2023-12-11 Monday Matthew 6:25
English Standard Version
Do Not Be Anxious
25 “Therefore I tell you, 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. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
In the context of reformed evangelical Christianity, comment on Matthew 6:25 from the ESV. Provide insights and theological teaching from Matthew 6:25 for its application to modern Christian living.
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Matthew 6:25 in the English Standard Version (ESV) reads: “Therefore I tell you, 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. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”
– **Contextual Insight:** This verse is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where He addresses various aspects of righteous living, teaching principles that guide the followers of Christ.
– **Theological Teachings and Insights:**
– **Trust in God’s Provision:** Jesus urges believers not to be anxious about life’s necessities—food, drink, and clothing. This teaching emphasises the importance of trusting in God’s provision and care for His people. Anxiety and worry are counterproductive to a life rooted in faith.
– **Life’s Greater Purpose:** Jesus highlights that life extends beyond material possessions. There’s a greater purpose beyond basic needs. It encourages Christians to focus on spiritual growth, seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness above earthly concerns.
– **Dependence on God:** This verse emphasises the believer’s dependence on God for sustenance and provision. It encourages reliance on God’s faithfulness rather than excessive worry about daily needs.
– **Application to Modern Christian Living:**
– **Trust in God’s Provision:** In today’s fast-paced world filled with uncertainties, this teaching encourages believers to trust that God will provide for their needs. It prompts a shift in focus from worry to faith.
– **Prioritising Spiritual Growth:** Encourages Christians to prioritise spiritual development and seeking God’s kingdom rather than solely focusing on material pursuits.
– **Managing Anxiety and Worry:** Offers guidance on managing anxiety by trusting in God’s care and sovereignty in all circumstances.
Applying Matthew 6:25 to modern Christian living involves cultivating a deep trust in God’s provision while balancing responsible planning and a focus on spiritual growth.
Confidence Level: High
References: Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible (Complete), ESV Bible
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Matthew 6:25 ESV states: “Therefore I tell you, 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. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?”⁴ This verse is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus addresses the issue of worry and anxiety about material needs.
In the context of reformed evangelical Christianity, this verse can be understood as a call to trust in God’s provision and sovereignty. It encourages believers to focus on spiritual priorities rather than being consumed by material concerns. The theological teaching here emphasises that life’s true value is not found in physical sustenance or possessions, but in one’s relationship with God and living according to His will.
For modern Christian living, this verse can be applied by:
– **Trusting in God**: Believers are encouraged to trust that God will provide for their needs as He does for the birds of the air, which do not sow or reap yet are fed by the Heavenly Father⁴.
– **Seeking God’s Kingdom**: Christians are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, with the assurance that all these things (material needs) will be added unto them (Matthew 6:33).
– **Living Contentedly**: This teaching promotes contentment and a life free from the love of money, as instructed in Hebrews 13:5, which says to keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for God has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Commentaries on this verse suggest that the focus should not be on anxious thoughts about the future or material possessions, but rather on living a life of faith and dependence on God¹. It’s a reminder that God values His children far more than the birds and flowers, and therefore, will care for their needs³.
In practice, this means prioritising spiritual growth, serving others, and engaging in activities that align with God’s purposes, rather than being preoccupied with accumulating wealth or worrying about material provisions. It’s about living with the assurance that God is in control and will provide for His children in His perfect timing and way.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 11/12/2023
(1) Matthew 6:25-26 ESV – Do Not Be Anxious – “Therefore I tell – Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:25-26&version=ESV.
(2) Matthew 6:25 Commentaries: “For this reason I say to you, do not be …. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/matthew/6-25.htm.
(3) What does Matthew 6:25 mean? | BibleRef.com. https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/6/Matthew-6-25.html.
(4) Enduring Word Bible Commentary Matthew Chapter 6. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/matthew-6/.
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## Matthew 6:25: Reformed Evangelical Interpretation and Application
**Verse:** “Therefore I tell you, 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. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25, ESV)
**Reformed Evangelical Interpretation:**
* **God’s Sovereignty:** Reformed theology emphasises God’s complete sovereignty over all things. In this context, worrying about basic needs implies a lack of trust in God’s providence. God cares for the birds and the flowers, and will surely provide for his children (Matthew 6:26, 28).
* **Focus on the Kingdom:** Worry can distract us from seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33). By trusting God’s care, we are free to focus our energies on seeking his will and serving others.
* **Sinfulness of Worry:** Excessive anxiety reveals a lack of faith and a focus on self rather than on God. It can lead to idolatry, placing our trust in material things or our own abilities instead of God’s provision.
**Insights and Theological Teaching:**
* **Trust in God’s Providence:** Our Heavenly Father cares for us deeply and knows our needs. Worrying does not change the future, but trusting in God’s goodness and faithfulness brings peace and contentment.
* **Right Perspective on Material Things:** Food, clothing, and other material possessions are blessings from God, but they are not the ultimate source of our happiness or security. Our true value comes from being children of God and citizens of his kingdom.
* **Stewardship and Responsibility:** While worry is discouraged, responsible planning for the future is not. We can work hard and be wise stewards of our resources, trusting that God will ultimately provide for our needs.
* **Prayer and Thanksgiving:** Sharing our worries with God in prayer and expressing gratitude for his blessings helps us cultivate trust and dependence on him.
**Application to Modern Christian Living:**
* **Practice mindfulness and gratitude.** Take time each day to reflect on God’s goodness and blessings in your life. Cultivate a grateful heart and express your thanks to God regularly.
* **Address the root causes of worry.** What are your deepest fears and anxieties? Are they rooted in a lack of trust in God, a distorted view of your worth, or a materialistic worldview? Seek spiritual guidance and resources to address these underlying issues.
* **Develop a healthy work ethic.** Be diligent and responsible in your work, but avoid letting your work define you or become a source of excessive stress. Remember that your ultimate identity and security rest in Christ.
* **Seek community and support.** Share your struggles with trusted friends and mentors who can offer encouragement and prayer. Joining a small group or support network can provide a sense of belonging and accountability.
* **Remember God’s promises.** Meditate on verses like Matthew 6:25 and Philippians 4:6-7, allowing God’s word to bring peace and comfort to your anxious heart.
By applying these insights from Matthew 6:25, we can cultivate a life of trust in God, freedom from worry, and a renewed focus on seeking first his kingdom.
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