Matthew 6:34
Chuck Smith teaches that we should not worry about the future, but rather trust God and live one day at a time.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of not worrying about the future, as highlighted in Matthew 6:34. He explains that both the rich and the poor face the challenge of focusing too much on worldly concerns rather than on God. Smith encourages living one day at a time, trusting that God will provide according to our needs, and warns against the power of worry that can consume our thoughts. He addresses common questions about saving and preparing for the future, affirming that while preparation is wise, it should not lead to anxiety or dominate our lives. Ultimately, he reassures that God will give us strength for each day as we seek Him first.
Text
I. THIS VERSE CONCLUSION TO THIS SECTION OF SERMON. "THE PROBLEM OF OUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE
THINGS IN THIS WORLD."
A. Everyone faced with this problem, rich and poor.
1. Rich in danger of laying up worldly treasures.
2. Poor in danger of worry about needs.
3. Both cases minds are off of God, and on worldly things.
B. Third time uses phrase, "Take therefore no thought."
1. This time as conclusion.
2. Many thing vs. 33, "Seek ye first..." such a perfect conclusion that this
is anti-climatic.
3. "Seek ye first" seems to be so final that nothing could be added.
4. Christ adds, "Don't be anxious about tomorrow (the future. for tomorrow
will take thought of the things of itself." "Sufficient unto the day is
the evil thereof."
a. This is more than repetition or a summation, this is a continuation
of thought.
b. Worry is a force or power that takes hold of people If nothing to
worry about now, we turn to the future (Worried because nothing to
worry about..
1. People really unwilling to be released from its power. They
don't really want an answer. "You really have a problem
don't you?"
lI. WHAT CHRIST SAYS ABOUT WORRY FOR THE FUTURE.
A. Context - consider birds - consider lilies.
B. Not to spend our days adding grand total of everything that.
might happen to us the rest of our lives.
1. Live one day at a time. "Are there not 12 hours in a day?"
C. He will be with us according to our need.
1. "As thy days are, so shall thy strength be."
2. "Jesus Christ the same..."
3. II Cor. 1:10.
D. We must not go forward and tack tomorrow's quota onto today's
strength.
III. PROBLEM THAT ARISES IN THIS TEXT. 2 QUESTIONS GENERALLY ASKED.
A. It is wrong to save money?
B. Should a Christian take out an insurance policy?
1. Answered earlier in birds. God has ordained ploughing, sowing, reaping.
(In a sense preparation for future.)
a. Don't worry about tomorrow.
b. These things should never dominate.
2. Danger is to take any extreme vices.
C. God deals with different individuals in different ways.
1. George Mueller.
2. Bob Pierce.
Sermon Outline
- The Problem of Our Relationship to the Things in This World points: - Everyone Faced with This Problem - Rich in Danger of Laying Up Worldly Treasures - Poor in Danger of Worry About Needs - Both Cases Minds Are Off of God, and On Worldly Things
- This Time as Conclusion points: - Third Time Uses Phrase, 'Take Therefore No Thought' - Many Things vs. 33, 'Seek Ye First...' Such a Perfect Conclusion - Christ Adds, 'Don't Be Anxious About Tomorrow...'
- What Christ Says About Worry for the Future points: - Context - Consider Birds - Consider Lilies - Not to Spend Our Days Adding Grand Total of Everything - Live One Day at a Time - He Will Be with Us According to Our Need
- Problem That Arises in This Text points: - It Is Wrong to Save Money? - Should a Christian Take Out an Insurance Policy? - Answered Earlier in Birds, God Has Ordained Preparation for Future
Key Quotes
“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” — Chuck Smith
“Are there not 12 hours in a day?” — Chuck Smith
“As thy days are, so shall thy strength be.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- You should not let worry dominate your life, but rather focus on your current needs and trust God for the future.
- Living one day at a time means focusing on your current needs and trusting God for the future.
- You should not take an extreme view of saving money or taking out an insurance policy, but rather find a balance that works for you.