Scripture References: Matthew 6:25-34 (main text); Mark 4:35-41; 1 Peter 5:7; Romans 1:20; 2 Corinthians 4:18

Intro: Welcome. This sermon addresses a topic crippling many: worry and anxiety. While common, Jesus directly commands us, "Do not worry" (Matt 6:25). He takes it seriously, not because He lacks compassion, but because worry misrepresents God's character and chokes our faith. Let's explore Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6 to find freedom.

Key Points:

1. Worry is Pointless & Pagan (vv. 27, 32): Jesus argues worry is futile – it adds nothing to our lives. Furthermore, frantic pursuit of material needs characterizes those without a Heavenly Father ("pagans"). Believers are called to live differently.
2. Worry is Sin (A Command): "Do not worry" is a command, as serious as "Do not murder." Jesus rebukes worry strongly because it stems from unbelief and implicitly questions God's goodness, power, or care (like the disciples in the storm - Mark 4:38).
3. Worry Corrodes Confidence & Recall: Anxiety erodes trust in God's goodness and makes us forget His past faithfulness ("miracle memory").
4. Antidote 1: Set Kingdom Priorities (vv. 24, 33): Jesus links worry to serving the wrong master (v. 24 - God vs. Money). The primary solution is: "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness." When God's reign and right-standing are our top priority, anxiety about lesser things (food, clothing) diminishes because we trust His provision ("all these things will be given to you").
5. Antidote 2: Gain Godly Perspective (vv. 26-30): Jesus directs our attention outward:
   • Look at Creation (Birds/Lilies): Reveals God's Power (He runs the universe; what's over our head is under His feet) and His Care (He provides intricately for lesser creation; how much more for His children!). It reminds us we have a capable, involved Designer.
   • Look at the Cross: The ultimate perspective-giver. It shows God bringing deliverance through disappointment, victory through apparent defeat, presence amidst silence, sovereignty over chaos, and ultimate justice and righteousness even when things seem unfair.
6. Cast Your Cares (1 Pet 5:7): Understanding God's character (powerful, caring) through creation and the cross enables us to cast our anxieties onto Him – definitively releasing them like throwing a net, not tentatively casting and reeling them back in.

Conclusion: Jesus commands us not to worry, offering two powerful antidotes: prioritizing His Kingdom above all else, and gaining perspective by observing His power and care in creation and His ultimate love and victory at the cross. This allows us to cast our cares upon Him and live freely.

Call to Action: Confess worry as the sin of unbelief it is. Ask God: What priorities compete with Your kingdom in my heart? Choose today to seek His kingdom first. When anxious, intentionally shift your perspective – look at nature, reflect on the cross. Actively cast your specific worries onto Him in prayer, trusting He cares for you.

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