BTS Chapel

27 Jan 1989

 

                                          THEDESTRUCTIVENESS OF WORRY

Robert C. Newman

 

Introduction

 

Matt 13: Parable of the Sower

            3rdtype of soil (vv 7,22) plant choked by thorns, never bears fruit

                        Jesustells us that this represents person in whom God's Word never bears fruit (like1st and 2nd soil), but the reason here is competition from two things:

                                    worriesof this life

                                    deceitfulnessof wealth

                        Wantto look at the first of these two today

 

Worry as a Destructive Temptation

 

Not here concerned with whether 3rd person really savedor not (Arminians might say once saved, later lost; Calvinists of varioussorts: saved but carnal, or never really saved); I suspect not really saved.

 

Rather this is a problem that can affect us as Xns if weare not careful; though it might not destroy us, since we are kept by God, itis a constant danger that can rob us of our effectiveness.

                       

Worries of this life are such that they can consume somuch of our time and energy that if we succumb to them we will accomplish farless than would otherwise be the case.

 

Dealing with Worry: Matt 6:25-34

 

Opening Summary (25): Don't worry

            Aboutlife which depends on food & drink

            Aboutbody which depends on clothing

            Life& body more important than food & clothing

                          recalls Jesus' answer to Satan attemptation

 

Example re/ Food (26): Birds

            Theydon't raise own food, but are fed by God

            Notencouraging laziness or improvidence

                        Butshowing that success ultimately depends on God                           

            Don'tbirds sometimes starve? 

                        Yes,don't humans in spite of all their concern for security?

            Aren'tyou more important than birds are?

                         Argument from lesser to greater

 


Refrain (27): Worry is useless

            Worrycan't even add second to your lifespan

                        (helikia - stature orlifespan)

                        Probablythe figure here is that of life as a journey, and a cubit is one step on thatjourney, so about one second.    

 

Example re/ Clothes (28-30): Lilies

            Theydon't buy or make own clothes, but are clothed by God

                 Aren't you moreimportant than flowers are?

                          Are we afraid he won't clothe us theway we'd like?

 

Closing Summary (31-34)

            Don'tbe like pagans, worrying about food & clothing

            Godyour Father knows you need them

            Insteadseek first God's kingdom & righteousness and he will provide food and clothing.

            Don'tworry about tomorrow, concentrate on today

                        Worryingtakes away time & energy needed to deal with today's problems.