Before we study this passage, we need to notice the context of this passage.

Observe that Jesus begins with the words, “Therefor I tell you” (v. 25a). What is the link between vv. 25-34 and what has preceded? (1) It may be that vv. 19-24 address the danger of laying up treasure on earth, of hoarding wealth, while vv. 25-34 address not so much the pursuit of riches as one’s excessive worry about them. One may not be guilty of hoarding wealth but he may be guilty of worrying about it. (2) Others suggest that whereas vv. 19-24 address rich people with a warning not to lose sight of loyalty to Christ, vv. 25-34 address poor people who are anxious about where their next meal is coming from. (3) Finally, it may be that the connection is less subtle. The thought behind our Lord’s words may come from the person who says: “If I do choose to serve God rather than mammon, perhaps I will suffer incredible loss and be left destitute. Who’s going to take care of me?”

Regardless of which view is correct, we are reminded [here] once more of the terrible subtlety of Satan and of sin. It does not matter very much to Satan what form sin takes as long as he succeeds in his ultimate objective. It is immaterial to him whether you are laying up treasures on earth or worrying about earthly things; all he is concerned about is that your mind should be on them and not on God and his mission. 

Getting Started

1. What insight, principle, or observation from Sunday’s sermon did you find to be the most helpful, eye-opening, or troubling?
2. What is worry?
3. Do you worry? About what do you worry?

Digging Deeper

1. Before we can serve the Kingdom of God, we must be a member. How can someone become a member?
2. What does it mean to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness” (Matt. 6v.33)?
3. What does God do for His children when they keep the right perspective, refuse to worry, and trust Him? (Matt. 6v33)
4. Don’t worry – it sounds like Law, doesn’t it? Can we keep the Law perfectly? Consider Matt. 6v32. “ the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” The unbeliever has reason to worry and seek his needs, but we know that our Father knows our needs. Is the Sermon on the Mount Law or Gospel?
5. How does the truth and the instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ from Matt. 6v33 influence our thoughts with regards to missions?

The Heart of the Matter

1. Do you worry about the future? Are you anxious about the state of your country, family, marriage, or work? How does Matthew 6:33 also apply to these concerns?
2. Some sceptics say, “if you too heavenly minded, you cannot be any earthly good”. Is there a danger of being too heavenly-minded?
3. What worry will you entrust to God today? The struggle in our world today is a battle between two kingdoms – God’s kingdom and our own. What does that look like as we try to return to normal especially, from this pandemic? What can you do to seek his kingdom and what can you expect as a result?
4. What steps can you take today to change your priorities from worldly ones to kingdom ones?