“The Solution for Worry” Matthew 6:25-34 Sunday, March 12, 2017

Introduction: Have you ever watch a mouse running inside a wheel? The faster the mouse runs, the faster the wheel turns. The mouse does not make the slightest progress. The mouse does not have the sense to get off the wheel.

That is what worry does to you. You run faster and faster, trying harder and harder and your anxiety level keeps climbing. Do you ever feel this way? I do. I can relate to this.

There is a solution for worry. We see it in the Sermon on the Mount. Look with me in Matthew chapter six and see how Jesus tells us to eliminate worry.

Text: Matthew 6:25-34

• The word “Therefore” refers back to what Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-24. • Jesus explained that devotion to God and devotion to material things is not compatible. • The Pharisees taught the two were compatible (Luke 16:14). • In these verses, the word “worry” occurs six times. • It is translated into English as “take no thought”—KJV; “anxious”—NASV; “worry”—NIV and NKJV • The Greek word is “mer—im—hah.” • It denotes being anxious or worrying about something.

Reasons we should not worry:

1. We should not worry because worry is a sin.

• In our text, Jesus commanded us not to worry—”do not worry” (6:25). • The Bible tells us in Philippians chapter four not to be anxious about anything (4:6)

2. We should not worry because worry accomplishes nothing (6:27).

3. We should not worry because worry quenches and grieves the Spirit.

• The Bible says, “Quench not the Spirit” (1 Thess. 5:19). The word denotes putting out a fire.

• The Bible says, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Ephesians 4:30). The word denotes the idea of making the Holy Spirit sad.

The solution for worry:

1. Never start worrying.

• The Greek word for worry in our text is “mer—im—nah” which in the Greek language is an Aroist Subjunctive used as an imperative. It forbids an action that is not in progress; commands that it not be started.

• The model prayer in Matthew 6:19-30 is an example of this. When Jesus gave the model prayer, the people were not being tempted. We see this in Matthew 6:13 with the word “lead.”

Application: The solution for worry is to not start worrying. You say, “Pastor, I am already worrying about some things. It is too late for me.” It is not too late for you. I will show you why in a moment. Nut first let me mention the second solution to worry.

2. Trust God completely.

• Matthew 6:33 is a preventive maintenance verse for worry.

• Jesus Himself makes this promise.

Application: Whether we realize it or not, when we worry about something we are completely trusting God.

Steps to take:

1. Ask God about whatever you are tempted to worry about (Psalm 32:8).

2. Train your mind to dwell on the things of God (Col. 3:2).

3. Understand that anxiety and prayer are opposing forces (Phil. 4:6-7).

4. Understand that thanksgiving is the antidote to worry (Phil. 4:6-7).

Conclusion: There is something you need to be concerned about. Not worried about, but concerned about. You should be concerned about the future because you will spend the rest of your life there.