The Life of Christ – Lesson 7 October 31, 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

"Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 Anxiety is evidence of a lack of faith in God. Hebrews 11:6; Psalms 23; Acts 27:22-25 Jesus is not forbidding thought or concern. 1 Timothy 5:8 cf. Proverbs 6:6-11 Jesus is forbidding our being overly concerned, full of care, troubled and upset with dread, so that: we do not have peace of mind; we are not able to rest; all joy is taken out of this life; we are blinded to our blessings and, therefore, fail to give thanks for them; our spiritual life is choked out and we are made useless in the Lord’s service. PARALYZED!

"Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 Anxiety is evidence of a lack of faith in God. “The worry which wears out the mind wears out the body along with it. Worry affects a man's judgment, lessens his powers of decision, and renders him progressively incapable of dealing with life. Let a man give his best to every situation - he cannot give more - and let him leave the rest to God” (The Gospel of Matthew, William Barclay, Volume 1, page 263).

"Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 Anxiety is evidence of a lack of faith in God. Colossians 3:1-14, “If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.”

"Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 Anxiety is evidence of a lack of faith in God. Philippians 3:18-19, “For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, (that they are) the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is perdition, whose god is the belly, and (whose) glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.”

"Do Not Worry" Matthew 6:25-34 Anxiety is evidence of a lack of faith in God. Hebrews 13:5, “Be ye free from the love of money; content with such things as ye have: for himself hath said, I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee.” Matthew 7:7-11; James 4:2-3; cf. James 1:2

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 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)