May 10. Do Not Worry
J.R. Miller teaches that believers are called to trust God fully and reject anxious worry, understanding that worry reflects serving wealth rather than God.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller explores Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 6:25 on the command not to worry. Miller emphasizes the distinction between thoughtful planning and anxious fear, urging believers to trust God fully rather than serving wealth. Through clear biblical exposition, he encourages Christians to live free from worry by relying on God’s provision in every circumstance.
Text
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?" Matthew 6:25
Of course we are to think about these things. Why were we made with brains — if we are not to think with them? It would be as if God bade us not to walk — after He had given us feet; or not to talk — after giving us tongues. We are to train our minds and to think with them, and think about the future too — laying plans with a long reach into the years before us. It is not forethought that is forbidden — but anxious worry and fear. We shall see as we go on, just what we are to do — instead of being anxious. At present let us get the simple lesson, that we are never to worry. This is not a rule with exceptions. It is not a bit of creed, that will not work in life. It is a lesson that we are to strive to carry out in all our days, however full they may be of things calculated to worry us.
But why are we not to worry? The "therefore" helps us to the answer: "You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore do not worry." So, then, worry seems to be serving mammon. We say we are God\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Do not worry about life’s necessities
- Life is more important than food and body than clothing
- Worry is not forbidden forethought but anxious fear
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II
- God gave us minds to think and plan
- Anxiety is not the same as planning
- We must strive to live without worry daily
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III
- Worry is linked to serving mammon
- You cannot serve both God and wealth
- Trust in God’s provision replaces worry
Key Quotes
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.” — J.R. Miller
“It is not forethought that is forbidden — but anxious worry and fear.” — J.R. Miller
“Worry seems to be serving mammon.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Replace anxious worry with confident trust in God’s care.
- Use your mind to plan wisely without succumbing to fear.
- Recognize that serving God means rejecting worry over material needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the sermon say about worrying?
The sermon teaches that worry is a form of serving wealth rather than God and should be completely avoided.
Is it wrong to plan for the future according to the sermon?
No, planning and forethought are encouraged; the problem is anxious worry, not thoughtful preparation.
How does worry relate to serving God or mammon?
Worry is seen as serving mammon because it shows reliance on material things instead of trusting God.
What biblical passage is central to this sermon?
Matthew 6:25 is central, where Jesus commands not to worry about life’s necessities.
What practical advice does the sermon offer?
The sermon advises believers to consciously reject worry and place their trust fully in God’s provision.