Matthew 6:25–34
Sermon on Worry: Consider the Lilies
"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life… Behold the fowls of the air… Consider the lilies of the field."
— Matthew 6:25, 26, 28 (KJV)
Big Idea
Worry is unbelief acting normal — and Jesus answers it not with platitudes but with the Father's character and the kingdom's priority.
Context
Part of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus has just spoken about money; worry is what money-anxiety looks like when the money runs out (or in).
Expository Outline (verse-by-verse)
1. The Command: Take No Thought (v. 25)
- •'Take no thought' — do not be anxious, distracted.
- •Not 'do not plan' — 'do not be torn apart.'
- •Life is more than meat; body more than raiment.
2. The Arguments From Creation (v. 26–30)
- •The Father feeds the birds — you matter more.
- •Worry adds no cubit to your stature.
- •He clothes the lilies — He'll clothe you.
3. The Reframe: Seek First the Kingdom (v. 31–34)
- •Gentiles seek these things; the Father knows you need them.
- •Seek first the kingdom and His righteousness.
- •Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Topical Outline (one big idea)
1. What Worry Reveals About Us
- •A small view of the Father.
- •A large view of self-sufficiency.
- •Forgotten priorities.
2. What to Do With Worry
- •Take it to prayer (Phil. 4:6–7).
- •Recall the Father's track record.
- •Re-seek the kingdom.
Cross-references
- Philippians 4:6-7 — Be careful for nothing.
- 1 Peter 5:7 — Casting all your care upon him.
- Psalm 55:22 — Cast thy burden upon the LORD.
Illustrations
- "Worry is paying interest on a debt you may never owe."
Application questions
- What is the one worry that has eaten your week — and what does verse 33 say to it?
Closing prayer
Father, You feed the birds; You clothe the lilies. Carry us today. We seek Your kingdom first. Amen.