Series: The Gospel: It's Not...
Message: About Health
Preacher: Tom Eickmann
Daily Walk: Tom Eickmann
Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 90:5-12.
Read: Matthew 6 (ESV). As you read the English Standard Version, note 1-3 insights or questions.
Reflect: A lot is said about giving in this chapter. We are supposed to give to the poor (verse 2) and to the needy (verse 3). We are to give in secret so that it isn’t about others; rather it’s about us and God. In verses 19-21, we are commanded to lay up (give) treasure in heaven.
Are you laying up treasure in heaven? Where is your heart?
We can’t serve two masters (verse 24) without hating one. Can you see any hatred toward a master in your life? Does God end up being the one you love?
Verses 33 says: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” What does seeking the kingdom of God look like in today’s world? What does seeking His righteousness look like? If I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, how will it affect the way I relate to my career, family, church and community? Are my priorities in line with seeking first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness? If I seek first the kingdom of God, what is included in “and all these things shall be added unto you?”
The sermon this week is on health. Most people probably think of food and clothing as the “all these things” since they are mentioned directly before verse 33. I believe peace (not being anxious—versus 25-34), joy (giving or laying up treasure in heaven), and health (what shall we eat, drink, wear?) are included in “these things shall be added unto you.” Seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness will tend to bring with it a healthy lifestyle, along with joy and peace through focusing on what is important—Jesus.
Recalibrate:
Respond: Pray for "all these things to be added unto you" and the ones with whom you work, live, and worship.
Research: What are the top 10 elements that contribute to health?