Sermons (Page 46)

Jesus teaches that worry is unproductive, unnecessary, & unworthy; and that freedom from worry comes from seeking the right treasure and trusting the right Person.

We all seek after some kind of treasure in life. Jesus contrasts seeking 2 different treasures, living with 2 different perspectives, and serving 2 different masters. Which treasure do you seek: that which is unstable & insecure, or that which is eternally secure?  

Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray in 3 parts: Orientation of our hearts to know God as father; Devotion to God’s name, reign, and will; and Dependence upon God for all of our physical, spiritual, and moral needs.

Here Jesus describes religious hypocrisy: people whose displays of righteousness are nothing more than putting on a show for others to see – like an actor on stage. He warns against this, and teaches that who you are really & truly before God is who you are when no one is watching.

“Be Perfect”: A crushing standard, a compelling goal, and a certain destination.

It’s easy to love those who love us and are like us. In fact, everyone does that. Jesus calls his followers to a higher standard: that we should love even our enemies – not just those who love us, but even those who hate us, or who we might be inclined to hate and disregard. In doing so, we reflect God’s love, who loves with a generous, undeserved love, and loved us by sending his Son to die for us – not when we were his friends, but when we were his enemies.