The Sermon on the Mount
Daily Bible Studies for September 8-13, 2008
Learn what we believe and how we are to behave!
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34 MOT & NLT
[Jesus said] 25Therefore, I say to you (all), “Do not be anxious (worried; concerned) about your life; what you may eat, or what you may drink, or what you may wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of heaven (or “of the air”), that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and your Heavenly Father feeds them; are you (all) not of much greater worth than they? (are you [all] not greatly superior to them?) 27But who of you (all) by being anxious (worrying, being concerned) is able to add to his stature one cubit?
28And concerning clothing, why are you (all) anxious (worried, concerned)? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not work (labor), nor spin; 29but I tell you (all) that Solomon in all his glory, was not clothed as one of them. 30But if God thus clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into an oven, will He not much more [clothe or provide for is UNDERSTOOD, but not present in the Greek text] you, Ones of little faith. (literally: “little faiths”)
31Therefore, do not be anxious (worried, concerned) saying, “What may we eat?” or “What may we drink?” or “What may we put on?” 32For all these things the nations (Gentiles, pagans) seek (desire, want, search for, look for); for your Heavenly Father knows that you (all) need all of these things. 33But seek first the Kingdom and the righteousness of Him, and all these things shall be added to you (all).
34Therefore, do not be anxious (worried, concerned) for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious (worried, concerned) about itself; sufficient to the day is its own evil.
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, This week’s scripture is so amazing! You tell me not to worry—about anything! I know that all You are asking is for me to trust You, and that You are fully worthy of my trust, and yet I worry. Fill me with Your Spirit right now that I may know Your presence and trust You in all things. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
[Jesus said] 25Therefore, I say to you (all), “Do not be anxious (worried; concerned) about your life; what you may eat, or what you may drink, or what you may wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? MOT
Why do you think Jesus focused on food and clothing as the two primary worries of life?
What causes you to worry the most in life? What do Jesus’ words say to those worries?
Today’s Challenge: I will TRUST God fully, and when I start to worry, I will call on Him to eliminate it!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the simple reminder of how You feed the birds and other creatures, and that You will surely meet my needs. Give me the simple faith of a child that I may trust You to supply all I need. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
26Look at the birds of heaven (or “of the air”), that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and your Heavenly Father feeds them; are you (all) not of much greater worth than they? (are you [all] not greatly superior to them?) 27But who of you (all) by being anxious (worrying, being concerned) is able to add to his stature one cubit?
What does today’s Scripture do to alleviate worry in your life?
What do you think Jesus was talking about when He asked if worry could add to our height?
Today’s Challenge: I will take the time to watch the creatures God created today and be reminded that as He cares for them, He will care for me!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the incredible beauty and detail You put into the flowers! Thanks for Jesus’ reminder that if You clothe the flowers with such beauty, even though they last only a short time, that You will certainly provide for me, since I will be with You for eternity. Use me today to glorify You through my thoughts, words and actions. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
28And concerning clothing, why are you (all) anxious (worried, concerned)? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they do not work (labor), nor spin; 29but I tell you (all) that Solomon in all his glory, was not clothed as one of them. 30But if God thus clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into an oven, will He not much more [clothe or provide for is UNDERSTOOD, but not present in the Greek text] you, Ones of little faith. (literally: “little faiths”)
What comfort is there for you in today’s Scripture?
What does it mean to you to be called “little faiths”?
Today’s Challenge: I will call on Jesus to increase my faith, and to live out that faith by trusting Him to provide for all my needs!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I don’t want to be like “the nations.” Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and increase my faith, that I may trust You to meet my every need today and always. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
31Therefore, do not be anxious (worried, concerned) saying, “What may we eat?” or “What may we drink?” or “What may we put on?” 32For all these things the nations (Gentiles, pagans) seek (desire, want, search for, look for); for your Heavenly Father knows that you (all) need all of these things.
Why do you think Jesus tells us that it is the nations, Gentiles or pagans who worry about daily needs?
What does it mean to you that God knows of ALL your needs?
Today’s Challenge: I will remember that God knows of all my needs, and will rely on Him to supply them!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the boldness to seek You, Your Kingdom and Your righteousness first--now and always! Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may never put anyone or anything before You! Let me live my life with You as the center. This I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
33But seek first the Kingdom and the righteousness of Him, and all these things shall be added to you (all).
What does it mean to you to seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness first?
What are the consequences of doing that? What are the consequences of NOT doing that?
Today’s Challenge: I will seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, because it is the only way for me to truly follow Jesus!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, All week long I have focused on trusting you and not worrying. I pray that today, I will live that focus. By Your Spirit’s presence in my life, empower me to seek and trust you and you alone. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
34Therefore, do not be anxious (worried, concerned) for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious (worried, concerned) about itself; sufficient to the day is its own evil.
Why do you suppose Jesus concluded His comments on worry with this statement?
What are you going to do to implement Jesus’ teaching in your life on a consistent basis.
Today’s Challenge: For today, I will trust in Jesus, and Jesus alone!