WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:10.620 Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:12.019 --> 00:00:15.540 But we are going to look at Matthew chapter 6 this morning. 00:00:16.519 --> 00:00:22.539 I want to thank you one more time for the privilege of taking some time in study and prayer. 00:00:23.260 --> 00:00:26.980 A couple of weeks ago was a really helpful time for me. 00:00:26.980 --> 00:00:31.199 I'm so excited next week to jump into the Gospel of Luke with you. 00:00:31.760 --> 00:00:34.600 Pray for that time. Read ahead if you like. 00:00:35.060 --> 00:00:39.219 But regardless, be excited about what God will teach us there. 00:00:40.299 --> 00:00:44.880 But today we're actually going to look at a pretty familiar passage in the Gospel of Matthew. 00:00:45.799 --> 00:00:50.760 God has brought this passage to mind for me multiple occasions this summer 00:00:51.040 --> 00:00:56.900 as He has been teaching me and in my life the priority of heavenly realities. 00:00:57.559 --> 00:01:01.399 The fact that eternal truths must impact today. 00:01:01.659 --> 00:01:07.579 That the reality of heaven has to shape and transform my earthly life. 00:01:07.679 --> 00:01:12.200 He's been teaching me that primarily through the book of Daniel as we've been in it. 00:01:12.500 --> 00:01:15.140 And in some other ways, I'll tell you more about that in a minute. 00:01:15.920 --> 00:01:18.079 But first let's read God's Word together. 00:01:18.079 --> 00:01:21.459 This is Jesus speaking in the middle of the Sermon on the Mount. 00:01:21.459 --> 00:01:29.839 You'll hear that theme of our priorities right away as we start reading in Matthew 6 at verse 19. 00:01:30.619 --> 00:01:32.579 This is God's Word. 00:01:32.839 --> 00:01:38.500 In a world of broken promises, something completely reliable. 00:01:39.319 --> 00:01:46.119 In a world of rapidly changing realities, something eternally unchanging. 00:01:46.120 --> 00:01:55.280 In a world of mess and folly, something entirely pure and right. 00:01:55.280 --> 00:01:57.579 Jesus says, 00:01:57.579 --> 00:02:05.540 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. 00:02:05.900 --> 00:02:12.680 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 00:02:13.139 --> 00:02:16.379 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 00:02:17.479 --> 00:02:19.479 The eye is the lamp of the body. 00:02:19.479 --> 00:02:22.439 So if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 00:02:22.579 --> 00:02:25.759 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. 00:02:26.679 --> 00:02:30.219 If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 00:02:31.239 --> 00:02:35.459 No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, 00:02:35.639 --> 00:02:38.339 or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. 00:02:38.759 --> 00:02:41.399 You cannot serve God and money. 00:02:42.780 --> 00:02:45.899 Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, 00:02:45.900 --> 00:02:48.240 what you will eat or what you will drink, 00:02:48.599 --> 00:02:51.280 nor about your body, what you will put on. 00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:55.120 Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 00:02:55.939 --> 00:02:57.360 Look at the birds of the air. 00:02:57.740 --> 00:03:00.879 They neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, 00:03:00.900 --> 00:03:03.540 and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. 00:03:04.020 --> 00:03:07.580 Are you not of more value than they? 00:03:08.540 --> 00:03:13.560 And which of you, by being anxious, can add a single hour to his span of life? 00:03:13.560 --> 00:03:16.360 And why are you anxious about clothing? 00:03:17.080 --> 00:03:19.719 Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. 00:03:19.879 --> 00:03:21.560 They neither toil nor spin. 00:03:21.879 --> 00:03:26.640 Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 00:03:27.120 --> 00:03:29.319 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, 00:03:29.400 --> 00:03:32.259 which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, 00:03:32.740 --> 00:03:37.080 will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 00:03:38.259 --> 00:03:39.640 Therefore, do not be anxious, 00:03:40.159 --> 00:03:42.520 saying, what shall we eat or what shall we drink 00:03:42.520 --> 00:03:43.700 or what shall we wear? 00:03:44.100 --> 00:03:46.820 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, 00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:50.439 and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 00:03:51.439 --> 00:03:53.820 But seek first the kingdom of God 00:03:53.820 --> 00:03:55.500 and His righteousness, 00:03:56.000 --> 00:03:58.800 and all these things will be added to you. 00:03:59.700 --> 00:04:01.780 Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, 00:04:01.960 --> 00:04:04.160 for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. 00:04:04.760 --> 00:04:07.460 Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. 00:04:08.600 --> 00:04:09.400 Will you pray with me? 00:04:09.400 --> 00:04:13.800 Father, thank you for your word. 00:04:15.080 --> 00:04:17.060 Thank you that it is not only true, 00:04:17.899 --> 00:04:20.379 but that it is the truth that we need. 00:04:21.259 --> 00:04:23.280 That it speaks into our lives. 00:04:23.459 --> 00:04:24.980 That it changes our hearts. 00:04:25.220 --> 00:04:29.379 So Holy Spirit, use your word in our hearts 00:04:29.379 --> 00:04:31.840 to make us different. 00:04:32.379 --> 00:04:34.040 To show us Jesus. 00:04:34.379 --> 00:04:37.319 To strengthen our faith in Him. 00:04:37.319 --> 00:04:40.599 We ask that you would do it in Jesus' name. 00:04:41.599 --> 00:04:41.980 Amen. 00:04:43.779 --> 00:04:46.480 I want to bring you into a conversation 00:04:46.480 --> 00:04:48.879 that I had recently, 00:04:49.279 --> 00:04:52.040 and a conversation that brought this passage 00:04:52.040 --> 00:04:53.519 to mind for me again. 00:04:54.399 --> 00:04:55.920 We were in our van, 00:04:56.259 --> 00:04:58.039 driving back from the beach 00:04:58.039 --> 00:05:00.600 at the end of vacation just last week. 00:05:00.600 --> 00:05:03.680 summer is coming to an end, 00:05:03.680 --> 00:05:06.200 and I turned to my wife 00:05:06.200 --> 00:05:07.939 and asked what I thought 00:05:07.939 --> 00:05:10.540 was a seemingly innocent question. 00:05:11.580 --> 00:05:15.280 So, what does this fall look like for us? 00:05:16.560 --> 00:05:18.640 Seemed like a good conversation starter. 00:05:19.879 --> 00:05:21.620 And so over the next few minutes, 00:05:21.720 --> 00:05:23.540 we did what many of you have done before. 00:05:23.660 --> 00:05:25.220 You've had conversations like these. 00:05:25.280 --> 00:05:27.040 We start talking about all the things 00:05:27.040 --> 00:05:28.280 that are important to us 00:05:28.279 --> 00:05:30.000 and that are on our plates. 00:05:30.339 --> 00:05:32.000 And thinking of things like, 00:05:32.079 --> 00:05:33.079 of course, school starting. 00:05:33.419 --> 00:05:35.319 And there's teachers to get to know. 00:05:35.459 --> 00:05:36.299 And wanting to volunteer 00:05:36.299 --> 00:05:37.859 in our kids' classrooms. 00:05:38.319 --> 00:05:40.259 And then there are small groups 00:05:40.259 --> 00:05:41.319 and Bible studies 00:05:41.319 --> 00:05:42.699 and friends at church 00:05:42.699 --> 00:05:45.159 that we want to deepen relationships with. 00:05:45.899 --> 00:05:47.759 Neighbors we ought to have over 00:05:47.759 --> 00:05:49.459 and we still haven't gotten to know. 00:05:49.719 --> 00:05:51.500 And others that we want to talk to 00:05:51.500 --> 00:05:52.319 about Jesus. 00:05:52.779 --> 00:05:54.479 And we need time with them. 00:05:54.480 --> 00:05:57.319 There's goals at work 00:05:57.319 --> 00:05:58.840 and a lot to be done. 00:05:59.640 --> 00:06:01.240 Projects that are getting started. 00:06:01.600 --> 00:06:04.140 Home repairs that we need to talk about, 00:06:04.200 --> 00:06:05.240 have meetings about. 00:06:05.460 --> 00:06:06.939 And we start talking. 00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:08.220 I'm already starting to feel 00:06:08.220 --> 00:06:08.920 a little unclear 00:06:08.920 --> 00:06:10.280 how it's all going to happen 00:06:10.280 --> 00:06:12.439 unless there are more than seven days 00:06:12.439 --> 00:06:13.780 in any upcoming weeks. 00:06:14.480 --> 00:06:16.040 My blood pressure is rising. 00:06:16.439 --> 00:06:18.900 How am I going to manage all of this? 00:06:20.480 --> 00:06:21.879 And then there's kids' activities. 00:06:21.879 --> 00:06:24.819 Is gymnastics or swimming 00:06:24.819 --> 00:06:27.019 or piano or ballet or art? 00:06:27.459 --> 00:06:29.240 At least football is not on the list 00:06:29.240 --> 00:06:30.300 in our family. 00:06:30.819 --> 00:06:32.439 So we could cross that one off. 00:06:34.100 --> 00:06:36.000 You know, or maybe we could do both of those 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:37.680 if we got the schedule to work out right 00:06:37.680 --> 00:06:39.439 and we figured out the carpooling. 00:06:39.480 --> 00:06:40.819 We could possibly fit them both 00:06:40.819 --> 00:06:42.959 into the plan for the fall. 00:06:43.560 --> 00:06:44.339 And I'll confess, 00:06:44.480 --> 00:06:46.060 as we started having this conversation, 00:06:46.279 --> 00:06:48.199 this thought literally went through my head. 00:06:48.519 --> 00:06:50.659 It was brief and I slapped myself. 00:06:50.660 --> 00:06:51.740 But I thought, 00:06:51.800 --> 00:06:53.540 we've been watching the Olympic trials. 00:06:54.180 --> 00:06:55.140 My girls love watching. 00:06:55.220 --> 00:06:56.580 The Olympics are coming up. 00:06:56.980 --> 00:06:57.280 You know what? 00:06:57.300 --> 00:06:58.980 If they're going to make the Olympic team 00:06:58.980 --> 00:06:59.840 in eight years, 00:07:00.100 --> 00:07:01.960 I'm going to need them full time 00:07:01.960 --> 00:07:03.300 in swimming and gymnastics. 00:07:03.440 --> 00:07:04.660 We're already behind. 00:07:04.820 --> 00:07:06.520 How are they ever going to get that moment? 00:07:08.300 --> 00:07:10.180 That crossed my mind. 00:07:11.560 --> 00:07:13.240 Oh yeah, did someone say date night? 00:07:13.640 --> 00:07:14.280 Oh honey, 00:07:14.500 --> 00:07:16.780 I think I promised once upon a time 00:07:16.780 --> 00:07:18.580 that our relationship would be a priority. 00:07:18.579 --> 00:07:20.500 That I would invest in that. 00:07:20.560 --> 00:07:21.560 It would be important. 00:07:22.819 --> 00:07:23.779 Good grief. 00:07:24.639 --> 00:07:26.959 Many of you have had those conversations 00:07:26.959 --> 00:07:28.740 and felt the anxiety build. 00:07:29.000 --> 00:07:30.139 How am I going to figure out 00:07:30.139 --> 00:07:32.099 what to do? 00:07:32.699 --> 00:07:34.620 It may be a fall thing for you 00:07:34.620 --> 00:07:35.620 or it may not be. 00:07:36.399 --> 00:07:37.539 It may be a fall thing 00:07:37.539 --> 00:07:38.719 that you haven't gotten to yet 00:07:38.719 --> 00:07:39.659 because you're protesting 00:07:39.659 --> 00:07:41.599 having that conversation in July. 00:07:41.600 --> 00:07:45.620 But whether you're a planner like me 00:07:45.620 --> 00:07:47.939 or a more spontaneous type, 00:07:48.040 --> 00:07:50.520 I've realized that what often drives us 00:07:50.520 --> 00:07:51.879 when we have those conversations 00:07:51.879 --> 00:07:53.080 and make those decisions 00:07:53.080 --> 00:07:55.939 is what I'd call the tyranny of the urgent. 00:07:56.700 --> 00:07:58.820 You ever felt yourself driven by that? 00:07:59.780 --> 00:08:00.600 For many of us, 00:08:00.620 --> 00:08:01.800 when we get in conversations 00:08:01.800 --> 00:08:03.100 like I just described, 00:08:03.300 --> 00:08:05.240 everything feels urgent, 00:08:05.760 --> 00:08:06.280 doesn't it? 00:08:06.279 --> 00:08:08.079 How do I even know 00:08:08.079 --> 00:08:09.539 what's really important? 00:08:10.199 --> 00:08:11.959 There's so much that we could do 00:08:11.959 --> 00:08:13.139 that sometimes we just shut 00:08:13.139 --> 00:08:14.439 those conversations down 00:08:14.439 --> 00:08:15.439 and go on with life 00:08:15.439 --> 00:08:16.879 and then we end up living 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:18.479 by the tyranny of the urgent. 00:08:18.619 --> 00:08:20.619 Whatever feels most important to me 00:08:20.619 --> 00:08:22.199 in the moment when I get there, 00:08:22.299 --> 00:08:24.879 whatever I like or feel I need, 00:08:26.259 --> 00:08:27.859 what we want. 00:08:28.539 --> 00:08:30.039 And after those conversations, 00:08:30.279 --> 00:08:31.399 that's often just Netflix 00:08:31.399 --> 00:08:34.179 or something to check out 00:08:34.179 --> 00:08:35.759 and not have to make any more decisions. 00:08:37.220 --> 00:08:38.980 That conversation in our van 00:08:38.980 --> 00:08:40.079 made me think of something 00:08:40.079 --> 00:08:41.679 my dad used to tell me a lot 00:08:41.679 --> 00:08:43.199 when I was growing up. 00:08:43.299 --> 00:08:44.839 He used to say often, 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:48.919 the main thing is to keep the main thing 00:08:48.919 --> 00:08:50.139 the main thing. 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:52.720 That's what that silly little acronym 00:08:52.720 --> 00:08:54.299 in your bulletin stands for. 00:08:55.319 --> 00:08:58.459 Jesus tells us that there is actually 00:08:58.459 --> 00:09:01.559 a priority for our lives as His followers. 00:09:01.879 --> 00:09:03.480 Something that ought to be primary 00:09:03.480 --> 00:09:05.039 in how we spend our time, 00:09:05.039 --> 00:09:06.679 our money, our energy. 00:09:07.899 --> 00:09:09.459 Now it doesn't make all the decisions 00:09:09.459 --> 00:09:11.879 for us, unfortunately. 00:09:13.000 --> 00:09:14.639 But I'm convinced it must be 00:09:14.639 --> 00:09:15.959 a part of our conversations 00:09:15.959 --> 00:09:18.879 and I for one often leave it out 00:09:18.879 --> 00:09:20.699 and let the tyranny of the urgent, 00:09:20.899 --> 00:09:22.860 my momentary priorities 00:09:22.860 --> 00:09:24.179 just rule the day. 00:09:25.559 --> 00:09:27.719 If we can at least be making our decisions 00:09:27.719 --> 00:09:29.899 with the main thing is the main thing, 00:09:30.019 --> 00:09:32.259 we'll have gotten a good start. 00:09:32.259 --> 00:09:33.740 And we just read it. 00:09:33.980 --> 00:09:36.500 Jesus says to seek something first. 00:09:37.840 --> 00:09:40.039 He actually tells us what's most important. 00:09:40.220 --> 00:09:44.159 Our priority, seek first the kingdom of God 00:09:44.159 --> 00:09:45.939 and His righteousness. 00:09:46.399 --> 00:09:47.080 Oh, right. 00:09:47.939 --> 00:09:51.679 Jesus should be a part of those conversations. 00:09:52.100 --> 00:09:54.519 Heavenly realities are to shape 00:09:54.519 --> 00:09:57.179 and transform my earthly life 00:09:57.179 --> 00:10:00.080 every day, everything I do. 00:10:00.080 --> 00:10:03.639 You see, we know why Jesus needs to remind us 00:10:03.639 --> 00:10:05.540 to keep the main thing the main thing, 00:10:05.660 --> 00:10:06.060 don't we? 00:10:06.820 --> 00:10:09.080 It's because we're consistently caught up 00:10:09.080 --> 00:10:11.180 worrying about other things. 00:10:11.900 --> 00:10:13.580 It's the universal problem 00:10:13.580 --> 00:10:15.600 Jesus addresses here in this passage, 00:10:15.759 --> 00:10:16.220 doesn't He? 00:10:18.139 --> 00:10:20.060 We struggle with worry 00:10:20.060 --> 00:10:21.980 and with anxiety 00:10:21.980 --> 00:10:24.980 because we are prone to be self-focused 00:10:24.980 --> 00:10:27.399 and self-reliant. 00:10:28.899 --> 00:10:30.539 You see, sometimes worry comes 00:10:30.539 --> 00:10:32.879 from having self-focused priorities, 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:35.200 from placing an undue importance 00:10:35.200 --> 00:10:36.600 on the things of the world 00:10:36.600 --> 00:10:38.100 and what I want. 00:10:39.159 --> 00:10:40.879 That's why Jesus begins this passage 00:10:40.879 --> 00:10:42.620 talking about what we treasure. 00:10:42.800 --> 00:10:44.759 That's the context of what He's saying. 00:10:45.080 --> 00:10:46.420 Laying up treasures in heaven 00:10:46.420 --> 00:10:47.539 instead of earth, 00:10:47.759 --> 00:10:49.279 verse 19 and 20. 00:10:49.920 --> 00:10:53.100 Of serving God instead of money, 00:10:53.100 --> 00:10:54.560 verse 24. 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:57.440 We worry about the things 00:10:57.440 --> 00:10:58.980 that are important to us, 00:10:59.060 --> 00:10:59.440 don't we? 00:10:59.480 --> 00:11:00.759 The things we treasure. 00:11:00.879 --> 00:11:01.860 You've never gotten anxious 00:11:01.860 --> 00:11:03.879 about something that's meaningless to you. 00:11:05.500 --> 00:11:06.980 Often our hearts have begun 00:11:06.980 --> 00:11:08.860 to treasure selfish things 00:11:08.860 --> 00:11:10.360 more than we should. 00:11:11.560 --> 00:11:13.360 So Jesus says, verse 25, 00:11:13.480 --> 00:11:15.360 don't be anxious about your life, 00:11:15.860 --> 00:11:16.820 about your body. 00:11:18.160 --> 00:11:19.899 Verse 31, about what we will eat 00:11:19.899 --> 00:11:21.620 or drink or wear. 00:11:22.139 --> 00:11:23.100 Don't be anxious. 00:11:24.500 --> 00:11:27.740 I'm concerned about me being fulfilled. 00:11:28.419 --> 00:11:30.419 About me being secure. 00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:32.579 That's what those verses mean. 00:11:33.220 --> 00:11:35.199 I struggle to treasure God 00:11:35.199 --> 00:11:36.159 and His kingdom 00:11:36.159 --> 00:11:38.240 and I naturally treasure myself 00:11:38.240 --> 00:11:39.959 and my kingdom. 00:11:40.120 --> 00:11:42.259 Things going how I want them to. 00:11:43.639 --> 00:11:45.539 That's one reason we worry. 00:11:45.539 --> 00:11:47.500 But we also worry 00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:48.459 because we're prone 00:11:48.459 --> 00:11:50.459 to be self-reliant. 00:11:51.240 --> 00:11:53.039 The rest of the passage here 00:11:53.039 --> 00:11:55.000 where Jesus says multiple times, 00:11:55.299 --> 00:11:56.079 do not be anxious, 00:11:56.219 --> 00:11:57.000 do not be anxious, 00:11:57.159 --> 00:11:58.139 do not be anxious, 00:11:58.620 --> 00:12:00.339 is telling us not to be anxious 00:12:00.339 --> 00:12:02.079 about things that actually do matter. 00:12:03.179 --> 00:12:04.819 They're important things, right? 00:12:04.899 --> 00:12:07.839 Food, clothing, and so forth. 00:12:07.879 --> 00:12:09.980 Those are needs that we do have. 00:12:11.099 --> 00:12:13.980 We may give them undue importance sometimes, 00:12:13.980 --> 00:12:15.720 but other times the problem 00:12:15.720 --> 00:12:17.080 is not so much that 00:12:17.080 --> 00:12:19.159 as that we give ourselves 00:12:19.159 --> 00:12:22.279 an undue burden to provide them. 00:12:23.379 --> 00:12:25.180 And our anxiety comes from 00:12:25.180 --> 00:12:28.460 how I will meet my needs. 00:12:28.659 --> 00:12:31.500 Notice verse 27 makes this really clear. 00:12:32.000 --> 00:12:34.220 Which of you, by being anxious, 00:12:34.560 --> 00:12:36.019 can add a single hour 00:12:36.019 --> 00:12:37.200 to His span of life? 00:12:37.379 --> 00:12:40.259 You're not able, Jesus is saying. 00:12:40.259 --> 00:12:42.659 Your being anxious doesn't address 00:12:42.659 --> 00:12:44.659 your needs. 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:47.159 You see, your health matters 00:12:47.159 --> 00:12:50.340 because God has given you life. 00:12:51.399 --> 00:12:52.919 But we worry about it 00:12:52.919 --> 00:12:54.500 as though we carry the burden 00:12:54.500 --> 00:12:55.740 of fixing the problem, 00:12:55.939 --> 00:12:57.939 of providing for ourselves 00:12:57.939 --> 00:12:59.039 what we need. 00:12:59.759 --> 00:13:01.600 And this is exactly the place 00:13:01.600 --> 00:13:03.840 Jesus wants spiritual realities 00:13:03.840 --> 00:13:05.860 to transform our lives. 00:13:06.919 --> 00:13:07.980 Listen, it's not that 00:13:07.980 --> 00:13:10.080 that your health doesn't matter. 00:13:10.440 --> 00:13:11.600 That your need to eat 00:13:11.600 --> 00:13:13.139 or your need to be secure 00:13:13.139 --> 00:13:15.000 are unimportant to God. 00:13:15.340 --> 00:13:16.700 In fact, quite the opposite. 00:13:17.600 --> 00:13:18.539 He wants you to know 00:13:18.539 --> 00:13:19.620 that these concerns 00:13:19.620 --> 00:13:22.159 that are so heavy on your radar 00:13:22.159 --> 00:13:24.240 are also on His. 00:13:24.440 --> 00:13:26.879 We have an extravagant provider. 00:13:28.200 --> 00:13:30.080 Our Heavenly Father delights 00:13:30.080 --> 00:13:31.940 to meet our needs faithfully 00:13:31.940 --> 00:13:33.639 and lavishly. 00:13:34.620 --> 00:13:35.960 It is this generous 00:13:35.960 --> 00:13:37.899 and caring heart of our Father 00:13:37.899 --> 00:13:39.899 that is of utmost importance 00:13:39.899 --> 00:13:41.080 in this passage. 00:13:41.240 --> 00:13:43.240 It's the thing that it all hangs on. 00:13:43.720 --> 00:13:45.580 Notice how Jesus makes the point 00:13:45.580 --> 00:13:47.259 about how God cares for us 00:13:47.259 --> 00:13:49.000 through examples in nature, right? 00:13:49.460 --> 00:13:50.659 Verse 26, 00:13:50.779 --> 00:13:52.179 look at the birds of the air. 00:13:53.139 --> 00:13:54.600 They are not doing it. 00:13:54.699 --> 00:13:55.799 They don't sow or reap 00:13:55.799 --> 00:13:56.919 or gather into barns. 00:13:56.939 --> 00:13:57.679 And yet, who does it? 00:13:58.179 --> 00:14:01.639 Your Heavenly Father feeds them. 00:14:01.639 --> 00:14:05.319 Are you not of more value than they? 00:14:06.379 --> 00:14:07.840 Who's taking care of the birds? 00:14:08.960 --> 00:14:12.080 Your Heavenly Father. 00:14:12.519 --> 00:14:14.179 The One who gave you life 00:14:14.179 --> 00:14:16.319 and brought you into His family. 00:14:16.580 --> 00:14:17.740 He didn't just do that 00:14:17.740 --> 00:14:18.899 to let you starve. 00:14:19.559 --> 00:14:21.179 Look how faithfully He cares 00:14:21.179 --> 00:14:22.059 for the birds. 00:14:22.439 --> 00:14:23.460 Day by day. 00:14:24.059 --> 00:14:25.220 Meal by meal. 00:14:25.460 --> 00:14:27.019 Even though they don't plant and till 00:14:27.019 --> 00:14:28.559 to provide for themselves. 00:14:28.559 --> 00:14:31.399 And then consider the lilies. 00:14:32.360 --> 00:14:33.419 Verse 28, 00:14:34.159 --> 00:14:34.819 how they grow. 00:14:34.899 --> 00:14:36.360 They don't toil or spin. 00:14:36.899 --> 00:14:37.519 Yet I tell you, 00:14:37.600 --> 00:14:39.559 even Solomon in all His glory 00:14:39.559 --> 00:14:41.779 was not arrayed like one of these. 00:14:43.000 --> 00:14:44.699 But if God so clothes the grass 00:14:44.699 --> 00:14:45.480 of the field, 00:14:45.620 --> 00:14:46.759 which today is alive 00:14:46.759 --> 00:14:48.480 and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, 00:14:48.620 --> 00:14:49.860 it's not going to last. 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:52.319 It doesn't have the eternal life 00:14:52.319 --> 00:14:53.740 with Him that you know. 00:14:53.740 --> 00:14:55.759 How will He not much more 00:14:55.759 --> 00:14:57.340 clothe you, 00:14:57.960 --> 00:14:59.820 O you of little faith? 00:15:01.060 --> 00:15:02.340 The lilies don't provide 00:15:02.340 --> 00:15:03.799 their own garments. 00:15:04.840 --> 00:15:06.220 And yet God clothes them 00:15:06.220 --> 00:15:07.919 not just adequately, 00:15:08.259 --> 00:15:09.379 but beautifully. 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:12.019 He displays His glory 00:15:12.019 --> 00:15:13.039 and His creativity 00:15:13.039 --> 00:15:14.100 and His creation, 00:15:14.259 --> 00:15:14.820 doesn't He? 00:15:15.480 --> 00:15:17.220 How much more will He do it 00:15:17.220 --> 00:15:18.039 for His children? 00:15:18.740 --> 00:15:20.299 It's that classic argument 00:15:20.299 --> 00:15:21.959 from the lesser to the greater. 00:15:22.659 --> 00:15:24.819 If He's done it for them, 00:15:24.919 --> 00:15:26.779 how much more can we trust Him 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:28.539 to provide for His children 00:15:28.539 --> 00:15:30.539 whom He loves so much more 00:15:30.539 --> 00:15:33.579 than the grass and the birds? 00:15:33.580 --> 00:15:36.500 We do not have a stingy 00:15:36.500 --> 00:15:39.480 or unreliable provider. 00:15:39.940 --> 00:15:41.440 We can trust our Father 00:15:41.440 --> 00:15:43.580 who delights to give good gifts 00:15:43.580 --> 00:15:45.220 to His children. 00:15:46.720 --> 00:15:48.220 A pastor friend of mine 00:15:48.220 --> 00:15:50.100 tells the story of a young boy 00:15:50.100 --> 00:15:53.320 who was adopted into a family 00:15:53.320 --> 00:15:56.160 after spending the first few years 00:15:56.160 --> 00:15:58.520 of his life as an orphan. 00:15:59.780 --> 00:16:02.340 Mistreated, malnourished, 00:16:02.340 --> 00:16:05.160 often going for long periods of time 00:16:05.160 --> 00:16:06.899 without being fed at all. 00:16:07.899 --> 00:16:09.780 And he loved his new family, 00:16:10.340 --> 00:16:11.920 loved being a part of it, 00:16:12.019 --> 00:16:12.899 loved the home. 00:16:13.220 --> 00:16:15.120 But not long after he was adopted 00:16:15.120 --> 00:16:16.519 by his new family, 00:16:16.600 --> 00:16:18.600 the parents began to notice food 00:16:18.600 --> 00:16:20.680 missing from the fridge 00:16:20.680 --> 00:16:21.980 and the pantry. 00:16:22.620 --> 00:16:23.840 At first they didn't think 00:16:23.840 --> 00:16:24.620 anything of it, 00:16:24.759 --> 00:16:26.379 but as it became a pattern, 00:16:26.500 --> 00:16:27.759 they started to look around 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:28.700 and investigate. 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:29.920 What's going on? 00:16:29.919 --> 00:16:32.959 One day the father walked into 00:16:32.959 --> 00:16:35.219 his newly adopted son's bedroom 00:16:35.219 --> 00:16:37.240 and found him under the bed 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:39.919 with a stockpile of food 00:16:39.919 --> 00:16:41.339 gathered around him. 00:16:42.659 --> 00:16:43.539 And of course, 00:16:43.679 --> 00:16:45.860 the son explained what was going on, 00:16:45.899 --> 00:16:46.759 that he was fearful 00:16:46.759 --> 00:16:49.139 that this wonderful food 00:16:49.139 --> 00:16:50.000 he'd been receiving 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:52.159 would stop being given to him, 00:16:52.219 --> 00:16:53.120 that it would run out, 00:16:53.639 --> 00:16:54.919 that it wouldn't be shared 00:16:54.919 --> 00:16:55.939 with him anymore. 00:16:55.940 --> 00:16:58.380 It broke the father's heart, 00:16:58.460 --> 00:16:59.060 of course. 00:16:59.780 --> 00:17:01.320 It also gave the father 00:17:01.320 --> 00:17:02.220 an opportunity 00:17:02.220 --> 00:17:04.840 to reassure his son 00:17:04.840 --> 00:17:06.460 of what was really true. 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:08.059 He got to say to him, 00:17:08.420 --> 00:17:09.640 you're my son. 00:17:10.680 --> 00:17:12.940 You're part of this family now. 00:17:13.279 --> 00:17:14.740 This house is my house 00:17:14.740 --> 00:17:16.320 and all the food in it 00:17:16.320 --> 00:17:17.440 is mine. 00:17:17.580 --> 00:17:18.640 And because of that, 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:19.880 it is yours. 00:17:20.360 --> 00:17:22.519 It will always be yours 00:17:22.519 --> 00:17:24.440 and I will always make sure 00:17:24.440 --> 00:17:26.079 you have enough. 00:17:26.700 --> 00:17:28.299 You don't have to provide 00:17:28.299 --> 00:17:31.299 for yourself any longer. 00:17:31.680 --> 00:17:32.639 You're my son. 00:17:34.639 --> 00:17:35.859 So often we're like 00:17:35.859 --> 00:17:37.139 the little boy under the bed, 00:17:37.299 --> 00:17:37.720 aren't we? 00:17:38.680 --> 00:17:40.139 We're not confident 00:17:40.139 --> 00:17:42.660 in the provision of our father 00:17:42.660 --> 00:17:43.619 and we're anxious 00:17:43.619 --> 00:17:46.460 about providing for ourselves. 00:17:46.460 --> 00:17:49.500 And Jesus says this morning 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:51.000 something very important. 00:17:51.539 --> 00:17:52.460 It's not merely 00:17:52.460 --> 00:17:53.759 don't be anxious. 00:17:55.019 --> 00:17:56.860 But even more helpfully 00:17:56.860 --> 00:17:57.299 than that, 00:17:57.400 --> 00:17:59.779 it's you don't have to be anxious. 00:18:00.180 --> 00:18:02.500 You don't need to be anxious. 00:18:03.460 --> 00:18:04.940 You see, Jesus understands 00:18:04.940 --> 00:18:06.240 why we are concerned 00:18:06.240 --> 00:18:07.299 about these things. 00:18:07.680 --> 00:18:08.660 And he knows that 00:18:08.660 --> 00:18:10.840 just telling someone to worry, 00:18:11.240 --> 00:18:12.340 to stop worrying, 00:18:12.519 --> 00:18:14.140 probably won't help things. 00:18:14.400 --> 00:18:14.980 You know that 00:18:14.980 --> 00:18:15.880 if you've ever been worried. 00:18:15.880 --> 00:18:16.860 Stop worrying! 00:18:18.140 --> 00:18:19.220 That just makes it worse, 00:18:19.320 --> 00:18:19.840 doesn't it? 00:18:19.920 --> 00:18:21.420 If that's all that you're told, 00:18:21.500 --> 00:18:22.860 you start to obsess 00:18:22.860 --> 00:18:23.780 over the thing 00:18:23.780 --> 00:18:24.740 that you're worried about 00:18:24.740 --> 00:18:25.540 and I can't stop 00:18:25.540 --> 00:18:26.520 thinking about it. 00:18:28.720 --> 00:18:30.560 Jesus says something more. 00:18:31.040 --> 00:18:31.360 He says, 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.880 I want you to know 00:18:32.880 --> 00:18:34.080 you don't need 00:18:34.080 --> 00:18:35.120 to be anxious. 00:18:35.760 --> 00:18:37.520 Everything you truly need, 00:18:37.600 --> 00:18:38.760 your heavenly father 00:18:38.760 --> 00:18:40.260 will provide 00:18:40.260 --> 00:18:41.480 faithfully 00:18:41.480 --> 00:18:43.380 and lavishly. 00:18:43.380 --> 00:18:44.600 Listen to how Jesus 00:18:44.600 --> 00:18:45.700 closes the argument 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:46.900 verse 31. 00:18:46.900 --> 00:18:47.039 Verse 31. 00:18:47.580 --> 00:18:47.819 Therefore, 00:18:47.960 --> 00:18:48.880 do not be anxious 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:49.299 saying, 00:18:49.500 --> 00:18:50.140 what shall we eat 00:18:50.140 --> 00:18:50.720 or drink 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:51.340 or wear? 00:18:51.759 --> 00:18:52.279 Why? 00:18:52.759 --> 00:18:53.960 For the Gentiles 00:18:53.960 --> 00:18:55.740 seek after all these things 00:18:55.740 --> 00:18:58.160 and your heavenly father 00:18:58.160 --> 00:19:01.460 knows that you need them all. 00:19:02.299 --> 00:19:03.960 He's not scolding you. 00:19:04.240 --> 00:19:05.840 Stop worrying about eating. 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:06.960 You don't need to eat. 00:19:08.640 --> 00:19:09.519 Now, what's he saying? 00:19:09.920 --> 00:19:10.980 Don't be anxious 00:19:10.980 --> 00:19:12.360 about what you're going to eat. 00:19:12.359 --> 00:19:15.159 The most extravagant provider 00:19:15.159 --> 00:19:16.899 in all the world 00:19:16.899 --> 00:19:18.639 is your father 00:19:18.639 --> 00:19:20.219 and he knows 00:19:20.219 --> 00:19:21.519 what you need 00:19:21.519 --> 00:19:22.399 even better 00:19:22.399 --> 00:19:23.740 than you do. 00:19:24.699 --> 00:19:26.979 You don't have to be anxious 00:19:26.979 --> 00:19:28.479 about it. 00:19:29.479 --> 00:19:30.379 I know you're concerned 00:19:30.379 --> 00:19:31.659 about being fulfilled 00:19:31.659 --> 00:19:32.619 and secure, 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:33.379 he says. 00:19:34.099 --> 00:19:35.059 I'm not scolding you 00:19:35.059 --> 00:19:35.979 for wanting your family 00:19:35.979 --> 00:19:37.519 to be provided for, 00:19:38.319 --> 00:19:39.799 but I want you to know 00:19:39.799 --> 00:19:43.039 that I am the extravagant provider, 00:19:43.740 --> 00:19:44.879 not you. 00:19:45.960 --> 00:19:46.879 I know you need 00:19:46.879 --> 00:19:47.720 all those things. 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:50.220 It's those without a father 00:19:50.220 --> 00:19:51.759 who have to chase 00:19:51.759 --> 00:19:52.680 after these things, 00:19:52.839 --> 00:19:54.440 but you've been adopted. 00:19:55.079 --> 00:19:56.200 You have a caring 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:57.700 and generous father 00:19:57.700 --> 00:19:58.500 who provides 00:19:58.500 --> 00:19:59.440 even for those 00:19:59.440 --> 00:20:00.839 outside his family, 00:20:01.359 --> 00:20:01.839 birds, 00:20:02.220 --> 00:20:02.700 lilies, 00:20:03.559 --> 00:20:04.259 Gentiles, 00:20:04.259 --> 00:20:05.759 and so especially 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:08.900 for his own children. 00:20:09.700 --> 00:20:10.579 His eye 00:20:10.579 --> 00:20:12.319 is on the sparrow, 00:20:12.819 --> 00:20:13.920 even the sparrow, 00:20:14.740 --> 00:20:16.140 so you can know 00:20:16.140 --> 00:20:18.240 he's watching you. 00:20:19.900 --> 00:20:21.200 Here's the really exciting 00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:21.960 part of that. 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:23.480 For those of you like me 00:20:23.480 --> 00:20:25.140 having those conversations 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:26.079 in your van 00:20:26.079 --> 00:20:27.859 and getting anxious 00:20:27.859 --> 00:20:29.279 and not knowing anything 00:20:29.279 --> 00:20:31.099 to do with the worry 00:20:31.099 --> 00:20:31.980 and the anxiety 00:20:31.980 --> 00:20:32.620 and not knowing 00:20:32.620 --> 00:20:33.880 how to make any decisions 00:20:33.880 --> 00:20:35.380 for what should be important 00:20:35.380 --> 00:20:36.500 in the midst 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.519 of all the busyness. 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:39.000 Jesus says that 00:20:39.000 --> 00:20:40.360 the reason I want you 00:20:40.360 --> 00:20:41.339 to know that your heavenly 00:20:41.339 --> 00:20:42.539 Father is providing 00:20:42.539 --> 00:20:44.220 for all those other needs 00:20:44.220 --> 00:20:45.960 is so you can keep 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:46.900 the main thing, 00:20:47.360 --> 00:20:48.180 the main thing. 00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:49.779 Verse 33. 00:20:51.660 --> 00:20:52.640 Seek first 00:20:52.640 --> 00:20:54.539 the kingdom of God 00:20:54.539 --> 00:20:56.140 and His righteousness 00:20:56.140 --> 00:20:57.660 and all these things 00:20:57.660 --> 00:20:58.779 will be added 00:20:58.779 --> 00:20:59.799 to you. 00:20:59.799 --> 00:21:03.059 Having an extravagant provider 00:21:03.059 --> 00:21:04.619 as your Father 00:21:04.619 --> 00:21:05.619 frees us. 00:21:06.139 --> 00:21:07.019 It sets us free 00:21:07.019 --> 00:21:09.139 to have refocused priorities. 00:21:09.759 --> 00:21:11.039 Our passions and lives 00:21:11.039 --> 00:21:13.399 now can and must be shaped 00:21:13.399 --> 00:21:15.539 by kingdom priorities. 00:21:16.579 --> 00:21:17.899 Imagine that little boy 00:21:17.899 --> 00:21:19.240 under the bed again, right? 00:21:19.460 --> 00:21:21.419 He's been every spare moment 00:21:21.419 --> 00:21:22.859 because of his past, 00:21:23.159 --> 00:21:24.460 he's had to spend his time 00:21:24.460 --> 00:21:25.119 and energy 00:21:25.119 --> 00:21:27.099 scheming how he can gather 00:21:27.099 --> 00:21:28.000 more food 00:21:28.000 --> 00:21:29.879 to provide for himself. 00:21:30.459 --> 00:21:31.839 It's all he can think about 00:21:31.839 --> 00:21:32.740 and dream about 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:35.500 but now he doesn't have to anymore. 00:21:36.759 --> 00:21:38.240 Now he knows his Father 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:39.179 has him covered. 00:21:39.299 --> 00:21:39.939 He's got time 00:21:39.939 --> 00:21:40.919 and energy to spare. 00:21:41.919 --> 00:21:43.679 Now we are freed up 00:21:43.679 --> 00:21:44.359 to dream 00:21:44.359 --> 00:21:45.419 not about ourselves 00:21:45.419 --> 00:21:47.659 and making our lives better 00:21:47.659 --> 00:21:48.980 and how we can move up 00:21:48.980 --> 00:21:49.659 a little bit 00:21:49.659 --> 00:21:51.319 but about God's kingdom 00:21:51.319 --> 00:21:53.939 and how we can advance it. 00:21:53.940 --> 00:21:56.259 And Jesus says 00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:58.120 that's actually the treasure. 00:21:59.279 --> 00:22:00.320 That's actually 00:22:00.320 --> 00:22:01.580 what's most important. 00:22:01.700 --> 00:22:02.740 This is the priority. 00:22:03.480 --> 00:22:05.180 You can focus on the priority 00:22:05.180 --> 00:22:06.200 without fear 00:22:06.200 --> 00:22:07.940 of causing harm to yourself. 00:22:08.799 --> 00:22:09.620 All these things 00:22:09.620 --> 00:22:11.080 you tend to worry about, 00:22:11.220 --> 00:22:12.059 those things 00:22:12.059 --> 00:22:13.360 your Heavenly Father 00:22:13.360 --> 00:22:15.380 knows you need, 00:22:16.259 --> 00:22:18.640 they will be added to you. 00:22:20.140 --> 00:22:21.259 Pardon me for a minute, 00:22:21.360 --> 00:22:22.460 I'm a grammar nerd. 00:22:22.460 --> 00:22:23.740 will be added 00:22:23.740 --> 00:22:25.480 is in the passive voice. 00:22:25.920 --> 00:22:27.920 It's a beautiful passive 00:22:27.920 --> 00:22:29.100 because it's what's called 00:22:29.100 --> 00:22:30.700 a divine passive. 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:33.000 It's passive 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.840 because you don't see 00:22:33.840 --> 00:22:35.200 the subject of the sentence. 00:22:35.299 --> 00:22:36.360 Who's doing the adding? 00:22:36.579 --> 00:22:38.120 The divine passive is 00:22:38.120 --> 00:22:40.980 God is doing the adding. 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:43.279 God will see to it 00:22:43.279 --> 00:22:44.400 that those things 00:22:44.400 --> 00:22:45.920 are added to you. 00:22:46.000 --> 00:22:47.140 Your Heavenly Father 00:22:47.140 --> 00:22:49.840 knows you need those things 00:22:49.840 --> 00:22:51.920 and will take care of you. 00:22:51.920 --> 00:22:52.700 And so, 00:22:53.080 --> 00:22:54.300 knowing that our time 00:22:54.300 --> 00:22:55.039 is valuable, 00:22:56.140 --> 00:22:57.420 Jesus directs us here 00:22:57.420 --> 00:22:58.740 on what the priority is 00:22:58.740 --> 00:22:59.800 that must shape 00:22:59.800 --> 00:23:00.500 our decisions. 00:23:01.380 --> 00:23:02.880 It's the kingdom of God 00:23:02.880 --> 00:23:05.380 and His righteousness. 00:23:06.240 --> 00:23:07.620 Now that may sound like 00:23:07.620 --> 00:23:09.019 old news to you. 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:09.460 Boy, 00:23:09.560 --> 00:23:10.600 that was profound, 00:23:10.860 --> 00:23:11.019 Will. 00:23:11.259 --> 00:23:12.380 I didn't expect to hear that 00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:13.180 at church today. 00:23:13.560 --> 00:23:14.720 The importance of God 00:23:14.720 --> 00:23:15.740 and righteousness. 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:19.039 I'd suggest it may be old news, 00:23:19.160 --> 00:23:20.420 but it's not second nature 00:23:20.420 --> 00:23:21.779 to us to live 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:24.599 with that kind of kingdom priority. 00:23:25.059 --> 00:23:26.180 We have other priorities 00:23:26.180 --> 00:23:27.599 pushed on us all the time, 00:23:27.660 --> 00:23:28.039 don't we? 00:23:28.900 --> 00:23:29.859 The news media 00:23:29.859 --> 00:23:31.620 would 24-7 00:23:31.620 --> 00:23:32.500 have us believe 00:23:32.500 --> 00:23:33.859 that the political conventions 00:23:33.859 --> 00:23:35.359 are what's most important 00:23:35.359 --> 00:23:36.720 in life. 00:23:37.120 --> 00:23:38.599 That international economy 00:23:38.599 --> 00:23:40.619 or celebrity lifestyles 00:23:40.619 --> 00:23:42.319 are most important. 00:23:43.379 --> 00:23:44.259 Social media 00:23:44.259 --> 00:23:45.619 is 24-7 00:23:45.619 --> 00:23:46.439 telling us 00:23:46.439 --> 00:23:47.459 that how we look 00:23:47.459 --> 00:23:49.379 is what's most important. 00:23:50.199 --> 00:23:50.819 Looking like 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:52.259 an all-American family. 00:23:53.319 --> 00:23:53.959 And that our kids 00:23:53.959 --> 00:23:55.379 should be priority number one. 00:23:55.480 --> 00:23:55.659 And so, 00:23:55.719 --> 00:23:56.500 what we feed them 00:23:56.500 --> 00:23:57.439 or don't feed them, 00:23:57.480 --> 00:23:58.519 whether we vaccinate them 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:59.839 or don't vaccinate them, 00:24:00.259 --> 00:24:01.639 parent them this way 00:24:01.639 --> 00:24:02.159 or that way, 00:24:02.199 --> 00:24:03.639 it all hinges on that. 00:24:04.140 --> 00:24:05.280 You've got to get it right 00:24:05.280 --> 00:24:06.280 or you've failed. 00:24:07.340 --> 00:24:08.340 It's going to determine 00:24:08.340 --> 00:24:10.000 all the rest of their life 00:24:10.000 --> 00:24:10.600 and whether or not 00:24:10.600 --> 00:24:11.480 they're successful. 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:13.640 Listen, 00:24:13.800 --> 00:24:14.640 Jesus says 00:24:14.640 --> 00:24:16.320 to our anxious hearts, 00:24:16.320 --> 00:24:17.560 let me cut through 00:24:17.560 --> 00:24:18.360 the confusion 00:24:18.360 --> 00:24:20.200 and the anxiety. 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:21.759 Seek first 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:23.460 the kingdom of God. 00:24:24.140 --> 00:24:24.660 You don't know 00:24:24.660 --> 00:24:25.300 how to sort out 00:24:25.300 --> 00:24:27.320 the top priority right now? 00:24:27.700 --> 00:24:28.900 Let me do it for you. 00:24:29.120 --> 00:24:30.400 Me, the one who created 00:24:30.400 --> 00:24:31.400 this whole world 00:24:31.400 --> 00:24:33.180 and you to live in it, 00:24:33.180 --> 00:24:34.120 I'll tell you, 00:24:34.220 --> 00:24:34.980 seek first 00:24:34.980 --> 00:24:37.160 the kingdom of God. 00:24:37.340 --> 00:24:39.060 And now we're set free, 00:24:39.180 --> 00:24:39.620 aren't we? 00:24:39.940 --> 00:24:41.100 Our hearts, 00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:42.560 our creativities, 00:24:42.820 --> 00:24:43.560 our time 00:24:43.560 --> 00:24:44.580 is set free 00:24:44.580 --> 00:24:45.860 to serve the kingdom 00:24:45.860 --> 00:24:47.640 with what some would look at 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:49.180 and say is reckless abandon. 00:24:50.640 --> 00:24:52.420 They're not being wise. 00:24:52.759 --> 00:24:53.779 But we can do that 00:24:53.779 --> 00:24:54.539 because we know 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:55.660 that our heavenly Father 00:24:55.660 --> 00:24:56.320 is meeting 00:24:56.320 --> 00:24:58.500 all our needs. 00:24:59.799 --> 00:25:00.759 See, I'm not just talking 00:25:00.759 --> 00:25:02.180 about churchy stuff 00:25:02.180 --> 00:25:03.100 here. 00:25:03.299 --> 00:25:04.080 That's not all 00:25:04.080 --> 00:25:05.920 the kingdom of God means. 00:25:06.640 --> 00:25:07.820 Seek first the kingdom 00:25:07.820 --> 00:25:08.539 is much bigger 00:25:08.539 --> 00:25:09.400 than this building 00:25:09.400 --> 00:25:11.100 or this day of the week. 00:25:12.320 --> 00:25:13.480 What does it mean 00:25:13.480 --> 00:25:14.880 to seek first the kingdom? 00:25:15.980 --> 00:25:17.100 Just a few thoughts 00:25:17.100 --> 00:25:17.980 to get you going. 00:25:18.620 --> 00:25:19.299 At work, 00:25:19.940 --> 00:25:20.779 it means rather than 00:25:20.779 --> 00:25:21.720 just working to see 00:25:21.720 --> 00:25:23.140 how you can make more money 00:25:23.140 --> 00:25:24.740 at the end of this year, 00:25:25.120 --> 00:25:25.940 you can invest 00:25:25.940 --> 00:25:26.880 some of your time 00:25:26.880 --> 00:25:28.680 to address broken systems 00:25:28.680 --> 00:25:30.700 and unrighteous practices 00:25:30.700 --> 00:25:31.759 in your industry. 00:25:32.960 --> 00:25:33.880 It also means 00:25:33.880 --> 00:25:35.039 practicing honesty 00:25:35.039 --> 00:25:35.740 and integrity 00:25:35.740 --> 00:25:36.720 in your business 00:25:36.720 --> 00:25:38.120 rather than cutting corners 00:25:38.120 --> 00:25:39.000 to get ahead. 00:25:40.580 --> 00:25:41.840 With your free time, 00:25:42.539 --> 00:25:43.820 it means rather than 00:25:43.820 --> 00:25:44.840 getting to the gym 00:25:44.840 --> 00:25:46.240 every single night 00:25:46.240 --> 00:25:46.880 of the week 00:25:46.880 --> 00:25:48.500 to perfect your body 00:25:48.500 --> 00:25:49.779 just the way you'd like, 00:25:50.820 --> 00:25:52.080 you can find yourself 00:25:52.080 --> 00:25:54.180 in the Oscar Mason Center 00:25:54.180 --> 00:25:55.840 perhaps one or two nights 00:25:55.839 --> 00:25:56.279 a week. 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:58.019 Investing in the life 00:25:58.019 --> 00:25:59.579 of a Jobs for Life student. 00:26:01.619 --> 00:26:03.039 What about in your relationships? 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:05.119 It means rather than 00:26:05.119 --> 00:26:06.039 focusing all your 00:26:06.039 --> 00:26:07.000 relational energies 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:08.319 on those who will make you 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:09.000 look good 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:10.199 and feel good 00:26:10.199 --> 00:26:11.199 about yourself, 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:13.119 boy, we like to do that. 00:26:14.299 --> 00:26:15.659 We're free to invest 00:26:15.659 --> 00:26:17.059 in those who can't 00:26:17.059 --> 00:26:17.939 repay us. 00:26:19.159 --> 00:26:20.099 It also means 00:26:20.099 --> 00:26:21.019 we move intentionally 00:26:21.019 --> 00:26:21.779 towards those 00:26:21.779 --> 00:26:23.099 who don't know the king. 00:26:23.099 --> 00:26:25.839 It also means 00:26:25.839 --> 00:26:26.740 we use our tongues 00:26:26.740 --> 00:26:28.279 to protect and build up 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:29.519 rather than slander 00:26:29.519 --> 00:26:30.619 and tear down 00:26:30.619 --> 00:26:31.480 those he made 00:26:31.480 --> 00:26:32.299 in his image. 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:35.719 What about spiritually? 00:26:36.819 --> 00:26:37.919 What about church stuff? 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:39.719 It means investing 00:26:39.719 --> 00:26:40.759 in your relationship 00:26:40.759 --> 00:26:41.859 with King Jesus. 00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:43.259 That it's important 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:44.480 in your relationship 00:26:44.480 --> 00:26:45.619 with your heavenly father 00:26:45.619 --> 00:26:47.299 who is caring for you. 00:26:47.539 --> 00:26:48.519 Maybe something else 00:26:48.519 --> 00:26:49.619 is going to have to go 00:26:49.619 --> 00:26:51.000 so that a small group 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:52.859 Bible study fits this fall. 00:26:53.959 --> 00:26:55.399 Maybe corporate worship 00:26:55.399 --> 00:26:56.519 does need to be 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:57.759 more of a priority 00:26:57.759 --> 00:26:58.559 for you. 00:26:58.959 --> 00:27:00.079 Maybe you can sacrifice 00:27:00.079 --> 00:27:01.039 a little sleep 00:27:01.039 --> 00:27:02.339 to be with your father 00:27:02.339 --> 00:27:03.379 and trust him 00:27:03.379 --> 00:27:04.599 to meet your need 00:27:04.599 --> 00:27:05.980 for daily strength. 00:27:07.240 --> 00:27:08.719 It also means longing 00:27:08.719 --> 00:27:09.419 and praying 00:27:09.419 --> 00:27:11.099 for his kingdom to come. 00:27:13.459 --> 00:27:14.659 How about parenting? 00:27:15.859 --> 00:27:17.459 I've picked on parents 00:27:17.459 --> 00:27:17.799 a little 00:27:17.799 --> 00:27:19.259 and included myself 00:27:19.259 --> 00:27:20.539 and my Olympic dreams 00:27:20.539 --> 00:27:22.559 in that mix. 00:27:22.559 --> 00:27:24.899 I think it's really important 00:27:24.899 --> 00:27:26.279 for us as parents here. 00:27:26.399 --> 00:27:27.359 It's vital for us 00:27:27.359 --> 00:27:27.980 to remember 00:27:27.980 --> 00:27:29.220 that we are not 00:27:29.220 --> 00:27:30.359 the only ones 00:27:30.359 --> 00:27:31.839 with a heavenly father. 00:27:33.099 --> 00:27:34.119 Remember the sign 00:27:34.119 --> 00:27:35.159 of the covenant promises 00:27:35.159 --> 00:27:35.940 that we placed 00:27:35.940 --> 00:27:36.779 on little faith 00:27:36.779 --> 00:27:38.000 just a few minutes ago? 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:40.720 This passage means 00:27:40.720 --> 00:27:41.720 that our kids 00:27:41.720 --> 00:27:43.559 have a heavenly father too. 00:27:44.339 --> 00:27:46.099 An extravagant provider 00:27:46.099 --> 00:27:47.099 for them. 00:27:47.099 --> 00:27:49.559 And not one 00:27:49.559 --> 00:27:51.059 that is you 00:27:51.059 --> 00:27:52.179 or me. 00:27:52.439 --> 00:27:54.619 It's their heavenly father. 00:27:54.740 --> 00:27:55.299 And that means 00:27:55.299 --> 00:27:56.679 priorities as a parent 00:27:56.679 --> 00:27:58.000 are not merely 00:27:58.000 --> 00:27:58.799 making money 00:27:58.799 --> 00:27:59.899 to put food 00:27:59.899 --> 00:28:00.500 on the table 00:28:00.500 --> 00:28:01.179 and clothes 00:28:01.179 --> 00:28:02.399 on my kids' backs. 00:28:03.059 --> 00:28:04.699 Not merely shopping 00:28:04.699 --> 00:28:05.799 for clothes 00:28:05.799 --> 00:28:07.159 and cooking food. 00:28:07.639 --> 00:28:08.119 But, 00:28:08.379 --> 00:28:10.199 even more than that, 00:28:10.299 --> 00:28:10.980 teaching them 00:28:10.980 --> 00:28:11.959 the truths 00:28:11.959 --> 00:28:12.879 of God's words 00:28:12.879 --> 00:28:13.559 so that they 00:28:13.559 --> 00:28:15.399 know their heavenly father. 00:28:16.339 --> 00:28:17.379 Exposing their hearts 00:28:17.379 --> 00:28:18.200 to the glories 00:28:18.200 --> 00:28:19.079 of the gospel. 00:28:20.419 --> 00:28:20.980 Sacrificing 00:28:20.980 --> 00:28:21.659 and serving 00:28:21.659 --> 00:28:23.019 alongside our kids 00:28:23.019 --> 00:28:23.799 for the extension 00:28:23.799 --> 00:28:24.500 of the kingdom 00:28:24.500 --> 00:28:25.259 so they see 00:28:25.259 --> 00:28:26.480 what's most important. 00:28:27.740 --> 00:28:28.399 Helping them learn 00:28:28.399 --> 00:28:29.119 to love others 00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:30.379 different from them 00:28:30.379 --> 00:28:31.859 the way the king 00:28:31.859 --> 00:28:32.799 loves us. 00:28:34.079 --> 00:28:34.639 How about that 00:28:34.639 --> 00:28:36.519 for this school year? 00:28:37.559 --> 00:28:38.659 Things our kids 00:28:38.659 --> 00:28:39.519 need 00:28:39.519 --> 00:28:39.859 need 00:28:39.859 --> 00:28:40.539 to be reminded 00:28:40.539 --> 00:28:41.000 of. 00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:41.759 You see, 00:28:41.879 --> 00:28:42.559 the vision 00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:43.400 of Southwood 00:28:43.400 --> 00:28:44.240 is to advance 00:28:44.240 --> 00:28:44.819 the kingdom 00:28:44.819 --> 00:28:45.599 of God. 00:28:45.879 --> 00:28:46.700 And that doesn't 00:28:46.700 --> 00:28:47.299 mean only 00:28:47.299 --> 00:28:48.259 in this place, 00:28:48.400 --> 00:28:49.500 only on Sundays. 00:28:50.440 --> 00:28:51.059 That means 00:28:51.059 --> 00:28:51.879 every moment 00:28:51.879 --> 00:28:53.220 of every day 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:54.519 in all of life, 00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:55.799 all of us, 00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:57.619 to advance 00:28:57.619 --> 00:28:58.740 God's kingdom. 00:28:58.879 --> 00:28:59.400 We're called 00:28:59.400 --> 00:29:00.619 to seek first 00:29:00.619 --> 00:29:01.220 His kingdom, 00:29:01.379 --> 00:29:02.400 to long for, 00:29:02.759 --> 00:29:03.420 pray for, 00:29:03.500 --> 00:29:04.200 and work for 00:29:04.200 --> 00:29:04.779 a world 00:29:04.779 --> 00:29:05.859 that reflects 00:29:05.859 --> 00:29:07.259 His righteous character 00:29:07.259 --> 00:29:08.099 everywhere. 00:29:09.519 --> 00:29:11.319 Some of us 00:29:11.319 --> 00:29:12.099 need to go back 00:29:12.099 --> 00:29:13.139 and have that 00:29:13.139 --> 00:29:14.920 anxiety-inducing 00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:16.160 van conversation 00:29:16.160 --> 00:29:18.019 all over again 00:29:18.019 --> 00:29:18.740 from a different 00:29:18.740 --> 00:29:19.500 perspective. 00:29:20.579 --> 00:29:21.940 That's our priority 00:29:21.940 --> 00:29:23.019 this fall. 00:29:23.920 --> 00:29:24.759 It's going to look 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:25.720 different for every 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:26.440 one of us, 00:29:26.599 --> 00:29:27.339 but regardless 00:29:27.339 --> 00:29:28.599 of what it looks like, 00:29:28.680 --> 00:29:29.619 the main thing 00:29:29.619 --> 00:29:30.859 is to keep 00:29:30.859 --> 00:29:31.940 the main thing 00:29:31.940 --> 00:29:33.799 the main thing. 00:29:34.460 --> 00:29:35.879 And in this passage, 00:29:36.400 --> 00:29:37.579 the main thing 00:29:37.579 --> 00:29:39.339 is to experience 00:29:39.339 --> 00:29:41.379 the extravagant love 00:29:41.379 --> 00:29:43.199 of our Heavenly Father. 00:29:43.919 --> 00:29:45.039 See, most religions 00:29:45.039 --> 00:29:46.179 and sadly, 00:29:46.359 --> 00:29:48.220 even many Christian churches 00:29:48.220 --> 00:29:50.519 tell you to seek God first 00:29:50.519 --> 00:29:52.139 and do kingdom stuff 00:29:52.139 --> 00:29:52.959 and if you do it 00:29:52.959 --> 00:29:53.720 well enough, 00:29:53.819 --> 00:29:55.179 God will take care of you. 00:29:56.959 --> 00:29:57.919 He'll provide 00:29:57.919 --> 00:29:59.059 everything you need 00:29:59.059 --> 00:30:00.039 if you just seek Him 00:30:00.039 --> 00:30:00.679 hard enough 00:30:00.679 --> 00:30:01.559 and well enough. 00:30:03.439 --> 00:30:05.159 Biblical Christianity says, 00:30:05.160 --> 00:30:06.960 before you sought God 00:30:06.960 --> 00:30:07.860 at all, 00:30:08.200 --> 00:30:09.120 He sought you 00:30:09.120 --> 00:30:10.620 and loved you 00:30:10.620 --> 00:30:11.380 so much, 00:30:11.440 --> 00:30:12.640 He sent His Son 00:30:12.640 --> 00:30:14.480 to die for you. 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.660 How do you know 00:30:15.660 --> 00:30:16.900 that you're more valuable 00:30:16.900 --> 00:30:17.860 than the birds, 00:30:17.960 --> 00:30:19.360 more important to Him 00:30:19.360 --> 00:30:20.420 than the lilies? 00:30:21.900 --> 00:30:22.519 Romans 8, 00:30:22.519 --> 00:30:24.039 He who did not spare 00:30:24.039 --> 00:30:25.660 His own Son 00:30:25.660 --> 00:30:27.839 but gave Him up 00:30:27.839 --> 00:30:28.720 for us all, 00:30:29.059 --> 00:30:30.779 how will He not also 00:30:30.779 --> 00:30:32.299 along with Him 00:30:32.299 --> 00:30:33.500 graciously 00:30:33.500 --> 00:30:34.599 give us 00:30:34.599 --> 00:30:36.139 all things? 00:30:36.500 --> 00:30:36.900 Listen, 00:30:37.019 --> 00:30:38.059 He has already 00:30:38.059 --> 00:30:39.139 made you 00:30:39.139 --> 00:30:40.460 His sons and daughters. 00:30:40.559 --> 00:30:41.680 You're not auditioning 00:30:41.680 --> 00:30:42.539 with how well 00:30:42.539 --> 00:30:43.519 you seek the kingdom. 00:30:44.559 --> 00:30:45.480 He has already 00:30:45.480 --> 00:30:46.039 made you 00:30:46.039 --> 00:30:47.099 His sons and daughters. 00:30:47.299 --> 00:30:47.839 Jesus says, 00:30:48.160 --> 00:30:49.819 He is your heavenly Father. 00:30:49.819 --> 00:30:51.039 He will provide 00:30:51.039 --> 00:30:51.980 faithfully 00:30:51.980 --> 00:30:53.339 and lavishly. 00:30:53.899 --> 00:30:54.579 He has met 00:30:54.579 --> 00:30:55.980 your greatest need 00:30:55.980 --> 00:30:57.399 in sending His Son 00:30:57.399 --> 00:30:58.799 to be your Savior, 00:30:59.240 --> 00:31:00.299 your substitute. 00:31:01.299 --> 00:31:02.659 You can trust Him 00:31:02.659 --> 00:31:04.079 to meet all 00:31:04.079 --> 00:31:05.899 of your other needs. 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:06.379 He is, 00:31:06.639 --> 00:31:06.980 after all, 00:31:07.039 --> 00:31:07.639 your Father. 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:09.859 And so He 00:31:09.859 --> 00:31:11.019 and His kingdom 00:31:11.019 --> 00:31:12.939 are worth seeking 00:31:12.939 --> 00:31:14.599 above all else. 00:31:15.740 --> 00:31:17.019 If selfish people 00:31:17.019 --> 00:31:18.059 like you and me 00:31:18.059 --> 00:31:18.939 are going to have 00:31:18.940 --> 00:31:20.299 our hearts changed 00:31:20.299 --> 00:31:21.480 to the point 00:31:21.480 --> 00:31:22.799 that we'll be willing 00:31:22.799 --> 00:31:24.400 to reorder our priorities 00:31:24.400 --> 00:31:26.960 and reshape our lives 00:31:26.960 --> 00:31:28.360 for the sake of the King, 00:31:29.380 --> 00:31:30.620 the main thing 00:31:30.620 --> 00:31:31.559 we need ringing 00:31:31.559 --> 00:31:32.580 in our ears 00:31:32.580 --> 00:31:33.320 and hearts 00:31:33.320 --> 00:31:34.580 this week 00:31:34.580 --> 00:31:37.140 is the soul-freeing 00:31:37.140 --> 00:31:38.299 good news 00:31:38.299 --> 00:31:40.039 that our Heavenly Father 00:31:40.039 --> 00:31:41.660 is caring for us 00:31:41.660 --> 00:31:43.320 and holding us 00:31:43.320 --> 00:31:45.500 in His hands. 00:31:46.000 --> 00:31:47.059 We've heard it sung 00:31:47.059 --> 00:31:48.080 once beautifully, 00:31:48.079 --> 00:31:49.399 this morning. 00:31:50.039 --> 00:31:51.599 It's captured really well 00:31:51.599 --> 00:31:52.220 in the words 00:31:52.220 --> 00:31:53.960 of this children's song 00:31:53.960 --> 00:31:55.740 by Rain for Roots 00:31:55.740 --> 00:31:57.319 that James is going to 00:31:57.319 --> 00:31:58.460 come and sing 00:31:58.460 --> 00:32:00.019 for us now. 00:32:00.500 --> 00:32:02.099 As James sings 00:32:02.099 --> 00:32:02.819 these words, 00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:04.159 listen to these simple 00:32:04.159 --> 00:32:06.220 and beautiful words 00:32:06.220 --> 00:32:08.539 and consider God's Word 00:32:08.539 --> 00:32:09.439 to you this morning. 00:32:09.440 --> 00:32:33.539 See the birds you are singing 00:32:33.539 --> 00:32:35.320 in the spring air 00:32:35.319 --> 00:32:37.159 giving everything 00:32:37.159 --> 00:32:37.839 they need 00:32:37.839 --> 00:32:41.480 they don't worry 00:32:41.480 --> 00:32:43.059 where the next meal 00:32:43.059 --> 00:32:44.339 will come from 00:32:44.339 --> 00:32:46.000 they don't worry 00:32:46.000 --> 00:32:47.279 about a thing 00:32:47.279 --> 00:32:48.980 so just 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:50.939 look around you 00:32:50.939 --> 00:32:52.700 and try to listen 00:32:52.700 --> 00:32:54.240 to the song 00:32:54.240 --> 00:32:56.619 creation sings 00:32:56.619 --> 00:32:59.439 don't you worry 00:32:59.439 --> 00:33:01.079 cause you're in 00:33:01.079 --> 00:33:01.919 the hands 00:33:01.919 --> 00:33:03.000 of the God 00:33:03.000 --> 00:33:04.739 who made everything 00:33:04.740 --> 00:33:22.220 She's not 00:33:22.220 --> 00:33:25.920 See the flowers in your colorful beauty. 00:33:26.860 --> 00:33:29.339 They're dressed better than the king. 00:33:31.019 --> 00:33:35.140 They don't worry about what they should wear, no. 00:33:35.900 --> 00:33:38.339 They don't worry about a thing. 00:33:39.160 --> 00:33:47.240 So just look around you and try to listen to the song creation sings. 00:33:47.240 --> 00:33:55.220 Don't you worry cause you're in the hands of the God who made everything. 00:33:56.940 --> 00:34:04.079 You're not a bird and you're not a flower and you don't have petals and wings. 00:34:05.160 --> 00:34:12.420 But there's good news you were so much more to the God who made everything. 00:34:17.239 --> 00:34:18.319 Oh. 00:34:29.179 --> 00:34:36.779 So when you worry about today or tomorrow and the storms that they might bring. 00:34:36.780 --> 00:34:44.780 Do remember that you're in the hands of the God who made everything. 00:34:46.140 --> 00:34:54.080 So just look around you and try to listen to the song creation sings. 00:34:54.079 --> 00:35:01.860 Don't you worry cause you're in the hands of the God who made everything. 00:35:03.480 --> 00:35:06.139 God who made everything. 00:35:07.279 --> 00:35:11.840 You're in the hands of the God who made everything. 00:35:11.840 --> 00:35:24.500 For more information visit us online at southwood.org. 00:35:25.780 --> 00:35:26.039 Thank you. 00:35:26.039 --> 00:35:26.100 Thank you.