The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 November 14, 2018 Matthew Chapters 5-7 Luke 6:20-49 The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 The Sermon on the Mount – Matthew 6:1-24 Practicing your righteousness

7 Reasons Why! "Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 1. God Has Given Us Our Lives and Our Bodies (Matthew 6:25; Acts 17:24; Genesis 2:7) “Be not anxious for your life” Matthew 6:25; cf. Luke 14:15; Luke 10:41 Jesus asked, “Is not the life more than the food, and the body more than the raiment?” Jesus reasons from the greater to the lesser. Since God has given us our life and body, we can trust him to give us food which will sustain life and clothing to cover the body. Do you trust him for these things (Philippians 4:4-6)? cf. Acts 27:22-25

7 Reasons Why! "Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 2. God’s Consideration of Inferior Creatures Assures Us of His Great Concern for Us (Matthew 6:26; 10:28-31) Birds are not worried about the future. Psalms 147:9; Job 38:41 Since God doesn’t forget even the sparrows, but feeds them, surely we can count on him to give us our “daily bread” (Luke 12:6-7) Jesus asked, “Are not ye of much more value than they?” The answer is, “Yes.” We are made in his image (Genesis 1:26,27). We are the recipients of his redeeming grace (Psalms 111:9). He sent his Son to die for us (Romans 5:8-11).

7 Reasons Why! "Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 3. Worrying Is Useless (Matthew 6:27 KJV and footnote in ASV) (years or size) Worrying about your height won't help you grow taller. Jesus asked, “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature , NKJV?” The answer, “No one.” Some people worry themselves into a state of depression because they are not content with their appearance. It is senseless to be overly concerned about our physical appearance. “Pretty is as Pretty does!” It is senseless, for regardless of the attention, time, or money spent on our bodies, they will return to the dust of the ground (Genesis 3:19; 2 Corinthians 4:16). It is the beauty of the heart that is important in the sight of God (1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Peter 3:3-4).

7 Reasons Why! "Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 4. The Father Beautifully Clothed The Flowers Which Live Only For A Moment (Matthew 6:28-30) Flowers and grasses were burned in ovens in Palestine. 1 Peter 1:24; cf. Isaiah 40:7-8. - “O ye of little faith.” Solomon – outdone by the lily. 1 Kings 10:21ff; 2 Chronicles 9:22

"Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 7 Reasons Why! 5. Worry Is Something Which The Gentiles Do … For They Do Not Know What God Is Like (Matthew 6:31-32) How shameful it is for children of God to come down to the level of those who do not know God. GOD IS YOUR FATHER. Personal interest. (Matthew 5:16, 45, 48; 6:1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 14, 15, 17, 18, 26, 32; 7:11, 21)

7 Reasons Why! "Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 Worry Is Something Which The Gentiles Do … For They Do Not Know What God Is Like (Matthew 6:31-32) Of what value is our religion if we are distressed, depressed, and weighted down from the cares of this world like the atheist? God cares for you! (cf. Song: DOES JESUS CARE?) Then you must stop being overly anxious (Matthew 7:7-11; 1 Peter 5:7; Psalms 46:1-3; 145:14-21; Romans 8:28-32).

7 Reasons Why! "Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 6. There Is No Need To Worry Over Material Things For The Father Knows Our Needs He has promised to satisfy them “All these things shall be added unto you …” Matthew 6:8; Philippians 4:19 Psalms 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

7 Reasons Why! "Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 Instead of worrying over material things, “seek ye first the kingdom of God”(Matthew 6:33). Note: Matthew 5:3,10; 5:19-20; 6:10, 19-21 Husband – Wife relationship. Ephesians 5:22-33 Parent – Child relationship. Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 21:18-21; Proverbs 23:22; Ephesians 6:1 Local Church – Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:25; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23ff; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Ephesians 5:19 Duties to others. Acts 8:4; Philippians 2:16

7 Reasons Why! "Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 7. Worrying About The Future, Robs Us Of Today (Matthew 6:34; Matthew 6:11) David knew that “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever” (Psalms 23:6, KJV). Each day has enough problems without worrying about those of tomorrow. “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Does Jesus Care? 1 Peter 5:6-7 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you.”

Does Jesus Care? # 466 In Hymns For Worship (Editors: R.J. Stevens & Dane Shepard) Written by: Frank Ellsworth Graeff (1860 - 1919) was born in a coal mining town in Pennsylvania. In 1894, he married Mary Lourene Mauger. Graeff loved children. Known for story telling / cheerfulness, and sense of humor. Yet, troubled by doubts and deep depressions. One source suggests he had a daughter (Nickel Notes: Hymn History).

Does Jesus Care? “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). It was from this text that he composed the hymn, “Does Jesus Care?” copyrighted in 1901.

Does Jesus Care? Verse 1 “Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth or song, As the burdens press, And the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long?”

Does Jesus Care? Some burdens cause such pain and anguish, there doesn’t seem to be any relief. Jacob, believing his son Joseph had been killed by a beast. Genesis 37:34-35 David’s son Absalom conspired to take away the kingdom … David and his men lamented. 2 Samuel 15:30 When Absalom died David grieved. 2 Samuel 18:33; 19:4

Does Jesus Care? “Cast thy burden upon Jehovah, and he will sustain thee: He will never suffer the righteous to be moved” (Psalms 55:22).