Winning the War Over Worry: 2016 Gospel of Luke #48
Winning the War Over Worry is an exposition of Luke 12:22-34. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, February 19, 2017.
Intro:
Are you the type that stays strong in the midst of a crisis? One of those who is a rock for others to lean on? Are you the one with the cool head when everyone around you is losing theirs? Me? I’m a rock all right. A regular rock of jello! I’m one of those who figures, “If you think the worst, most things will turn out better than you ever dreamed.” Now on the outside I can appear calm, cool and collected. But on the inside, everything has turned to water! I have the uncanny ability to move myself from quiet tranquility to sheer panic in a matter of seconds. Can you identify with that?
Do you ever worry? “Worriers feel every blow that never falls. And they cry over things they will never lose.” Worry, anxiety and stress are leading causes of stomach disorders, heart problems, headaches and a number of other health concerns. We all have a tendency to worry. I know folks who worry when they are not worried because “it’s just not like them not to worry!” These are the folks who by Pepto-Bismol in that new handy 12 pack and Rolaids in the gallon jug. But is that anyway for the child of God to live?
Jesus was in the middle of a sermon one day when a young man interrupted Him. “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” That resulted in a message on the danger of greed. Jesus warned those present to “Watch out, be on their guard” for all kinds of greed. The reason? “A man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Then He turned to those in the crowd who may have been on the other end of the spectrum, those who had little or nothing. That is the focus of our text this morning in Luke 12:22-34.
Text: Luke 12:22-34
Luke’s purpose was to lead his friend to faith in Christ.
Luke wanted his friend to know Jesus was worth trusting.
That Jesus was who He said He was, the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
By this time in the life and ministry of Jesus animosity is reaching a fevered pitch.
Jesus is preparing His disciples for what is ahead of them.
The overall meaning is fairly clear:
Thesis: God intends for His people to live above fear and discouragement.
The apostle Paul told Timothy, who apparently battled worry on a regular basis, “God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love and a sound mind.” That is good. I appreciate that. I’m grateful for that. But how do I experience it? Great, the “good news” of the Gospel includes the fact that the war over worry is winnable – but what is the battle plan? What is the secret?
In our text we find 3 secrets to a settled mind.
- If you are going to win the war over worry, you must learn to rest securely in God’s gracious, providential care. (12:22-30)
- If you are going to win the war over worry, you must learn to seek the will of God above all else. (12:31-32)
- If you are going to win the war over worry, you must learn to invest your life and possessions in things that will last for eternity. (12:33-34)
Conclusion:
God intends for you to live above fear and discouragement. How is that accomplished?
- learn to rest securely in God’s gracious, providential care.
- learn to seek the will of God above all else.
- learn to invest your life and possessions in things that will last for eternity.