INTRODUCTION

Many of life's choices are not strictly between good and evil: sometimes in this world we are limited to a choice between evils, some worse than others; and quite often God calls upon us to choose between what is good and what is better or best.

To be satisfied with what is merely good (or seems good to us) when we could and should have something better is a pitiful mistake, and is really a sin against God, since He commands us to seek the best. We need to get our priorities in line with God's will for us.

Our lesson can be summed up as a lesson on priorities. Outline follows:

1. Possessions, Matthew 6:19-21. 
a. Treasures evanescent, 19.  
b. Treasures enduring, 20. 
c. Treasures engaging, 21. 

2. Purposes, Matthew 6:22-24. 
a. Purpose directed, 22. 
b. Purpose deceived, 23. 
c. Purpose divided, 24. 

3. Problems, Matthew 6:25-27. 
a. Worry wicked, 25. 
b. Worry warped, 26. 
c. Worry wasted, 27. 

4. Providence, Matthew 6:28-30. 
a. Considering facts, 28-29. 
b. Challenging faith, 30. 

5. Priorities, Matthew 6:31-33. 
a. Perspective on worry, 31. 
b. Propriety of worship, 32. 
c. Perfection of worth, 33. 

NOTES ON THE TEXT:

POSSESSIONS, Matthew 6:19-21.

Desire for personal property is inherent to human nature. Far from condemning the normal human desire to possess "treasures," Jesus rather encouraged the wise choice of the best, most valuable, and most lasting treasures attainable.

Treasures Evanescent, 19.

We need not labor the point that earthly treasures do not last and are not a safe investment. We may add that even if we succeed in accumulating and holding on to worldly wealth as long as we live, we finally lose it all when we die.

Treasures Enduring, 20.

Heavenly treasures, however, are safely reserved for us [1 Peter 1:3-5]; and no doubt will continue to pile up interest to our account for an endless eternity.

Treasures Engaging, 21.

Another point that needs no arguing is the simple fact that our "heart," our interest and affection, our chief joy and delight in life, is engaged with what we consider our chief treasure. If our main treasures are on earth, we will be occupied and concerned mostly with things on earth; if we think of our most valuable treasures as being in heaven, then we will be concerned primarily with heavenly things.

PURPOSES, Matthew 6:22-24.

Man is a creature of some intelligence, mentally equipped to plan for the future, to have some more or less clearly defined purposes in life. If he is too often unsuccessful in achieving his purposes, it is generally because those purposes are either misdirected or confused.

Purpose Directed, 22.

Using the eye as a symbol of purpose, Jesus said in effect that a single definite purpose will give definite direction to the whole life.

Purpose Deceived, 23.

If we can imagine a physical condition worse than blindness, it is one in which the eye misrepresents the surroundings to the mind with distorted and misleading images. So the person afflicted with deceptive eyesight might step out on what appeared to him a safe path and go over a precipice. In like manner, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" [Proverbs 14:12].

Purpose Divided, 24.

Changing the figure, Jesus reminds us that it is as impossible to serve two masters as it is to follow two forks in the road at the same time. "Mammon" is personified here as the god of material wealth. The true God and the god of worldly wealth will sometimes make opposing demands upon us, and compromise is impossible. We may confuse ourselves for a while with divided purpose, but in the end we must obey one Master or the other.

PROBLEMS, Matthew 6:25-27.

Life is full of problems too difficult for us to handle, and one mark of natural intelligence is the ability to adjust to conditions which we cannot change. On a higher level, one mark of spiritual intelligence is the willingness to trust God to manage His own creation, which He is able to do without our meddling.

Worry Wicked, 25.

"Take no thought" could be rendered "don't worry." Since the Lord tells us not to worry, it is wicked to worry.

Worry Warped, 26.

Besides, an excessive concern for our material needs indicates a warped view of nature, of our heavenly Father, and of ourselves. Are we not better than birds? Will the God Who cares for them not care for us?

Worry Wasted, 27.

If we insist on worrying, what's the use? What do we hope to accomplish by it? We can make ourselves miserable, but we cannot increase our stature, either physically or spiritually, by worrying.

PROVIDENCE, Matthew 6:28-30.

God is able and willing to provide us better than we can provide for ourselves. Let us trust in His providence for our provisions.

Considering Facts, 28-29.

Everyday facts of life demonstrate divine providence. Jesus calls attention to a few of these facts. Why not consider them?

Challenging Faith, 30.

In a sense, emphasizing the transitoriness of life in the flesh, we are told that "all flesh is as grass" [I Peter 1:24]. Yet the gospel is not addressed to grass, trees, or lower animals, but to men in the flesh. If we have believed the gospel can we not believe that we are at least a little more precious to God than "the grass of the field"?

PRIORITIES, Matthew 6:31-33.

Again, "Take no thought" means "don't worry." Regarding the Greek tenses, we could render "Don't keep on worrying" in verse 25 and "don't worry at all" in verse 31. If we get our priorities straight, we "won't have to worry any more" even in this present life.

Perspective on worry, 31.

Really the chronic worrier lacks perspective. If we fail to obtain necessary food, drink, or clothing, the failure can no more than kill us with starvation, thirst, or exposure; and if we possess eternal life and so are prepared for a better life to come, we ought not to fear the death of these mortal bodies. As long as it is God's will for us to live here in the flesh, He will provide the necessary means of life.

Propriety of Worship, 32.

For at least two good reasons true worshipers of the true God must not worry: First, we have been called to a life of holiness or separation from the "Gentiles" or nations of this world; we ought to be ashamed to keep on acting like them. Second, God our heavenly Father knows what we need; and if we know Him that is enough.

Perfection of Worth, 33.

"Worship" was originally "worthship, " and the true God is worthy of all our confidence, love, and devotion. If we will honestly seek first His reign and His righteousness in our hearts, He will give us everything else that is good for us.

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" I Romans 8:32]

CONCLUSION [Matthew 7:21]

This lesson does not mean that we are entitled to providential care and provision while living in disobedience to God. Mere outward profession is no substitute for inner saving faith, and faith that saves is faith that works. Real faith in God is not a license for laziness or disobedience, but it does bring relief from useless and destructive anxieties.
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[From Ashland Avenue Baptist paper, January 9, 1976, pp. 2-3. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]

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