Our Sermons

Bible Passage: Luke 12:22-34
Pastor: Pastor Schlicht
Sermon Date:  August 7, 2022

A study was done on the frequency of Christian character traits taught in the New Testament. It probably won’t surprise you that love was number one, taught some fifty times. It may surprise you that a close second was humility with 40 instances. But what surprised me is that the command to trust God or don’t worry was third, found at least thirteen times. The opposite of trust in God is the sin of worry and if it needs to be addressed so often, it must be quite common. We all are prone to worry. 

Now before I get any further this morning, I want to be careful to communicate the sin of worry without steamrolling consciences burdened with an anxiety disorder. Although the sin of worry and an anxiety disorder are not mutually exclusive, there is a distinction to be made. An anxiety disorder is not usually a conscious choice and is more akin in some ways to a cross that someone must bear, a weakness through which God’s strength has an opportunity to shine. So concerning someone who deals with an anxiety disorder, I would say this: We live in a fallen world, corrupted by sin, and mental illness is one consequence of this. Only the blood Jesus Christ shed on the cross deals with sin. So all other treatments, though helpful, will not address that root cause. Therefore, a Christian who deals with mental illness, like an anxiety disorder, shouldn’t neglect the spiritual dimension of it, as well as make use of medical treatment. I’d be happy to meet with you privately if this is something you’re dealing with to apply God’s Word more specifically to your situation. There’s also a short, timely book written by William Woodington, a WELS member, called “Whatever is True: A Christian View of Anxiety” and we have a copy in the church library if you’d like or you can buy it online as well. With that being said, let’s look at what Jesus says about worry. There are 5 points today.

#1. Stop worrying because you are valuable to God. Jesus said to his disciples, “For that reason I tell you, stop worrying about your life, about what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. 23 Certainly life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap; they have no warehouse or barn; and yet God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds! Sometimes, it’s the simple things Jesus says that are the hardest to follow. We can imagine Jesus, standing on a Galilean hillside jeweled with wildflowers, the birds singing in the background, calmly saying, “Stop worrying.” It seems so far from our lives today, almost as if Jesus is out of touch with how the real world works! But, as always, a closer look at Jesus’ words ensures that he is not out of touch or illogical. Just the opposite. For instance, he tells us to consider the ravens who do not sow or reap, who have no packed pantries as we do, and yet somehow God feeds them. Note that ravens are hardy birds who spend much of their day looking for food, they don’t just sit around cawing in trees until God drops food into their beaks. My point is that Jesus isn’t telling us to be irresponsible or to stop working for money to put food on the table. He’s telling us to stop worrying about having enough. He tells us to trust that the God who created our bodies has also given us the abilities and resources to attain food that comes from his hand. No matter how prepackaged or modified it may be, ultimately every food we eat is derived from God’s creation. Let us give thanks that God has blessed us with such abundance when it comes to food, something we often take for granted. For most of history, people scraped by with much less. Perhaps we ought to be a bit less concerned about every calorie and micronutrient, and simply give thanks that God has given us food. Remember you can’t give thanks and worry at the same time!

Next, Jesus says, Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. But I tell you, not even Solomon in all his glory was dressed like one of these. 28 If this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will he clothe you, you of little faith?  Even the most fashionable brands do not compare to the inherent beauty of God’s artistry. If God is willing to lavish beauty on such a temporary thing like a wildflower, doesn’t it seem only logical that he will give you clothing, you who have an eternal soul? My friends, through these comparisons, Jesus wants you to trust that you are valuable to God! We were created in his image as the crown of creation, given souls which he purchased with his own blood. Do you think that he, who did not spare his own life for us, would not provide for our daily needs? He has given us heaven itself as a gift, he isn’t going to get stingy now. Don’t consider how many people rush around worrying about specific clothing brands. Consider the wildflowers. Consider who God has made you to be in Christ. Consider what he has given you in eternity. Stop worrying because you are valuable to God!

#2. Stop worrying because worrying is useless. Jesus says: 25 And who of you by worrying can add a single moment to his lifespan? 26 Since you are not able to do this little thing, why do you worry about the rest? Worrying isn’t practical! Can you accomplish anything with worry? Other than wasting time and raising your stress levels, no! It has no practical value. You can’t add a single moment to your life by worrying, but you might take a few moments away from yourselves and those you love. Take responsible action where you can and let God worry about the rest. You can’t add a single moment to your life, don’t torture yourself with things out of your control. The Serenity Prayer was written by an American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971). It is a great prayer for those who are tempted to waste time worrying: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” 

#3. Stop worrying because your Father knows what you need. 29 Do not constantly chase after what you will eat or what you will drink. Do not be worried about it. 30 To be sure, the nations of the world chase after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need them.  God your Father knows what you need. He knows what you’re going through. He knows what hurts. He knows your frustrations. My friends, let go of your white-knuckle grip on life because your Father already knows what you need! Trust him! This is such a liberating truth. I can stop worrying and enjoy my life because my Father knows what I need. I can have child-like joy.

It reminds me of my experience with a roller coaster. After the WELS Youth Rally in Ohio a few years ago, our group went to Cedar Point, an amusement park near lake Erie. After the entire Youth Rally including a trip to the Creation Museum and the Ark Experience in Kentucky, I was just hoping just to walk around and rest up at the park before driving the van back to Eastside through the night. Well, I was talking to some of our Eastside kids as they were standing in line for a roller coaster. It was a long line and by the time I reached the actual stairs for the coaster, I noticed the sign: It was called “Steel Vengeance” and it had a 5 out of 5 for thrill rating. Yikes! This was not for me. I was the kid at the fair who spent his money on funnel cakes, not rides. But by this time there were plenty of people in the line behind me and I didn’t want to wimp out in front of these teenagers from my church, so I stayed in line and began to sweat profusely. My heart was racing as I got strapped into this torturous thing. And when the first drop came I was holding onto the bar in front of me so hard that I started to black out. So I loosened my grip and decided to just let go like the crazy kids who seemed to actually be enjoying themselves in front of me. And you know what, while I did not go on it again, I might have enjoyed it a little bit. And I didn’t pass out, which is always a plus.

That’s what life can be like. We try to hold onto life with worry’s white knuckles and all it does is stress us out! We aren’t any safer or better off worrying, just like I was no safer when I was gripping tensely onto that roller coaster. Ultimately, if we let go and trust our Father, we can enjoy the ride. Even if some parts are scary. Jesus is telling you the same thing. You’re strapped in, your Father’s watching over you. Stop trying to control everything. Let God be God. You might even enjoy your life! And that brings me to #4!

#4. Stop worrying because trusting God sets you apart. 29 Do not constantly chase after what you will eat or what you will drink. Do not be worried about it. 30 To be sure, the nations of the world chase after all of these things, but your Father knows that you need them. What will set you apart from those who do not know Jesus? Your peace and joy in life despite all there is that others worry about. Your confidence and trust in God will shine out among those in your life who are desperately trying to control and stress over everything. I’ve seen this with many members at Eastside when they reach their final days. They are confident in their faith and have given an incredible witness to the nurses, doctors, and family members who see them. They realize that they have a heavenly Father who has their life in their hands and they know that he has a place set aside for them in heaven. One man once told me that he was never as sure of his faith in God until he realized he had cancer. The Father knows our needs, and that sets us apart and can even attract others! When everyone is chasing after “all these things” you can trust God and others will see be attracted by his strength through you.

#5. Stop worrying because you belong to an eternal kingdom. 31 Instead, continue to seek the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you. 32 Do not be afraid, little flock, because your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not become old, a treasure in the heavens that will not fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Jesus tells us to give away some of the very earthly things we’re worried about holding onto. You don’t worry about stuff you don’t value much. May we so value God and his kingdom that all this earthly stuff becomes trivial and expendable in service to his name. God has given you his kingdom. He has freed you from reliance on earthly security so that you can give to those in need—so that you can be happy with less because you have a treasure in heaven that is worth more than you could ever imagine. Continue to seek the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you. In other words, stop worrying because you belong to an eternal kingdom.

My friends, thirteen times in the New Testament God commands us to trust him and not to worry. I think I could use thirteen reminders every day! You got five in today’s sermon. But I bet you can get eight more reminders in before the end of the day. Maybe from a hymn we sing, maybe from the blessing, maybe as you get into your car that still runs, as you see the rain come down to water the earth, as you eat lunch, as you enjoy a bit of rest or entertainment, as you lay down in a warm bed, as you fold your hands to pray , whatever it may be. Consider these reminders and give thanks because your Father knows what you need.

Amen.