We’re still in the middle of a sermon by Jesus regarding His followers. This is such a powerful message. We could spend months right here in these 3 chapters. But, here we go into chapter 6.

 

Stepping In: READ IT

Read Matthew 6:1-34

 

Building Up: STUDY IT

Focus on Matthew 6:33-34

 

Here’s a great example of why we need to read the whole chapter. There’s an amazing promise right here in verse 33, but we won’t understand what God is offering unless we’ve read the prior verses.

 

He says “all these things will be given to you as well,” if we put His kingdom & His righteousness first. What are all these things? Go back and read thru verses 25-32. It’s the stuff we worry about. Money, food, shelter, clothes, etc. He even says in verses 19-24 if we put money first, we’re really going to miss out. We’re told to invest in what really matters, in what’s eternal. 

 

So, when I put God first in my finances and my time, when I put Him first with my abilities and energy and creativity. When I use what He’s given me to make a difference in the lives of others (for His Kingdom) I’m going to get so much out of it. The little stuff I worry about may seem big at the time, but compared to what God has planned for us for eternity…it ain’t nuthin’.

 

Living Out: APPLY IT

 

Application questions (Is there a… 1. Sin to CONFESS 2. Promise to CLAIM 3. Attitude to CHANGE 4. Command to OBEY 5. Example to FOLLOW (or not) 6. Prayer to PRAY 7. Error to AVOID 8. Truth to BELIEVE 9. Something to PRAISE GOD FOR). 

 

This is a clear promise to claim. It’s a promise for you and me. (Some promises in the Bible were for a specific person or group of people in a particular time period.)

 

Dear Father, I promise to do everything I can to put you FIRST in every area of my life. I will continue to tithe as I put you first in my finances and invest in eternity. I will continue to put you first in my marriage and family by striving to be a man, husband and father that my family can follow as they move closer and closer to you. I will put you first in my future planning and dreaming. I’m not going to do anything for my glory…but I’m going to give my very best for your glory, your purposes, your mission and your plan for my life. I trust you and will NOT worry about the stuff in this life that I can’t control anyway. I trust you completely!