FEAR GOD, NOT PEOPLE, Kevin Albright
DO NOT WORRY
Passage: Luke 12:22~34  
Key verse: 32
Do Not Worry(A)
22 Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.(B) And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life[a]? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor(C) was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith!(D) 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father(E) knows that you need them.(F) 31 But seek his kingdom,(G) and these things will be given to you as well.(H)
32 “Do not be afraid,(I) little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.(J) 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor.(K) Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven(L) that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.(M) 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.(N)
Footnotes
- Luke 12:25 Or single cubit to your height
Cross references
- Luke 12:22 : 12:22-31pp — Mt 6:25-33
- Luke 12:24 : Job 38:41; Ps 147:9
- Luke 12:27 : 1Ki 10:4-7
- Luke 12:28 : S Mt 6:30
- Luke 12:30 : S Lk 6:36
- Luke 12:30 : Mt 6:8
- Luke 12:31 : S Mt 3:2
- Luke 12:31 : Mt 19:29
- Luke 12:32 : S Mt 14:27
- Luke 12:32 : S Mt 25:34
- Luke 12:33 : S Ac 2:45
- Luke 12:33 : S Mt 6:20
- Luke 12:33 : S Jas 5:2
- Luke 12:34 : Mt 6:21
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. Your Father knows that you need them (22-31)
Anxiety is a faith problem (28b). Jesus reminds us that worry cannot solve any problem--but our loving heavenly Father can. People worry about food and clothes, and about the future--their jobs, health, insurance, children's education, and other real and practical matters. But no one can add a single hour to his life by worrying. If we spend our time thinking about food and clothes we are just like the pagan world. Our Father who knows our needs is ready to supply them. If we seek his kingdom he gives us everything.
2. Your Father gives you the kingdom (32-34)
God's flock does not need to fear. Our Father is pleased to give us the kingdom. We need not clutch at the things of the world. We must seek to give rather than to get. We must live by faith and provide for ourselves treasures in heaven that will not perish, spoil or fade.
Prayer: Lord, increase my faith. Give me the best gift, your kingdom.
One Word: Don't be afraid--live by faith