First Things First

The final message in the series "Enough" is based on words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew chapter six.  Jesus here begins with a discussion of worship, the elements of which are giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting.  In verses nineteen to twenty-one we read

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  (NIV)

Pursuit of earthly treasures sets up idols in our hearts and lives.
We will never find fulfillment in treasures of this world.

Materialism is backed by misconceptions:
     1.  Having more things will make me happy.
     2.  Having more things will make life easier.
     3.  Having more things will make me more secure.
               Wrong, wrong, and wrong.

Materialism is the desire to gain what I do not need at the cost of what I do not have.

v. 25: Do not worry.
     40% of what we worry about never happens; 30% is about the past and cannot be changed; 10% is about health about which worry only exacerbates our problems.
Worry is useless, unhealthy for your soul.
Worry is a symptom of lack of faith.
Worry is what happens when you think you know best.
Worry is characteristic of one who does not know God.

WE ARE GOD'S CHILDREN.  He is a good Father; He knows what we need before we ask!  God is our provider.
vv.  34,35:  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

WITH CHRIST THERE IS ALWAYS ENOUGH.
Philippians 4:19:   And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

 Pastor Johnnie Blair

Sunday morning