(Matthew 6:24-34)

Intro.

1. Mk. 4:18-19 - Cares of world choke out God's word in many hearts!

2. The absence of anxiety in the Christian's life is in proportion to his faith - Matt. 6:25, 30-31.

3. Jesus draws upon relationships to teach basic lesson: God takes care of those who put Him first:

a. Master / Servant - 6:24.

b. Creator / Creature - 6:26-30. (Birds, flowers, grass Ù Under God's care)

c. Father / Child - 6:26, 32 (7:10-11).

d. Power of God / Powerlessness of man - 6:27-29, 34.

e. Provisions of life / Life itself - 6:25. [Greater Ù Lesser]

f. Human life / Animal & plant life - 6:26, 30.

g. Man's faith / The blessings of faith - 6:33.

4. Anxiety - A distracting care (Mk. 4:19). In context, the encroaching cares of life…keep from serving God first (Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 6:6-10).

5. Matt. 6:33 - What are we commanded to do here, how do we accomplish it, & why should we? God-given reasons not to worry for our lives -- To live in faith -- Escape evil.

I. WHAT ARE WE COMMANDED TO DO?

A. Seek First (priority / prominence):

1. Kingdom of God --

a. basileia - Denotes sovereignty, royal power, dominion;...by metonymy...the territory or people over whom a king rules" (VINE, II:294).

b. The rule & reign of God in your life; The reign of Christ over every part of your life - cf. 1 Pet. 3:15 (Lord).

c. Cannot seek the church unless we 1st seek have Jesus as the Ruler of our lives!

2. His righteousness --

a. "The character or quality of being right or just" (VINE, III:298).

b. Not God's perfect sinless nature (Rom. 3:23).

c. The means by which God pronounces sinful man not guilty of his sins - Rom. 1:16-17 (3:21-24) -- A life of FAITH! (10:3 - Submit to His righteousness!

d. Involves right actions toward God & man - Phil. 3:9.

**A CALL TO OBEDIENCE WHICH REMOVES ANXIETY!**

II. HOW CAN WE DO THIS?

A. Become A Christian.

1. Hear - Rom. 10:17; Jno. 6:44-45.

2. Believe the gospel - Heb. 11:6; Jno. 8:24.

3. Repent of sins - Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30.

4. Confess faith in Christ - Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9-10.

5. Be baptized into Christ - Mk. 16:16; Acts 22:16; Gal. 3:27.

6. Jesus is King of your life - Added to His kingdom - Acts 2:47.

B. Be A Faithful Christian.

1. True to Jesus & His truth - Heb. 5:8-9; Rom. 12:1; Rev. 2:10 ("fear not").

2. Christian w/o faith is doomed to fail - Heb. 3:12-13.

3. Faithful in heart, speech, morals, worship, service (Tit. 2:11-12).

III. WHY SHOULD YOU SEEK CHRIST & RIGHT ACTIONS FIRST? - 6:32-33

A. God Promises To Provide Your Necessities Of Life.

1. With the right King, your loyal service is properly placed. (Matt. 7:21)

2. With the right conduct, your labor is rewarded - 2 Ths. 3:10; Psa. 37:25. (1 Tim. 5:8)

3. Lev. 25:3-4,18-22 - "I will command my blessing upon you." (cf. Mal. 3:7-12) Required faith & obedience -- Today!

IV. GOD-GIVEN REASONS TO NOT BE DISTRACTED FROM PUTTING HIM FIRST IN OUR LIVES (1 Pet. 5:7).

A. The Same God Who Created Life In You Can Be Trusted With The Details Of Your Life - 6:25.

B. Anxiety About Future Hampers Your Efforts Today - 6:26.

C. Anxiety Is More Harmful Than Helpful - 6:27.

D. God Does Not Ignore Those Who Depend On Him - 6:28-30.

E. Anxiety Shows A Lack Of Faith In & Understanding Of God - 6:31-32.

F. There Are Real Challenges God Wants Us To Pursue, & Anxiety Keeps Us From Them - 6:33.

G. Living One Day At A Time Keeps Us From Being Consumed With Anxiety - 6:34 (Jas. 4:15). -(LIFE APPLICATION BIBLE, p. 1687)

Conclusion

1. Life free of anxiety:

a. Psa. 55:22 - Sustained by God.

b. Psa. 56:11 - Does not fear man.

c. Psa. 118:6 - Always better than trusting man.

2. Live by faith & obey God's will! - Matt. 6:24; 7:21-23.