This Theology Thursday episode of The Protestant Libertarian Podcast features a recording of a sermon I preached on Sunday, June 21, on Jesus' teaching about worry in Matthew 6:25–34. While Jesus famously commands His followers not to worry, this passage raises important questions: Does Scripture prohibit all forms of concern, and how should Christians reconcile Jesus' words with the Bible's many commands to work diligently and provide for ourselves and our families? In this sermon, I argue that Jesus' teaching can only be properly understood within the larger context of the Sermon on the Mount and His announcement that the Kingdom of God has arrived. Rather than condemning responsible planning, Jesus exposes the misplaced priorities and false securities that often lie behind our anxiety, especially our tendency to trust wealth, status, politics, or other good gifts more than God Himself. Looking at passages such as Matthew 6, 1 Timothy 6, Romans 8, and the example of the early church, I argue that the antidote to worry is not wishful thinking but confidence in God's kingdom, which has been inaugurated through the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ and will one day be fully consummated. As citizens of that kingdom, we are called to seek first God's reign, examine the priorities that shape our lives, and live with the hope that God will ultimately vindicate His people and make all things new. The sermon concludes with three practical applications for learning to live free from worry by placing Christ's kingdom above every earthly concern.

Media Referenced:

Patience Sermon: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-174-patience-and-the-fruits-of-the-spirit-sunday-sermon/

Faith Sermon: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-163-faith-and-the-fruits-of-the-spirit-sunday-sermon/

Ephesians Sermon: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-144-ephesians-and-the-church-sunday-sermon/

Revelation Sermon: https://libertarianchristians.com/episode/ep-136-the-book-of-revelation-sunday-sermon/

The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.

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