◄ What Does Matthew 6:25 Mean? ►

It is one thing to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, but it is another thing become a disciple, take up one's cross daily, and die to self as we live for Him. The Sermon on the Mount makes it very clear to both Israel and the Church, that true discipleship demands true righteousness which is not produced by works of the Law but by faith in Christ.

The Sermon on the Mount was delivered to rectify Israel's incorrect interpretation of the Law and to challenge the traditions of the elders, and so Jesus began by clarifying the true nature of the Law so that His listeners would understand the true nature of righteousness. They heard that the only way they could live a victorious life was through power from on high, without which we are defeated by the world, the flesh, and the devil.

It was necessary for Jesus to correct their conventional interpretation of the letter of the Law before presenting them with the spirit of the Law, the true significance of God's Word, and the need for all disciples to be perfect just as our Heavenly Father is perfect. 

After having touched on tangible things like charitable giving, prayer, fasting, and one's attitude towards possessions, Jesus addressed issues like worry and anxiety and the need to place one's total trust in God for all eventualities of life: "For this reason," Jesus told them, "I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?"

Do not be anxious! Don't worry! Fear not! Don't be afraid! We have all heard Christ's command not to allow the cares of this world to enter in and choke the Word of truth, crowd out the peace of God in our heart, and cause us to become defeated and unfruitful. But anxiety, worry, fear, and fretting about the smallest thing, seems second nature to each one of us and we all have asked the question, what if..?

The Lord's extended sermon on the true nature of righteousness, which is produced by faith in Christ, systematically covers every area of concern any of us might face, and the principles of living a godly life in Christ Jesus. His victory at the Cross secured for us the power to overcome every anxiety, worry, fear, or fret, however large and however small.

Peter tells us in his epistle, that God's divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, and in Ephesians we read that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places, because of our faith in Christ. How foolish, therefore, to waste time worrying about any aspect of our life. God knows our needs and has promised to supply all we need, according to His riches in glory, but so often we do not trust Him, and instead try to help Him out as worry descends upon our soul.

The victory Christ gained at the Cross is our victory too, but do we listen to His instructions without believing His Word, like the leaders of Israel who listened to His Sermon on the Mount but did not hear what He said? They were told the true significance of God's Word and that the only way to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, is by faith in Christ and not works of the Law.

How important to know God's Word, believe His Word, and apply His Word in our lives, but too easily we allow the cares of the day to adversely impact our lives, causing anxieties, worries, frets, and fear to surface.

Worry is a sin and demonstrates unbelief in God to keep His promises and His power to save. Worry is one of the greatest hindrances to our spiritual growth, Christian witness, and effective ministry, because worry is one step towards unbelief. For this reason Jesus said, "Do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?"

May we take to heart the simple truth of this simple command from Christ and live by faith in His promises and not by flawed human reasoning.

Heavenly Father, I pray that I may become a true disciple of righteousness who walks in spirit and truth. May I live my life as You intended man to live, trusting Your Word and relying on You to provide for all of my needs. In You, I have all that I need for life and godliness. Keep me from anxious thoughts or from allowing the worries of life to overwhelm me. Thank You that Christ's victory on the Cross makes me victorious too, freeing me from both the penalty of sin and the power of sin over my life. Thank You, in Jesus' name, AMEN.