about affording clothes that will keep up with fickle fashion trends.

5. Worry is irreligious (v. 31-32)

“Gentiles” are all about concentrating on things that don’t really matter beyond today and being completely oblivious to concentrating on what God will eternally reward.

It is not wrong to have proper concern to meet our basic needs. But worry puts less important things that won’t last ahead of spiritual priorities. Jesus challenges us here to reverse what’s first – Put Him first in your life and trust Him to help you get all the things you need.

God’s antidote to anxious worrying: reverse what’s first - V. 33-34

Verse 33 is a great promise: If you put Jesus and what He wants first in your life, He will take care of all your true needs. If you put Him last, you will continue to worry, partly because you can’t properly distinguish between your wants and needs, and partly because you don’t have the sense of joy that comes from making an eternal difference.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7