Lesson 14: Freedom from Worry
The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 6:25-34
Welcome, and thank you for joining me today as we continue our study through the Sermon on the Mount. Today we’ll be focusing on Matthew 6:25-34, one of the most comforting and practical passages in all of Scripture. Jesus speaks directly to our everyday struggles with worry and anxiety and calls us to a life of confident trust in our heavenly Father. Let's dig into his words together and learn how Kingdom living frees us from anxious striving.
Do Not Be Anxious
Jesus opens this section with the word “Therefore” (v. 25), linking it back to his teaching on treasures and masters (vv. 19-24). If we treasure heavenly things and serve God alone, we have no reason to be anxious about earthly needs. He says, “Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on.” Life is more than food and clothing – it’s about a relationship with the God who provides all good things.
Jesus invites us to look at the natural world: “Look at the birds of the air... your heavenly Father feeds them” (v. 26). Birds don’t store food in barns, yet God sustains them. And we, made in his image, are “of more value than they.” Anxiety can’t add a single hour to our lives (v. 27). Instead of prolonging life, worry diminishes it.
This teaching mirrors Psalm 55:22: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” Trust in God’s fatherly care is a hallmark of Kingdom living.
Trust Your Heavenly Father
Jesus continues: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin” (v. 28). Flowers don’t labor or worry, yet God clothes them in splendor greater than Solomon’s royal garments (v. 29). If God so beautifully clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and gone tomorrow, how much more will he clothe his beloved children?
Jesus confronts the real issue at the heart of anxiety: “O you of little faith” (v. 30). Worry reveals a distrust in the goodness and sovereignty of God. In contrast, true disciples are called to trust, believing that our Father knows what we need even before we ask (Matthew 6:8).
Paul echoes this in Philippians 4:6-7, urging believers to be anxious for nothing, but to pray about everything, allowing God’s peace to guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Seek First the Kingdom
Rather than chasing after the needs and desires that dominate the world’s pursuits, Jesus calls us to a better way: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (v. 33). Prioritizing God’s reign and righteousness realigns our desires and frees us from anxious striving.
When we live with Kingdom-first priorities, we find that God is faithful to meet our needs. This doesn’t mean a life free from hardship, but it does promise the sustaining grace of our Father who loves us. As Romans 8:32 reminds us, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?”
Jesus concludes: “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (v. 34). Daily dependence, not future anxiety, is the mark of a trusting heart.
Bible Study Questions
How does the command not to be anxious in verse 25 connect to Jesus’ teaching about treasures and masters in verses 19-24?
What lessons do the birds and the lilies teach us about God’s provision? (vv. 26-30)
How does anxiety reflect “little faith” according to Jesus?
What are the dangers of living consumed by worry about material needs?
What does it mean to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (v. 33)?
How is the Kingdom of God different from the priorities of the world?
What practical steps can we take to combat anxiety according to Philippians 4:6-7?
How does trusting God’s daily provision change the way we approach future uncertainties?
How does Romans 8:32 encourage us when we doubt God’s care?
What are some “small faith” areas where you can ask God to help you grow in trust?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
What worries tend to dominate your heart and mind?
How do your fears reveal what you treasure most?
When have you experienced God’s faithful provision in a way that strengthened your faith?
How can you practice “seeking first the Kingdom” in your daily priorities?
What practical ways can you remind yourself of God’s promises when anxiety strikes?
How can observing nature (birds, flowers, etc.) help you remember God’s care?
What role does prayer play in replacing worry with peace?
How can you encourage others who are struggling with fear and anxiety?
In what ways might materialism fuel anxiety in our culture?
What changes could you make this week to shift from anxiety to trust?
Action Steps
Each day this week, record one way you’ve seen God’s care in your life. Review it when anxiety arises.
Each morning this week, prayerfully list two ways you can seek first God’s Kingdom that day - whether through service, prayer, generosity, or faithful work.
Memorize Philippians 4:6-7 and recite it whenever you feel anxious.
Closing Thoughts
Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 6:25-34 isn’t a call to apathy but a call to trust. As Kingdom citizens, we don’t need to anxiously strive for what God has already promised to provide. Instead, we’re free to seek him first, trusting that our Father knows, cares, and delights to meet the needs of his children. May we walk in that freedom and peace today.
Thank you for joining me today. My hope is that you were encouraged and blessed by reflecting on this passage. You can discover more devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources by clicking here: Walking Points. If you found this study helpful, please consider sharing it with others and encouraging them to subscribe as well.
Excellent and well needed. Thank you Dale