Luke 12:22-32 From Worry to Worship
Main idea: Jesus informs the disciples not to worry but to trust in God.
v22-23 Jesus is talking to the disciples here. He is teaching them not to be overly concerned with the physical needs in life. When a person trusts in material possessions for security, their trust is not in God; they are trusting in themselves to provide and not on God's provision. Jesus is encouraging the disciples to deepen their faith and trust in God.
Do you find it easy or hard not to worry?
What are you anxious about this morning?
"Anxiety prevents one from being focused entirely on God." Garland, ECNT Luke
v24 The ravens that Jesus mentions in this passage were considered to be unclean birds. It was one of the birds that the Jewish people were not allowed to eat (Leviticus 11:15, Deuteronomy 14:14). Jesus says, 'yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!' If you are a believer in Jesus this morning you are a child of God and one who is special and loved by your Father in heaven - you are valuable to him!
"29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:29-31
Pastor Bill's testimony about Dundee.
v25-26 Does all your worry change anything? No of course not.
"Worry is pointless because it can't fill any of our needs; worry is foolish because the Creator of the universe loves us and knows what we need. He promises to meet all our real needs, but not necessarily all our desires." NIV, Life application Bible
"Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy." Leo F. Buscaglia
Your worry does not change anything. Jesus says, 'Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?' There is no point to worrying, in fact it can have a detrimental effect on your life. Worry can lead you to being stressed which can lead to all sorts of physical ailments. It can cause you to 'churn around inside'. It can lead to lack of sleep and effect your daily routine. In fact worry can actually shorten your life! Ultimately, for us as disciples, it can be detrimental to our faith. Jesus knew this when he was speaking to the disciples. They were worrying about how they were going to be provided for. This was a faith issue for them, 'O you of little faith! (v28).
If you are continually worrying about your security what does this say about your faith?
How does your worry reflect your trust in God?
Culturally, we find it difficult to trust in the Lord. In the USA we have a pioneer spirit. We have a 'get it done' attitude which leads to self-reliance and independence. It is very hard for us to hand our trust over to God because we are so used to accomplishing tasks ourselves. We live in a task orientated society and are often driven to achieve success. We like to be in control of the situation and not out of control.
Do you struggle with self-reliance this morning? Do you trust in yourself more than you trust in God?
How do we combat unnecessary worry?
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7
The first step is to pray to God. This may seem obvious but so often as Christians, we pray about our worries and lay them at the feet of Jesus. Then when we are finished praying we pick them back up again! To pray means to trust God to handle the situation. A good way to start praying is to admit to yourself, "God, I am not in control here, there is nothing I can do about this". This shows a dependency on God to act.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;6in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight". Proverbs 3:5,6
It is so important not to lean on your own understanding. It is vital for us to realize that God is sovereign in the situation and we are not.
As you think about your worries and anxieties do you believe that God is big enough to handle them?
7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Testimony concerning housing
I know that many of you have worries that are a real concern like health issues. It is possible to have 'the peace of God which transcends all understanding' in your situation.
"Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Paul knows 'the peace of God which transcends all understanding' which came as a direct result to prayer.
Do you have, 'the peace of God, which transcends all understanding' in your situation this morning? If not why not?
Another way to conquer worry is worship. Although this may seem completely opposite to how we are feeling, when we are worshipping the Lord we are not consumed with ourselves. Our focus is on Jesus because he is worthy to be praised.
"Worry dies when we ascend to the Lord through prayer and His word". Clovis Chappell
31But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." Luke 12:31,32
We seek his kingdom by worshipping him through prayer, reading his word and praising him. When we praise the Lord for who he is, we are seeking his face. When we seek his face his hand of blessing will naturally follow. As a result worry fades away.
The Psalms are a great place to start as they are prayers to God about his character. I would encourage you when you are worried to read the scripture. Underline a section that speaks into your situation and if you can memorize it.
If a worship song comes to your mind during a time of worry, I would encourage you to stop what you are doing and play it. Worship songs are prayers put to music. Often the Holy Spirit will lay a particular song on your heart. When you sing along to it you will be blessed by the lyrics. When you are singing to God it is very difficult to be worried at the same time!
How are you handling your worry this morning?
Jesus loves you this morning as a child of God. He wants to carry your worry for you.
"28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Will you trust in Jesus to handle your worry this morning?