Food, Shelter, Pandemics, and Fear
Matthew 6:25-34
March 15, 2020
We know that as believers we should not be afraid. But when the World Health Organization classifies the Coronavirus as a pandemic and virtually every major sports league suspends its games, including championship series, universities move to online only classes, school districts extend spring breaks, and at least two states and the city of FW are recommending or even banning gatherings larger than 250 people, and the stock market has massive falls that precipitate mandatory stoppages in trading, then you think, “like a runaway truck bearing down on me, maybe I really should be afraid…”
If you worry (and maybe you aren’t worried about Coronavirus, but you are worried about your next paycheck, or your children, or an economic crisis, or the election in the fall, or your upcoming visit to a medical specialist to talk about a mysterious problem) — Jesus has a word for you in Matthew 6:25-34. In fact, this passage complements the passage that preceded it. In 6:19-24, Christ addressed the rich who were tempted to trust in their wealth; in this passage, Christ addresses the disciples who were tempted to doubt their God.
Do not worry…but pursue Christ and Christlikeness.
Why is that statement true? Why should we not be anxious? Hear Jesus’ words. He gives us eight reasons why we should not engage in worried thinking (and those reasons also tell us how we are able not to worry)…
Premise: Do Not Be Anxious…
How to Approach This Passage…
- Do Not Be Anxious Because Life is More than Bodily Needs (v. 25)
- Do Not Be Anxious Because You Are More Valuable than God-Fed Birds (vv. 26)
- Do Not Be Anxious Because Anxiety Accomplishes Nothing (v. 27)
- Do Not Be Anxious Because Anxiety is Unbelief (vv. 28-30)
- Do Not Be Anxious Because Anxiety is Unbecoming (vv. 31-32a)
- Do Not Be Anxious Because Your Father Knows Your Need (v. 32b)
- Do Not Be Anxious Because There is One Great Priority in Life (v. 33)
- Do Not Be Anxious Because God Will Give You What You Need — Today and Tomorrow (v. 34)
Download the rest of this sermon on Matthew 6:25-34.
The audio will be posted on the GBC website by tomorrow.
Words of Grace 