Matthew 6:25-34

1.         Trust in Your Heavenly Father

            Jesus begins by pointing out that God gave us life, and surely we can trust him for the lesser things necessary to support life.  We do not look to the things of this world for help, but to the Creator of the world for his help.  God can adequately provide for our needs from his abundant resources.

2.            Consider Your Value to God

            First, Jesus said to look to the birds.  God sees that even the birds are fed, and we are more valuable to him than a bird.  Next, Jesus goes on to talk about the lilies of the field to teach the same basic lesson.  If God gives such beauty to a short-lived flower, how much more will he care for us!

3.         Realize That God Knows Your Needs

            A primary concern with material needs is characteristic of “the pagans” (NIV) or “the Gentiles” (KJV).  Such individuals have no knowledge of God.  As Christians, it is totally unnecessary for us to worry about basic human needs, because “[our] heavenly Father knows that [we] need them” (6:32).

4.         Put First Things First

            God’s kingdom refers to his sovereign rule in heaven and on earth.  Seeking God’s righteousness implies obedience to God’s will.  The pursuit of God’s kingdom and righteousness is to be our first priority.  Instead of the anxious pursuit of material things, we are to live in total devotion to God.

5.         Live One Day at a Time

            As an expression of trust in our heavenly Father, we are to live in the present, trusting the Father for the grace to cover the needs of the present.  When tomorrow comes, he will provide the grace to cover its needs as well.