Introduction: Scripture Reading- Matt. 6:24-34
1. In our day, as it was in the ancient world, a great deal of anxiety is felt about the physical things of life.
2. Untold millions of dollars are spent learning how to prosper (College education, self-help books, investment journals).
3. Then there is the pile of money spent on treating the anxiety caused by wealth.
4. Jesus teaches how to get rid of anxiety by serving God.
1) He says you cannot serve God AND money, v. 24.
2) He teaches the great value of the individual to God, vv. 25-26.
3) He then teaches the futility of anxiety, v. 27.
4) Then, the providential care of God, vv. 28-30.
5) He commands, Do not be anxious, Seek first the kingdom, vv. 31-33.
6) Finally, the benefit, “all these things shall be added unto you.”
5. We want to know, though, HOW God will add all these things to us.
1) We’ve been properly taught that miracles have ceased, that they were for confirming the word (Mark 16:20) and that the word has been confirmed (Heb. 2:3-4).
2) So, we have our purpose in this lesson: To teach HOW “all these things” shall be added.
DISCUSSION:
I. GOD ADDS TO US BY GENERAL PROVIDENCE
1. God generally provides to all, Matt. 5:45. “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
2. God is good to all, Psa. 145:9. “The Lord is good to all and his tender mercies are over all his works.”
3. Gives rain and fruitful seasons, Acts 14:17.
4. God’s general providence is testimony to the fact that God is and He loves mankind.
II. GOD ADDS TO US BY OUR WORKING
1. In the Roman empire of the 1st century it was scandalous for a free citizen to work. This required the public dole in Rome.
2. God’s plan is for man to work for his bread, 2 Thess. 3:10-12. “10. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.”
3. Work to provide for family, 1 Tim. 5:8. If a man will not work, then he “…is worse than an infidel.” [apistos- unbeliever]
4. Work to give, Eph. 4:28. “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.”
III. GOD ADDS TO US BY OUR GIVING
1. Give and it shall be given unto you, Luke 6:38. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
2. Jesus was recipient, Luke 8:2-3 Women he had performed miracles on “ministered unto him of their substance.”; Matt. 27:55. “And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:”
3. This may partially explain, Mark 10:29-30. “28. Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. 29. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, 30. But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”
4. Why the great care for the Jerusalem church? Acts 11:28-30; Acts 2:44-45. It was the brethren from Judea who had possessions and goods.
IV. GOD ADDS TO US BY OUR ASKING
1. Asking God.
1) Give us this day our daily bread, Matt. 6:11; Luke 11:3.
2) Have not because ye ask not, James 4:2.
3) Persistence in asking, Matt. 7:7-11; Luke 18:1-5.
a. Ask for good and righteous things.
2. Asking Men.
1) “Give to him that asketh thee,” Matt. 5:42.
2) Ask of brethren who are taught to give, Matt. 25:35-40.
3) Rich, to be willing to distribute, 1 Tim. 6:17-19.
4) Do good unto all men, esp. of the household of faith, Gal. 6:10.
Conclusion:
1. Psalm 37:25 “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”
2. When God says that we are not to worry about our living here on earth, but that we should seek first the kingdom, we may believe that He has real plans as to how we are to be fed and clothed.
3. Those means are more powerful than any amount of overtime you may work, or education you may gain, any amount of thrift you may employ.
4. We should all see the wisdom:
1) In trusting God.
2) In working for our living but not at the expense of putting the kingdom first.
3) In being rich toward God and man in our giving.
4) In asking God for our living, recognizing his providence and sovereignty.
5) In asking the brethren when needed. I know this is extremely hard for some, but it may be part of God’s adding “all these things” to you.
5. Invitation