Living By Faith in a Caring God (Luke 12:22-40)
Sermon Summary
Pastor David Yan
2 August 2020
This year, 2020, will probably be remembered for the corona virus pandemic. This widespread virus has brought widespread anxiety.
In the midst of this anxiety the teachings of Jesus Christ are so relevant.
Jesus exhorts believers not to be anxious but to live by faith in a caring heavenly Father. But how does one live by faith? Listen carefully to Jesus.
He said do not worry. This could mean do not start to worry or it could mean stop worrying. His followers were already in a state of anxiety so Jesus’s teaching is that they were to stop worrying. Life is more than food, clothing and work.
I recently bought a second-hand book for $1.00. I bought it not so much for the contents but for the title which is “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff at Work”. A great title. Don’t lose any sleep over small matters. What you regard as huge is nothing before God. All things are possible to those who believe.
Look away from your problems. Jesus said look at the ravens and look at the lilies of the field. God cares for them. He feeds them and clothes them. You are of more value than birds and wild flowers.
Worrying is futile. Jesus challenges his disciples—and us. Who among us can add one cubit to our height? We cannot increase our height or the length of our lives. Worrying achieves nothing. It will not change your situation. Prayer will. This is what Jesus would have us do. Pray and trust in our caring heavenly Father. A simple "Abba Father" uttered from a childlike heart will reach heaven and receive answers from a caring heavenly Father.
Believers should not think and live like unbelievers. Jesus said the Gentiles (unbelievers) seek and worry about the things of this life. Christians should not do this.
Believers should seek first the kingdom of God. All that they shall ever need in life shall be given to them. Let us seek the advancement of God’s kingdom and not the advancement of our own things such as comfort and wealth.
Let us seek heavenly riches. Our treasures lie in heaven. Earthly treasures fade and and we should hold lightly to them. Jesus emphasised this by saying we should sell all we have and give to the poor. He did not mean this literally but he was talking about our attitude to worldly possessions. We must not be like the hoarder Jesus spoke of in Luke 12:16-18. Do not hoard but be generous to those in need.
Finally, to live by faith in a caring God is to to be ready for the return of the Lord (35-49). We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Be ready for the inevitable—the final judgment. Believers shelter under the righteousness of Christ and are counted as righteous. They have nothing to fear when Christ returns.
Learn from Luke 12:22-40 that our heavenly Father is caring. Trust him. Come to him in a child-like way. He knows your needs even before you ask. He will not turn you away.
God rules over everything and he will not forsake those who trust in him. He is our loving and caring heavenly Father. Jesus taught this and wants us to find refuge in trusting in the Father. He taught us to pray “Our Father in heaven.” He is here. Have you been to him in prayer?