Be Not Anxious for Your Life, Part 2

In this part of the sermon: Martin argues that if God has given the greater gifts of life and the body, He will surely provide the lesser things needed to sustain them. He uses analogies to illustrate that…

Martin compares the greater task of constructing a massive suspension bridge (like the George Washington Bridge) to the lesser task of painting it. This illustrates that if God created life (the greater task), He can surely sustain it with food (the lesser task, like paint).

It was my privilege to speak over in Long Island last night at a youth meeting of some Lutheran churches. And we went over the Throgs Neck Bridge and then back over the George Washington Bridge.

12:31 - 12:43 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Martin argues that if God has given the greater gifts of life and the body, He will surely provide the lesser things needed to sustain them. He uses analogies to illustrate that…

He uses the analogy of designing and constructing a complex airliner versus simply putting fuel into it. This further emphasizes that creating the intricate human body is a far greater feat than merely providing clothing or sustenance.

To change the figure, some of you have flown and I never cease to be amazed when I get on one of those airliners and realize the miles and miles of electronic equipment and wires and fuel lines and all the rest. Now what's greater? Designing and getting a plane that will fly this hunk of 50 tons of tin and steel and alloys and wires and the rest? What's the greater?

13:57 - 14:22 Read in full sermon

The point: Engage in spirit-directed bird watching to be delivered from sinful anxiety.

Martin suggests that engaging in 'spirit-directed bird watching' is a practical way to be delivered from sinful anxiety, directly applying the Lord's command to 'behold the fowls of the air'.

You know how some of you would get delivered from some of your sinful anxiety? If you'd go out this afternoon and do some spirit-directed bird watching,

18:35 - 18:45 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: He contrasts the modern view of man with the biblical view, asserting humanity's greater value as made in God's image and objects of His redemptive love. Martin uses an analogy of…

Martin describes a hypothetical father who meticulously cares for his pets and house but allows his children to starve and go unclothed. This analogy highlights the absurdity and unrighteousness of accusing God of similar neglect when believers fret about their needs.

Suppose you saw a man who was a Christian. Who was very, very careful to provide food and shelter for his cat, for his dog, who tenderly cultured his plants,

26:22 - 26:35 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: Sinful anxiety brings discredit to God's character, making believers appear as practical atheists or deists. Martin uses a poignant illustration of a child distrusting a loving…

He tells the story of a little boy who constantly worries about his supper, despite seeing his mother faithfully provide for his dog every day. This illustrates how believers' anxiety dishonors God's character and love, implying a distrust of His consistent care.

It's like a little boy who would come home every day and say, I'm going to die. I'm going to die. And I'm going to die. And I'm going to die.

36:44 - 36:48 Read in full sermon

In this part of the sermon: The second reason for sinful anxiety is a failure to recognize its absolute futility. Martin asks, 'Which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his stature?' (Matthew…

Martin shares a personal anecdote from his student days, recalling how he would combat anxiety over exams by remembering the eternal perspective and the futility of worry, finding comfort in God's sovereignty.

And we just need to recognize this. Every time you begin to get sinfully anxious, just stop and ask yourself, what am I accomplishing by this? I can remember how well this thought used to encourage me. When I was in school, an exam time would come and I'd begin to feel that gnawing in the stomach and that fretfulness that would begin to come.

42:23 - 42:43 Read in full sermon