CONSIDER NOT WORRYING

LUKE 12:22-31

Pastor Rick Jackson

 

The life of faith excludes worry. Worry is sin. – Lee Roberson

Someone has said, If you worry, you don’t pray rightly. If you pray rightly, you don’t worry.

D.L. Moody said, “I would just as soon curse as worry. Both are sins.”

Concern and worry are not the same thing. Concern should cause thinking. Concern should lead to prayer. “Men ought always to pray and not to faint.”

   Jesus has just finished talking about a man who prioritized this temporary life over eternity [v. 16-21]. Then follows v. 22. And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

   The word “thought” here expresses “worry” or being anxious, not just general thinking. He is not saying to be careless or foolish with your life. That would contradict many verses including, “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” But if you settle the question of eternal life with Christ you don’t have to be anxious about dying.

I. CONSIDER THE RAVENS [v. 23-24]

1. He Cares for the Ravens [v. 24]

2. Humans are more Important than Birds [v. 24, 6-7]

3. Why Be Troubled Over Something You Cannot Control [v. 25-26]

 

II. CONSIDER THE LILLIES [v. 27-29]

1. Consider God’s Creativity [v. 27]

2. Consider God’s Care [v. 28]

3. Consider God’s Character [v. 29] “if God”

 

III. CONSIDER THE NATIONS [v. 30-32]

1. Their Ignorance is Not Yours [v. 30]

The man who can say of God, “He is my Father,” and of Christ, “He is my Saviour,” ought surely to be above such anxieties and cares. A clear faith in God’s providential care should produce a light and trustful heart. – J.C. Ryle

2. Your Priority is Not Theirs [v. 31]

The man who can say boldly, “The Lord is my shepherd,” is the man who will be able to add, “I shall not want” (Ps. 23:1) – Ryle

3. Your Future is Not Theirs [v. 32]