WEBVTT 00:00:00.240 --> 00:00:02.839 Interest repayments, the future of the euro. 00:00:04.240 --> 00:00:07.320 Individually, we are even more careful with our finances, 00:00:07.820 --> 00:00:13.040 because we don't know when we are going to be asked to give more help to the government or to the banks. 00:00:13.820 --> 00:00:18.320 We work even harder, if we have work, just to keep us afloat. 00:00:18.960 --> 00:00:22.699 Or we worry about not having work, and how we will pay the bills. 00:00:23.519 --> 00:00:26.500 Or we worry about just coping with the financial demands on us. 00:00:27.060 --> 00:00:28.019 Sound familiar? 00:00:30.519 --> 00:00:32.579 Maybe we don't really think about money at all. 00:00:33.880 --> 00:00:36.859 But maybe we do worry about relationships. 00:00:37.899 --> 00:00:40.780 We see more and more celebrity relationships break down, 00:00:41.120 --> 00:00:44.140 not to mention the relationships of those around us. 00:00:45.420 --> 00:00:48.859 Divorce seems to be a very acceptable option these days. 00:00:50.780 --> 00:00:52.159 I remember being young. 00:00:53.760 --> 00:00:55.000 What are those giggles for? 00:00:56.539 --> 00:00:59.280 And just wanting to be noticed by a certain girl. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:05.739 And so my mind would be totally fixated on that girl and getting her attention. 00:01:05.739 --> 00:01:11.179 We worry about opinions and what people will think of us. 00:01:12.599 --> 00:01:15.939 And so we act in a certain way or say something different. 00:01:17.199 --> 00:01:20.640 We say something or live differently to them. 00:01:20.640 --> 00:01:26.540 We become paralysed by people's opinion and trying to get their approval. 00:01:26.540 --> 00:01:38.219 We worry or spend time about thinking about so much that we forget to smell the coffee or the flowers. 00:01:38.219 --> 00:01:51.099 We worry about our appearance, deadlines, school or college results, job interviews, fuel prices, the grass growing or not growing, potato blight and spraying it at just the right time. 00:01:51.099 --> 00:01:57.259 The garden or the garden or the house looking perfect for the guests coming over this afternoon. 00:01:57.959 --> 00:02:04.419 Even though we know the kids will have it looking like a bomb hit us in about two minutes within entering it. 00:02:04.420 --> 00:02:08.060 We're careful of political correctness. 00:02:08.060 --> 00:02:15.979 And maybe the more paranoid of us worry about identity theft or about catching a contagious disease. 00:02:16.640 --> 00:02:17.340 But guess what? 00:02:17.860 --> 00:02:19.099 We are still alive. 00:02:19.719 --> 00:02:21.560 And our bills have been paid so far. 00:02:22.259 --> 00:02:24.199 Unless I get home and meet the bailiff at my door. 00:02:24.199 --> 00:02:26.519 I don't think that will happen. 00:02:28.399 --> 00:02:34.579 So it's no wonder that Atlas is struggling and bent over double under the weight of the world on his shoulders. 00:02:35.060 --> 00:02:36.280 It's a heavy load to carry. 00:02:37.659 --> 00:02:40.239 Are we, are you, like him? 00:02:41.699 --> 00:02:51.319 Are you so consumed with all the things in your life that you're doubled over with the weight of the enormity of what you have to cope with? 00:02:51.319 --> 00:02:56.699 Sometimes, and even recently, I get overwhelmed. 00:02:57.879 --> 00:03:00.639 I have two jobs where one would be busy enough. 00:03:01.519 --> 00:03:04.419 On top of that, I have responsibilities to my family. 00:03:05.359 --> 00:03:07.120 Both immediate and wider. 00:03:07.919 --> 00:03:09.840 I have responsibilities to the church family. 00:03:11.560 --> 00:03:12.819 Sometimes it gets too much. 00:03:13.379 --> 00:03:15.680 And my body and mind go into shutdown. 00:03:16.219 --> 00:03:18.319 And I crash in bed for a few days. 00:03:18.740 --> 00:03:19.780 I become burnt out. 00:03:19.780 --> 00:03:26.039 Because I've been relying on my ability to manage and juggle my life. 00:03:26.780 --> 00:03:27.420 And I fail. 00:03:28.500 --> 00:03:29.500 Does that sound familiar? 00:03:32.099 --> 00:03:34.000 Thankfully, God isn't silent. 00:03:35.139 --> 00:03:37.939 He speaks to us through his word, the Bible, about worry. 00:03:38.520 --> 00:03:40.319 About setting our priorities right. 00:03:41.180 --> 00:03:43.960 About resetting our GPS or our compass. 00:03:44.420 --> 00:03:46.020 So that we go in the right direction. 00:03:46.020 --> 00:03:53.920 Four times in this passage, he tells us not to worry or to be anxious. 00:03:54.860 --> 00:03:56.400 Let's look at the passage, please. 00:03:56.939 --> 00:04:00.360 Matthew chapter 6, verses 25 to 34. 00:04:00.360 --> 00:04:11.020 Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. 00:04:13.020 --> 00:04:16.720 Don't worry about your life, food, drink, body or clothes. 00:04:17.960 --> 00:04:21.139 Jesus is telling us not to worry about the basics, basically. 00:04:21.139 --> 00:04:23.419 Verse 27. 00:04:24.860 --> 00:04:28.060 Worry won't extend your life, or add to it in any way. 00:04:29.579 --> 00:04:31.719 Verse 31, like 25. 00:04:32.740 --> 00:04:35.599 Don't worry about food, drink or clothes. 00:04:36.779 --> 00:04:37.699 And verse 34. 00:04:38.099 --> 00:04:39.360 Don't worry about tomorrow. 00:04:40.259 --> 00:04:41.800 Live in the present, not in the future. 00:04:41.800 --> 00:04:44.900 So now we have a problem. 00:04:46.300 --> 00:04:49.000 We worry, and Jesus tells us not to. 00:04:50.460 --> 00:04:51.720 So why do we worry? 00:04:53.319 --> 00:04:56.939 Well, the passage again tells us this, in verse 30. 00:04:57.800 --> 00:05:03.920 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, 00:05:04.580 --> 00:05:06.259 will he not much more clothe you? 00:05:07.379 --> 00:05:08.720 O you of little faith. 00:05:08.720 --> 00:05:15.740 Jesus says that the root of anxiety is lack of faith in our Heavenly Father. 00:05:16.840 --> 00:05:23.700 As unbelief gets the upper hand in our lives, one of the results is anxiety and worry. 00:05:25.620 --> 00:05:27.300 O you of little faith. 00:05:28.600 --> 00:05:29.920 It feels like we can't win. 00:05:31.580 --> 00:05:37.620 But he doesn't say it as a rebuke, but as an encouragement to help us to set our priorities right. 00:05:38.720 --> 00:05:43.520 These worries we have actually have a negative effect on us. 00:05:43.880 --> 00:05:44.980 They're bad for us. 00:05:46.260 --> 00:05:48.720 Earlier we looked at many of the things we worry about. 00:05:49.980 --> 00:05:53.880 And if we look at a few of them again, we can see how disruptive they can be to us. 00:05:55.160 --> 00:05:56.640 Anxiety about finances. 00:05:56.639 --> 00:06:03.779 They can give rise to jealousy or coveting, greed, hoarding and stealing. 00:06:04.839 --> 00:06:05.539 Bad things. 00:06:06.419 --> 00:06:12.240 Anxiety about succeeding or success can make us irritable, abrupt and grumpy. 00:06:12.240 --> 00:06:20.840 Anxiety about relationships can make us withdrawn or indifferent and uncaring about other people. 00:06:21.879 --> 00:06:28.160 Anxiety about people's opinions of us can make us cover over the truth and lie about things. 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:33.340 So if anxiety can be conquered, a lot of sins would be overcome. 00:06:33.339 --> 00:06:39.479 The phrase O you of little faith actually appears six times in the book of Matthew. 00:06:40.679 --> 00:06:42.579 So let's take a look at two of them. 00:06:43.819 --> 00:06:48.319 If you skip ahead in your Bibles to Matthew chapter 14. 00:06:54.000 --> 00:06:57.059 We're going to be looking around verse 31. 00:06:57.060 --> 00:07:00.839 It's on page 981. 00:07:02.259 --> 00:07:03.600 Matthew chapter 14. 00:07:04.040 --> 00:07:04.920 Let me set the scene. 00:07:05.600 --> 00:07:11.920 Peter and the disciples are in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. 00:07:12.620 --> 00:07:14.899 And Jesus is walking on water near them. 00:07:15.600 --> 00:07:17.800 When Peter sees them, he calls out. 00:07:18.600 --> 00:07:19.379 Verse 28. 00:07:19.879 --> 00:07:25.579 Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water. 00:07:25.579 --> 00:07:27.740 Come, Jesus said. 00:07:28.740 --> 00:07:33.300 Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came to Jesus. 00:07:33.919 --> 00:07:36.500 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid. 00:07:37.379 --> 00:07:40.500 And beginning to sink, cried out, Lord, save me. 00:07:41.560 --> 00:07:44.139 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 00:07:45.019 --> 00:07:46.719 You of little faith, he said. 00:07:47.379 --> 00:07:48.199 Why did you doubt? 00:07:48.199 --> 00:07:56.379 When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he began to falter and fall. 00:07:57.379 --> 00:08:01.759 But when he cried out to him and depended on him, he was safe. 00:08:03.060 --> 00:08:08.099 When we worry, are we looking at ourselves and our abilities? 00:08:08.100 --> 00:08:11.980 Or are we looking at God and what he can do? 00:08:13.900 --> 00:08:17.840 Skipping ahead to Matthew 16, verse 5. 00:08:17.839 --> 00:08:26.639 When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. 00:08:27.539 --> 00:08:29.339 Be careful, Jesus said to them. 00:08:29.959 --> 00:08:33.419 Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. 00:08:34.199 --> 00:08:37.279 They discussed this amongst themselves and said, 00:08:37.659 --> 00:08:39.579 It is because we didn't bring any bread. 00:08:40.939 --> 00:08:42.919 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, 00:08:42.919 --> 00:08:48.500 You of little faith, why are you talking amongst yourselves about having no bread? 00:08:49.259 --> 00:08:50.799 Do you still not understand? 00:08:51.719 --> 00:08:54.500 Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand? 00:08:55.399 --> 00:08:57.139 And how many basketfuls you gathered? 00:08:57.699 --> 00:08:59.759 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand? 00:09:00.199 --> 00:09:01.919 And how many basketfuls you gathered? 00:09:02.919 --> 00:09:06.799 How is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? 00:09:08.259 --> 00:09:11.799 Jesus doesn't want us to be distracted by the basics in life. 00:09:11.799 --> 00:09:13.459 He will look after them. 00:09:14.199 --> 00:09:15.159 He will give us bread. 00:09:17.740 --> 00:09:19.079 Again, back to the text. 00:09:20.659 --> 00:09:21.759 In chapter 6. 00:09:23.719 --> 00:09:25.159 Look at the birds of the air. 00:09:26.579 --> 00:09:30.839 They do not sow or reap or store away in barns. 00:09:31.319 --> 00:09:33.199 And yet your heavenly father feeds them. 00:09:34.039 --> 00:09:36.199 Are you not much more valuable than they? 00:09:36.200 --> 00:09:42.500 How much must he love the birds? 00:09:43.440 --> 00:09:45.160 He gives them all they need. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:51.720 He loves the birds enough to supply them with food and materials to build a nest. 00:09:52.920 --> 00:09:55.020 But yet they are still only birds. 00:09:56.120 --> 00:09:59.720 They weren't created to love God, to have a relationship with him. 00:09:59.720 --> 00:10:02.560 So how much more must he love us? 00:10:04.040 --> 00:10:09.440 When God created the birds of the air, this is from Genesis, he saw that it was good. 00:10:11.180 --> 00:10:15.980 But only after he created man did he say that it was very good. 00:10:15.980 --> 00:10:19.960 He loves us exponentially more. 00:10:21.000 --> 00:10:24.259 That's a lot more, if you don't know what exponentially means. 00:10:25.860 --> 00:10:28.600 And so how much more will he give us? 00:10:29.159 --> 00:10:31.879 Are you not much more valuable than they? 00:10:32.879 --> 00:10:36.820 If your heavenly father feeds them, will he not feed you? 00:10:36.820 --> 00:10:42.080 Especially because he considers you more valuable than the birds. 00:10:43.800 --> 00:10:48.320 Therefore, worrying about future meals and their provision is an affront to God. 00:10:49.500 --> 00:10:52.180 We are saying that we cannot trust his providence. 00:10:54.360 --> 00:10:56.180 What about the lilies of the field? 00:10:56.960 --> 00:11:00.180 In the original, this is a general term for wildflowers, 00:11:00.820 --> 00:11:04.960 which complements nicely with the birds of the air, which we've just been looking at. 00:11:04.960 --> 00:11:08.180 Watching a field of flowers grow is lovely. 00:11:08.840 --> 00:11:12.040 Each individual flower growing on its own. 00:11:12.840 --> 00:11:14.340 Beautiful in its own right. 00:11:16.120 --> 00:11:23.060 But with a field of other wildflowers, the beauty is something else. 00:11:24.120 --> 00:11:30.879 Even the splendor of Solomon's clothing pales into insignificance. 00:11:30.879 --> 00:11:33.860 It's interesting. 00:11:34.860 --> 00:11:36.500 I think we've got Solomon up there. 00:11:36.939 --> 00:11:40.000 Yeah, I think I prefer to be looking at the fields. 00:11:43.299 --> 00:11:45.480 It's interesting to know that at the time, 00:11:46.539 --> 00:11:50.259 there was little wood available for heat at night for cooking. 00:11:52.200 --> 00:11:54.600 So grass was often used as a heat source. 00:11:54.600 --> 00:12:00.720 Even the most beautiful wildflower meadow would often be harvested and dried and burnt for fuel. 00:12:02.399 --> 00:12:06.680 So God clothes the grass with spectacular arrays of color and beauty. 00:12:06.679 --> 00:12:15.819 So will he not also be concerned with us and clothe us, his children, who he loves far more? 00:12:18.099 --> 00:12:19.500 We know God loves us. 00:12:19.799 --> 00:12:21.239 We see it all the time in creation. 00:12:21.839 --> 00:12:23.359 The beauty he surrounds us with. 00:12:23.939 --> 00:12:27.519 The sending of his son Jesus to die so that we could live. 00:12:28.639 --> 00:12:31.679 So then surely he will look after our needs, 00:12:32.319 --> 00:12:34.299 seeing as he loves us so much more. 00:12:34.299 --> 00:12:38.000 His generosity knows no limits. 00:12:38.859 --> 00:12:41.339 He promises that he will give us all that we need. 00:12:44.039 --> 00:12:50.240 I need to stress at this time that the passage is meant to release us from worry and not from work. 00:12:50.679 --> 00:12:53.939 You saw in a previous photo that the birds are provided with food, 00:12:54.319 --> 00:12:56.339 but they have to go and search for it. 00:12:56.379 --> 00:12:57.419 They have to work for it. 00:12:58.179 --> 00:13:01.639 They are provided with a home, but they have to go out and build it. 00:13:01.639 --> 00:13:07.100 They are not provided with central heating, but are given enough to survive. 00:13:08.179 --> 00:13:11.299 Just as we will be provided with our daily bread, 00:13:11.960 --> 00:13:15.860 not our shopping list of demands and desires and wants. 00:13:17.759 --> 00:13:22.860 Very often, especially in this country, we are given abundantly more than we need. 00:13:22.860 --> 00:13:27.480 However, all this causes a problem. 00:13:28.740 --> 00:13:30.159 Sometimes birds die. 00:13:31.539 --> 00:13:35.139 Sometimes people don't have all their basic needs met. 00:13:36.820 --> 00:13:39.419 Johnny was praying for East Africa earlier. 00:13:40.240 --> 00:13:42.700 We can't avoid Somalia these days in the news. 00:13:42.700 --> 00:13:47.060 As I was preparing this during the week, 00:13:47.200 --> 00:13:49.740 at that stage there was three million people 00:13:49.740 --> 00:13:53.240 who were on the brink of starvation due to famine. 00:13:54.320 --> 00:13:55.879 Do none of them have faith? 00:13:57.400 --> 00:13:58.800 I'm sure many of them do. 00:13:59.840 --> 00:14:02.080 But this passage isn't explicit about them. 00:14:02.720 --> 00:14:07.400 It's only a general summation of how God loves us and provides for us. 00:14:07.399 --> 00:14:10.220 It's hard to watch the images on the news 00:14:10.220 --> 00:14:13.500 and just write them off as a casualty of sin, 00:14:14.279 --> 00:14:19.379 entering the world and the inequality we have developed in the world because of greed. 00:14:20.379 --> 00:14:23.959 But we know that God's promises are his promises. 00:14:25.039 --> 00:14:27.699 They are not restricted to geographical location. 00:14:29.100 --> 00:14:32.100 God provides for his own in verse 33. 00:14:32.100 --> 00:14:37.820 And thankfully for us, that is for now and in the future. 00:14:38.800 --> 00:14:43.000 But sadly for many in Somalia, it may only be for the future. 00:14:43.940 --> 00:14:45.800 This doesn't leave us off the hook. 00:14:46.220 --> 00:14:51.379 We have a responsibility to share what we have both with God's own people and others too. 00:14:52.580 --> 00:14:55.879 One of the ways God works is through his people, the church. 00:14:56.920 --> 00:15:00.040 But we'll be looking at that a little bit more later on. 00:15:00.039 --> 00:15:02.159 Why do we worry? 00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:05.319 Because we suffer from unbelief. 00:15:09.919 --> 00:15:13.039 If we know that we have a problem, let's say with our car, 00:15:13.620 --> 00:15:15.459 we will be foolish not to get it fixed. 00:15:17.019 --> 00:15:17.279 Yeah? 00:15:18.439 --> 00:15:19.980 We'd be foolish not to get it fixed. 00:15:20.899 --> 00:15:23.480 Like, for example, if our brakes needed replacing, 00:15:23.939 --> 00:15:26.360 we will be very foolish not to get them replaced. 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:30.840 First, we've seen in this passage that we have a problem. 00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:33.580 Well, I'm assuming that most of you are like me, 00:15:34.360 --> 00:15:35.879 and you worry from time to time. 00:15:36.220 --> 00:15:37.320 So, we have a problem. 00:15:38.480 --> 00:15:42.820 And a quick flick ahead to the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, 22, 00:15:43.320 --> 00:15:44.360 shows us... 00:15:44.360 --> 00:15:49.919 You don't really need to look at it if you don't want to. 00:15:49.919 --> 00:15:55.519 The parable shows us that the consequence of letting the worries of this life 00:15:55.519 --> 00:15:58.500 and the deceitfulness of wealth chokes us, 00:15:59.139 --> 00:16:00.399 making us unfruitful. 00:16:01.819 --> 00:16:03.519 So, this is a serious problem, 00:16:04.120 --> 00:16:05.939 and one that can be deadly to our faith. 00:16:07.319 --> 00:16:09.099 So, we need to know how to fix it. 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:13.899 What is more difficult is not knowing how to fix a problem. 00:16:13.899 --> 00:16:18.139 But this passage takes the guesswork away and shows us the solution. 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:22.100 We have seen so far that worry is lack of faith. 00:16:23.279 --> 00:16:24.720 And so that, if that is true, 00:16:25.340 --> 00:16:29.539 then seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness 00:16:29.539 --> 00:16:32.000 is how we battle unbelief. 00:16:32.519 --> 00:16:33.419 Let me say that again. 00:16:33.759 --> 00:16:35.919 If worry is lack of faith, 00:16:36.879 --> 00:16:39.799 seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness 00:16:39.799 --> 00:16:42.340 is how we battle unbelief. 00:16:43.899 --> 00:16:45.500 How do we seek his kingdom? 00:16:46.240 --> 00:16:47.139 What is his kingdom? 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:50.259 Well, there's a note in my Bible at home 00:16:50.259 --> 00:16:53.439 which says that through Jesus' preaching in the Gospels, 00:16:53.919 --> 00:16:55.139 he describes his kingdom 00:16:55.139 --> 00:16:57.959 as the establishment of God's rule 00:16:57.959 --> 00:17:01.179 in the hearts and lives of his people. 00:17:02.199 --> 00:17:05.039 The overcoming of all the forces of evil, 00:17:05.980 --> 00:17:09.339 the removal from the world of all consequences of sin, 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:10.559 including death, 00:17:10.960 --> 00:17:12.480 and all that diminishes life. 00:17:12.480 --> 00:17:16.880 And the creation of a new order of righteousness and peace. 00:17:18.220 --> 00:17:18.819 In other words, 00:17:19.160 --> 00:17:20.200 living under God's rule. 00:17:21.400 --> 00:17:22.720 Our first priority 00:17:22.720 --> 00:17:24.599 should be to live in a way 00:17:24.599 --> 00:17:27.220 that glorifies and honors him 00:17:27.220 --> 00:17:29.860 and brings all creation back to him. 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:34.920 Much of Matthew is concerned with the kingdom of heaven 00:17:34.920 --> 00:17:36.140 or the kingdom of God, 00:17:36.140 --> 00:17:39.140 and especially chapters 5 through to 7, 00:17:39.780 --> 00:17:41.840 which are in turn concerned with the kingdom 00:17:41.840 --> 00:17:43.940 which is entering into life. 00:17:44.880 --> 00:17:46.160 Life in all its fullness. 00:17:46.160 --> 00:17:51.840 If we were to scan our eyes over those chapters, 00:17:52.340 --> 00:17:53.700 a few things might jump out. 00:17:54.060 --> 00:17:55.140 At least they did for me. 00:17:55.640 --> 00:17:56.960 And they help in understanding 00:17:56.960 --> 00:17:59.300 what it is to seek his kingdom. 00:18:00.580 --> 00:18:03.440 This is a very general and quick summation, I know. 00:18:03.440 --> 00:18:08.039 But in chapter 5, 3 through to 12, 00:18:08.259 --> 00:18:09.500 we need to show humility. 00:18:10.360 --> 00:18:12.779 We need to bring the flavor of Jesus 00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:14.580 into everyday situations. 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:17.660 In 5, 13 through 16, 00:18:18.259 --> 00:18:20.120 we need to take sin seriously. 00:18:21.840 --> 00:18:23.180 We need to love our enemies. 00:18:23.180 --> 00:18:28.120 The next one is one we already briefly looked at. 00:18:28.860 --> 00:18:30.440 We need to give to the needy. 00:18:31.019 --> 00:18:32.380 Chapter 6, 1 to 4. 00:18:32.900 --> 00:18:35.140 The kingdom of God is about giving, 00:18:35.580 --> 00:18:36.240 not getting. 00:18:37.320 --> 00:18:38.500 And if we love our neighbor, 00:18:38.940 --> 00:18:40.200 as the previous verses, 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:42.420 in the end of chapter 5, 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:43.740 encourage us to do, 00:18:44.120 --> 00:18:45.920 we are close to playing our part 00:18:45.920 --> 00:18:47.620 in establishing his kingdom 00:18:47.620 --> 00:18:49.900 and grasping his righteousness. 00:18:49.900 --> 00:18:53.220 But we also need to pray. 00:18:54.400 --> 00:18:55.259 Talk to God, 00:18:55.880 --> 00:18:58.240 asking that his kingdom would be established 00:18:58.240 --> 00:19:01.540 in the hearts and minds of all people. 00:19:03.420 --> 00:19:05.000 Worry replaced by prayer 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:07.000 will establish trust. 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:14.640 Just as the pagans do in verse 32 of Matthew 6, 00:19:15.540 --> 00:19:17.800 we worry about day-to-day things 00:19:17.799 --> 00:19:19.639 like food, 00:19:20.339 --> 00:19:20.700 drink, 00:19:21.180 --> 00:19:21.659 clothes. 00:19:23.200 --> 00:19:24.980 As believers in Jesus Christ, 00:19:25.460 --> 00:19:27.480 we need to be different from the pagans, 00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:29.759 those who don't trust in Jesus 00:19:29.759 --> 00:19:30.819 as their Lord 00:19:30.819 --> 00:19:32.259 and their Savior. 00:19:33.259 --> 00:19:35.799 We need to respond to life's bumps 00:19:35.799 --> 00:19:37.259 differently 00:19:37.259 --> 00:19:39.019 and not worry as they do. 00:19:39.980 --> 00:19:41.379 At the end of chapter 5, 00:19:41.519 --> 00:19:41.799 Jesus insists 00:19:42.359 --> 00:19:44.299 that we love our enemies 00:19:44.299 --> 00:19:46.279 because even pagans 00:19:46.279 --> 00:19:47.279 can love their friends. 00:19:47.799 --> 00:19:50.000 Our lifestyle should be distinctive. 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:53.159 If we claim to believe in 00:19:53.159 --> 00:19:54.799 and have put our trust 00:19:54.799 --> 00:19:56.159 in Christ, 00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:57.419 then our actions 00:19:57.419 --> 00:19:58.460 must back us up. 00:19:59.879 --> 00:20:01.359 God knows our needs, 00:20:01.819 --> 00:20:03.720 but our conduct often says 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.919 that we don't trust him. 00:20:06.319 --> 00:20:07.899 When we are short of money, 00:20:08.599 --> 00:20:09.559 even for the basics, 00:20:10.119 --> 00:20:10.960 do we complain 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:12.019 with the same tone, 00:20:12.659 --> 00:20:13.079 words, 00:20:13.619 --> 00:20:14.119 attitudes 00:20:14.119 --> 00:20:15.799 as those around us? 00:20:15.799 --> 00:20:18.440 when they get the promotion 00:20:18.440 --> 00:20:19.440 that we deserve, 00:20:19.440 --> 00:20:20.539 do we grumble 00:20:20.539 --> 00:20:21.740 like they? 00:20:21.740 --> 00:20:25.460 When we get cut off in traffic, 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:26.740 do we rage 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:27.680 like everyone else? 00:20:29.500 --> 00:20:31.599 When we don't get the results 00:20:31.599 --> 00:20:32.160 and exams 00:20:32.160 --> 00:20:33.120 that we had hoped for, 00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:34.660 do we become indignant 00:20:34.660 --> 00:20:36.220 and assume the marker 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:37.000 made a mistake? 00:20:38.599 --> 00:20:39.700 We should be living 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:40.519 and reacting 00:20:40.519 --> 00:20:41.539 distinctively 00:20:41.539 --> 00:20:43.279 with characteristics 00:20:43.279 --> 00:20:45.039 that are so unpagan-like 00:20:45.039 --> 00:20:46.299 that if we were to be 00:20:46.299 --> 00:20:47.240 turned upside down 00:20:47.240 --> 00:20:49.359 and our foot was to be red, 00:20:49.420 --> 00:20:49.960 it would read 00:20:49.960 --> 00:20:51.680 made in the kingdom of God. 00:20:54.680 --> 00:20:56.000 Worry contradicts 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:57.059 the sense of dependence 00:20:57.059 --> 00:20:59.039 God desires us to have 00:20:59.039 --> 00:21:00.759 and this is beautifully 00:21:00.759 --> 00:21:01.399 illustrated 00:21:01.399 --> 00:21:02.759 if we were to cross 00:21:02.759 --> 00:21:03.339 the street 00:21:03.339 --> 00:21:04.339 in New York, 00:21:05.339 --> 00:21:06.480 away from the statue 00:21:06.480 --> 00:21:07.039 of Atlas 00:21:07.039 --> 00:21:08.500 and we were to go 00:21:08.500 --> 00:21:09.819 into St. Patrick's Cathedral. 00:21:10.920 --> 00:21:11.779 Behind the altar, 00:21:11.779 --> 00:21:13.119 there's a small 00:21:13.119 --> 00:21:13.799 little shrine 00:21:13.799 --> 00:21:15.920 and the shrine 00:21:15.920 --> 00:21:17.819 is a statue 00:21:17.819 --> 00:21:19.200 of a little 00:21:19.200 --> 00:21:20.299 eight or nine year old 00:21:20.299 --> 00:21:21.660 baby or boy 00:21:21.660 --> 00:21:22.379 Jesus. 00:21:24.519 --> 00:21:26.000 With no effort at all, 00:21:26.539 --> 00:21:27.480 in one hand, 00:21:28.359 --> 00:21:29.379 he is holding the world. 00:21:32.440 --> 00:21:33.379 This leaves us 00:21:33.379 --> 00:21:33.859 in closing 00:21:33.859 --> 00:21:34.579 with a choice. 00:21:35.639 --> 00:21:36.940 We can carry the world 00:21:36.940 --> 00:21:37.720 on our shoulders 00:21:37.720 --> 00:21:39.480 or we can jump 00:21:39.480 --> 00:21:40.460 into his hands 00:21:40.460 --> 00:21:41.720 and let him 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:42.420 carry us 00:21:42.420 --> 00:21:44.120 and give him 00:21:44.120 --> 00:21:44.700 our world. 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:47.559 Jesus doesn't 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:48.420 just hold 00:21:48.420 --> 00:21:48.940 the world, 00:21:49.360 --> 00:21:50.079 he entered 00:21:50.079 --> 00:21:50.600 the world. 00:21:52.079 --> 00:21:52.759 Romans 8, 00:21:53.039 --> 00:21:54.299 31 to 32 00:21:54.299 --> 00:21:55.240 says, 00:21:56.120 --> 00:21:57.380 if God is for us, 00:21:58.500 --> 00:21:59.720 who can be 00:21:59.720 --> 00:22:00.440 against us? 00:22:02.640 --> 00:22:03.920 He who did not 00:22:03.920 --> 00:22:05.079 spare his own son 00:22:05.079 --> 00:22:06.620 but gave him up 00:22:06.620 --> 00:22:07.340 for us all, 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:09.220 how will he not 00:22:09.220 --> 00:22:09.740 also, 00:22:10.299 --> 00:22:11.160 along with him, 00:22:11.900 --> 00:22:13.100 graciously give us 00:22:13.100 --> 00:22:14.259 all things? 00:22:17.920 --> 00:22:19.200 Have you given him 00:22:19.200 --> 00:22:19.799 your world? 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:23.339 Are you still 00:22:23.339 --> 00:22:23.960 holding on 00:22:23.960 --> 00:22:24.920 to your worries? 00:22:25.779 --> 00:22:26.759 Let them go. 00:22:28.019 --> 00:22:28.799 Seek first 00:22:28.799 --> 00:22:29.700 his kingdom 00:22:29.700 --> 00:22:32.339 and his righteousness. 00:22:34.339 --> 00:22:35.160 Let's make it 00:22:35.160 --> 00:22:36.259 our priority today. 00:22:36.259 --> 00:22:39.079 Let's pray. 00:22:46.359 --> 00:22:46.879 Loving 00:22:46.879 --> 00:22:47.680 Heavenly Father, 00:22:48.680 --> 00:22:49.599 thank you 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:50.019 that you 00:22:50.019 --> 00:22:50.859 entered the world 00:22:50.859 --> 00:22:51.680 for us, 00:22:52.099 --> 00:22:53.039 to release us 00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:53.819 from slavery 00:22:53.819 --> 00:22:54.339 to sin. 00:22:56.339 --> 00:22:57.279 Forgive us 00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:57.819 when we 00:22:57.819 --> 00:22:58.720 continue to sin, 00:22:59.279 --> 00:22:59.920 to rebel, 00:23:00.519 --> 00:23:01.420 to do things 00:23:01.420 --> 00:23:01.960 our way 00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:03.000 and worry 00:23:03.000 --> 00:23:03.740 about life. 00:23:04.700 --> 00:23:05.140 Help our 00:23:05.140 --> 00:23:05.799 unbelief. 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:08.000 draw us 00:23:08.000 --> 00:23:08.819 to your word 00:23:08.819 --> 00:23:10.019 where we 00:23:10.019 --> 00:23:10.940 can be encouraged 00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:11.700 that you 00:23:11.700 --> 00:23:12.339 are with us 00:23:12.339 --> 00:23:13.819 in every situation. 00:23:14.940 --> 00:23:15.720 Draw us 00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:16.579 to our knees 00:23:16.579 --> 00:23:17.900 so that we 00:23:17.900 --> 00:23:18.660 can offload 00:23:18.660 --> 00:23:19.359 our cares 00:23:19.359 --> 00:23:20.400 into the hands 00:23:20.400 --> 00:23:21.759 of him 00:23:21.759 --> 00:23:22.379 that cares. 00:23:23.559 --> 00:23:24.640 Lift our eyes 00:23:24.640 --> 00:23:25.359 up to your 00:23:25.359 --> 00:23:25.960 son Jesus 00:23:25.960 --> 00:23:27.379 who gives us 00:23:27.379 --> 00:23:28.299 all that we need 00:23:28.299 --> 00:23:29.440 and abundantly 00:23:29.440 --> 00:23:29.799 more 00:23:29.799 --> 00:23:31.299 and lift our 00:23:31.299 --> 00:23:32.259 hands up to you 00:23:32.259 --> 00:23:33.119 in thanks 00:23:33.119 --> 00:23:34.359 for the fullness 00:23:34.359 --> 00:23:35.019 of life 00:23:35.019 --> 00:23:35.740 that you 00:23:35.740 --> 00:23:36.599 have for us. 00:23:37.939 --> 00:23:39.000 In Jesus' name. 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:40.119 Amen. 00:23:40.119 --> 00:23:40.240 Amen.