Do You See What I See? Series

Anxious For Nothing Part 1

Do You See What I See? 03/18/07 AM

Text and Reading: Matthew 6:25-34

[The main thoughts for this sermon and series are drawn from the writings of John MacArthur in his book: Anxious for Nothing.]

Introduction

A.Don’t Worry, Don’t Worry, Don’t Worry

1.Three times in these verses Jesus says, “Do not worry” (V25, 31, 35.) He asks two more times in between “Why worry?” (V27, 28.)

2.If you have the King James Version of the Bible, you’ll notice that it says, “Take no thought for your life.” From that translation some might get the idea that Christians shouldn’t plan for the future. But, of course, that’s not true.

3.In the days when King James commissioned the translation which bears his name, the accepted meaning of the word “thought” was closest to that of the world solicitude, (an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble.)

a.With this meaning in mind, “thought” answers very well to the meaning of the original Greek.

b.Like many other words, “thought” has somewhat changed its meaning over the years, and so today conveys a less accurate idea to most readers.

c.There is a difference between being concerned about the future (and making preparations and taking precautions) and being worried about the future.

4.The words “worry” or “anxiety” now more accuratly express the sense of the original Greek, and is precisely the thing against which the Savior would guard us.

Luke 8:14 “The {seed} which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of {this} life, and bring no fruit to maturity.”

Luke 21:34 “Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap;”

Philippians 4:6 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

a.The English word worry comes from an old German word meaning to strangle, or choke. Which is a clear picture of what worry does; a kind of mental and emotional strangulation, which manifests itself in mental and even physical affliction.

b.There is a degree of “thinking” about the things of this life which is proper.

1 Timothy 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

c.“Thought” about the future is right; “anxiety, solicitude, trouble” is wrong.

d.It is proper to have care of the future but it should not be our supreme concern; it should not lead to anxiety; it should not take time that ought to be devoted to seeking “His Kingdom and His Righteousness.”

B.God Wants Us Preoccupied With Him

1.Scripture tells us where our focus needs to be:

Colossians 3:2 “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

2.To free us to focus on Him, He says “Do not worry about the basics; I’ll take care of you.” Fully trusting in the Father dispels anxiety. And the more we know Him, the more we will trust in Him.

3.Commanded to be responsible (1 Timothy 5:8)

4.Scripture does not imply we should not have a savings account, invest in a retirement or own insurance and none of these things shows a lack of trust in God.

a.Such provisions from the Lord are reasonable safeguards in our society but must be balanced with Jesus’ command to “seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33) and to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20).

5.If after showing proper care and planning, doing all you are able to do, you are still anxious, the Lord says “Don’t worry.”

6.He promises to provide all your needs, and He will:

Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

What Jesus Says About Worry

C.Stop and Don’t Start

1.Notice that the verse 25 begins with “For this reason” (Therefore). We need to ask “For what reason?” which takes us back to the previous verse: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” Jesus declares that a believer’s only Master is God. When the Bible says that God is our Lord, it means that He controls our lives, not us. When you worry, you stop trusting God and start trying to take control of your life.

2.Meaning of the word “worry” Greek

a.The verb merimnaō is from merizō, which means to divide or split into factions.