May 13. Lessons from Lilies
J.R. Miller teaches that just as God beautifully clothes the lilies of the field without their labor, believers can trust in God's provision and learn contentment amid life's challenges.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller explores the profound lessons believers can learn from the lilies of the field as taught by Jesus in Matthew 6. He emphasizes God's faithful provision and encourages Christians to cultivate contentment and trust in God's care amid life's uncertainties. Through vivid illustrations and biblical insight, Miller challenges listeners to embrace faith over worry and to appreciate the beauty of God's sustaining grace.
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"And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor 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 — will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?" Matthew 6:28-30
Without any toiling or spinning on their own part, God clothes the flowers in loveliness far surpassing any adornment which the most skillful human arts can provide. Flowers bloom but a day — and then fade. We are better than flowers. If our Father lavishes so much beauty on perishing plants — is there any danger that He will not provide clothing for His own redeemed children?
Of course it is not implied that like the lilies — we need neither labor nor spin. It is all right for lilies just to stand still and grow. That is their mission; that is the way God made them to grow. But He gave us hands, feet, brains, tongue, abilities, and will; and if we would be cared for as are the flowers — we must put forth our energies to produce the results of comfort. Yet Jesus tells us to consider how the lilies of the field grow. We ought to study the beautiful things in nature — and learn lessons from them.
Here, it is a lesson of contentment which we are to learn. Who ever heard a lily complaining about its circumstances? It accepts the conditions in which it finds itself, and makes the best of them. It drinks in heaven\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Consider the lilies of the field and their effortless beauty
- God clothes the lilies more splendidly than Solomon's finest garments
- The lilies do not labor or spin, yet are adorned by God
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II
- The lilies bloom briefly and then fade, yet are beautifully clothed
- Believers are of greater value than flowers and can trust God’s provision
- God’s care for the lilies assures His care for His children
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III
- Unlike lilies, humans have abilities and must labor to produce comfort
- Trusting God does not mean neglecting responsibilities
- We should learn from nature’s contentment and apply it to our lives
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IV
- Contentment is a key lesson from the lilies
- Lillies accept their circumstances without complaint
- Believers should emulate this trust and peace in God’s provision
Key Quotes
“If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire — will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” — J.R. Miller
“Who ever heard a lily complaining about its circumstances? It accepts the conditions in which it finds itself, and makes the best of them.” — J.R. Miller
“We ought to study the beautiful things in nature — and learn lessons from them.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Trust God to provide for your needs just as He clothes the lilies of the field.
- Practice contentment by accepting your circumstances and making the best of them.
- Balance faithful labor with reliance on God's care and provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main lesson from the lilies in this sermon?
The main lesson is to trust God’s provision and learn contentment by observing how lilies are beautifully cared for without labor.
Does the sermon suggest believers should not work?
No, it emphasizes that while lilies do not labor, humans have abilities and responsibilities and must work, but also trust God’s care.
How does the sermon relate to faith?
It encourages believers to have faith in God’s provision, highlighting that God clothes the lilies and will much more care for His children.
Why are lilies used as an example?
Lilies are used because they demonstrate God’s care and beauty without effort, serving as a metaphor for God’s provision and a lesson in contentment.
What scripture is the sermon based on?
The sermon is based on Matthew 6:28-30, where Jesus teaches about not worrying and trusting God’s provision.