The Sermon on the Mount - Worry and Worship
Is there anything that you’re worried about right now? Maybe your health? Your job? Your finances? Your kids? Your grandkids?
These are all perfectly normal things to worry about. But how can we as Christians live as disciples and not let our worries dominate our thinking?
Jesus makes a few points in this passage:
- At the end of verse 25, Jesus asks a question that many people struggle with today. Isn’t life about more than just surviving? Yes, it is! His purpose for our lives is far greater than simply surviving.
- In Matthew 6:26 and 28, Jesus reminds us that God is aware of and involved in minute details that we don’t even consider.
- In verse 32 and 33, Jesus contrasts the life of a disciple to that of a non-believer. He says that our devotion and energy should not be primarily spent seeking earthly supply – our primary focus should be His kingdom.
A passage that’s often coupled with this portion of Matthew 6 is found in Philippians 4. Here Paul gives the Philippians an antidote to worry – the antidote is worship.
In verse 6, Paul doesn’t simply say to dismiss our worries, but instead that we can bring our requests to God with thanksgiving. Worry doesn’t ultimately bring peace, but bringing God into the equation does.
In verse 7, Paul says the peace of God guards us in Christ Jesus. In Jesus, we have a savior who understands our worries. He knows what it’s like to go without. He knows what it’s like to receive terrible news. He knows what it’s like to be utterly disappointed.
In verse 8, Paul gives the Philippians an alternative to worry. Anxiety is a worry about what might be and the unknown. Paul tells them to fill their mind with what is and what they know, to remember their Christian training, and to live it out.
And what we know as Christians is also this…no, not everything is going to be OK all the time. BUT, everything can be redeemed. God can bring blessings out of your greatest worry and your greatest fear. Trust Him, serve the kingdom, and let Him handle the rest.
