Luke 12:22-34
[22] Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do
not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your
body, what you will wear. [23] Life is more than food, and the
body more than clothes. [24] Consider the ravens: They do not
sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds
them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! [25]
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? [26]
Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry
about the rest? [27] "Consider how the lilies grow. They do
not labour or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his
splendour was dressed like one of these.
Luke 12:22-34
[28] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here
today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he
clothe you, O you of little faith! [29] And do not set your heart on
what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. [30] For the pagan
world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need
them. [31] But 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. [33] Sell your possessions and give
to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a
treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes
near and no moth destroys. [34] For where your treasure is, there your
heart will be also.
Let’s pray…
What if we don’t have much money or possessions?
Jesus has something to say to those who had few
possessions. The key phrase he uses is "don't worry”.
If we're captured by greed or worry, we miss out on real life
"Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you, do
not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about
your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food,
and the body more than clothes.' "
Luke 12:22-23 (NIV)
“Don't worry," Greek merimnao.
1. 'have anxiety, be anxious, be (unduly) concerned,'
2. 'care for, be concerned about something.'
I. Jesus asks us to consider the things around us
"Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have
no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much
more valuable you are than birds!"
Luke 12:24 (NIV)
“Do not worry”
"Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labour or spin.
Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendour was
dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the
grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is
thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O
you of little faith!"
Luke 12:27-28 (NIV)
II. Why worrying is wrong.
"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you
worry about the rest?"
Luke 12:25-26 (NIV)
a) It could cause so much damage
Worry affects our personal relationship with God for
it is distrusting God.
1Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”.
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
If you can't accomplish anything by worrying, why do it?
b) Worry is wrong because we get distracted
III. What to do when worry comes to our lives?
Jesus invites his hearers to be concerned only about
the Kingdom of God.
Luke 12:31 (NIV)
“But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to
you as well”.
Seek the Kingdom of God
Philippians 4:6-7
6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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.
Worry doubts the providence of God.
"But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well." (12:31)
Ephesians 1:11 (NIV)
“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined
according to the plan of him who works out everything in
conformity with the purpose of his will,
"But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."
Luke 12:31 (NIV)
“Do not worry”
Jesus concludes, saying;
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”
Luke 12:34 (NIV).
What is your real treasure?
What absorbs your attention and your time?
William Barclay said that in this passage, Jesus is saying
“Bend all your life to obeying God’s will and rest content
with that.”
Are you investing in a treasure in heaven where no
thief comes near and no moth destroys?
When you have accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in
peace; God is awake.
“Do not worry”