Be Measured (Matthew 6 19-34)

08/19/24 • 18 min

In this episode, we delve into the teachings of Jesus from Matthew chapter 6, focusing on the themes of wealth and worry. As we prepare to celebrate Independence Day, we reflect on how these two aspects are deeply ingrained in American culture. Jesus' message is clear: do not worry about material possessions and instead seek God's kingdom first. We explore the connection between wealth and worry, and how our modern anxieties are not so different from those of the people who first heard the Sermon on the Mount.
We discuss the staggering statistics of mental health issues in America, despite our unprecedented wealth, and how Jesus' teachings remain relevant today. The episode also highlights the importance of focusing on God's kingdom and righteousness, rather than material accumulation and appearance.
Join us as we explore how to transition from storing up treasures on earth to storing up treasures in heaven, and how to lessen our worries by actively participating in God's work. This episode is a reminder that true wealth lies in giving and serving others, and that by doing so, we can create a world that reflects God's kingdom.

(00:01) Introduction and Gospel Reading

(01:35) Wealth and Worry in America

(04:23) Modern Anxiety and Historical Context

(07:10) The Futility of Excess

(11:04) Seeking God's Kingdom First

(12:23) Community Missions and Impact

(17:03) The Antidote to Wealth and Worry

Matthew 6:19-24
"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. "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! "No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Lamentations 3:22-33
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. Let him sit alone in silence, for the Lord has laid it on him. Let him bury his face in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him, and let him be filled with disgrace. For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.
Matthew 6:25-34
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 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.
Central is proud to be a place

where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

You can support our ministry by sending a gift via onrealm.org/centralbaptistnewnan/Give
Want to learn more about Central? Visit our website at centralbaptistne...

(00:01) Introduction and Gospel Reading

(01:35) Wealth and Worry in America

(04:23) Modern Anxiety and Historical Context

(07:10) The Futility of Excess

(11:04) Seeking God's Kingdom First

(12:23) Community Missions and Impact

(17:03) The Antidote to Wealth and Worry

where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

You can support our ministry by sending a gift via onrealm.org/centralbaptistnewnan/Give
Want to learn more about Central? Visit our website at centralbaptistne...

Previous Episode

Be Interesting (Matthew 5 13-16)

Today, we focus on identity. Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. These identity statements are crucial for understanding our purpose. Salt adds flavor and preserves, while light illuminates and fosters growth. Jesus teaches us to be interesting and to live in a way that points others to God. He emphasizes that we were created to stand out, not blend in.
We reflected on the movie 'Stand by Me' and how knowing who we are and where we're going can be empowering. Jesus' teachings give us that clarity. Imagine sitting on that hillside in Galilee, hearing Jesus affirm that we were created to be different, to make a difference. It's a grand vision that inspires us to dream bigger.
We also touched on a memorable 'Carpool Karaoke' segment with James Corden and Paul McCartney, which beautifully illustrated the impact of using our gifts to be salt and light in the world. Today's message is about embracing our identities in Christ and using our gifts to make a meaningful impact. Jesus reminds us that we are the light of the world, and we should live fully into that identity.

(00:01) Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount Series

(01:05) Review of Previous Sermons

(02:15) Jesus' Teachings on Identity

(08:00) The Importance of Knowing Who You Are

(12:40) Paul McCartney and the Power of Positivity

(16:07) Embracing Our Identity in Christ

Matthew 5:13-16
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Central is proud to be a place

where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

You can support our ministry by sending a gift via onrealm.org/centralbaptistnewnan/Give
Want to learn more about Central? Visit our website at centralbaptistnewnan.org or give us a call at 770-683-0610.

Next Episode

Be Self-Aware (Matthew 7:1-6)

In this episode, we delve into the concept of self-awareness through a mix of personal anecdotes and biblical teachings. Rev. Matt Sapp begins by recounting a personal story involving a family member who was unaware that her car tag had been expired for three years, using this as a segue into the importance of self-awareness. This sets the stage for a deeper discussion on self-awareness, inspired by Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount that explores both sides of the self-awareness coin: recognizing our own faults and valuing the most precious parts of who we are.
Drawing from Matthew chapter 7, the he emphasizes the need to avoid hypocrisy by first addressing our own flaws before criticizing others. The episode also touches on the importance of protecting the sacred and vulnerable parts of our identity, urging listeners to nurture and honor these aspects.
He also shares a paraphrased version of the Sermon on the Mount, reimagined as a graduation speech, to illustrate the timeless relevance of these teachings. The episode concludes with reflections on living a meaningful life now, rather than waiting for some future moment of truth. Inspired by Oliver Burkeman's book, '4000 Weeks,' the host encourages listeners to embrace their flaws and sacred dreams, living fully into who they are meant to be right now.

(00:00) The Arduous Process of Car Tag Renewal in Georgia

(02:12) A Hectic Move and an Expired Car Tag

(03:38) The Importance of Self Awareness

(07:40) Reflection on Self Assessment

(11:13) Living a Provisional Life vs. Real Life

Matthew 7:1-6
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Central is proud to be a place

where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

Central Sermon Series - Be Measured (Matthew 6 19-34)

Transcript

Matt Sapp:00:00:02

The second portion of our gospel lesson this morning comes from Matthew chapter 6. You'll find the passage printed on the back of your worship guide.

00:00:11

Therefore I tell you, Jesus says, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothes?

00:00:23

Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow or reap or st