Sermon Notes & Slides – 7.24.2016

The Opposite of Faith
Matthew 6:25-34
Pastor Brent Whitefield

Introduction: Today we consider the least heeded of Christ’s admonitions: Not to be anxious about your life. Our anxiety level as Christians tells us more than we like about our faith, yet our willingness to embrace the priority of the kingdom can have a transformative effect on our lives of faith. Indeed, our reliance on God’s love and provision should clearly distinguish us from the unbeliever.

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Questions for Discussion & Discovery

1. Some people seem perpetually anxious while others always seem composed and trusting. Isn’t anxiety mostly a personality issue?

2. Why does Jesus mention the Gentiles in verse 32?

3. What is the antidote to anxiety that Paul offers in Philippians 4:6?

4. What does it mean to seek the kingdom of God?

5. How does the definition of faith offered in Hebrews 11:1 help us juxtapose faith and anxiety?

6. How do we reconcile Christ’s instruction not to worry about tomorrow with biblical teaching on work, investment, planning, or provision for family?

Sermon Slides

1. Read Matthew 6:25-34.

2. 01. Christ does not ask us to renounce all worldly things, but instructs us to make the things of heaven our priority.

3. 02. Anxiety is a demonstration that we do not have faith in God’s sovereignty, power, or goodness. It is the opposite of faith.

4. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

5. 03. The antidote to anxiety is humble and prayerful reliance on God, seeking and trusting in His righteousness and provision.

6. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6

7. Trusting that God cares about your anxiety is expressed in prayer. Prayer is the trust turned toward God and spoken. – John Piper

8. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:6-7