Closer "Close Enough to Meet Our Needs" - Luke 12:22-34 - Tim Nay

LifeSpring Christian Church Sermons

Close Enough to Meet Our Needs
Luke 12:22-34
Tim Nay

Part of Closer - A Study in Luke

March 24, 2024

Close Enough to Meet Our Needs
Luke 12:22-34; Philippians 4:4-9
Tim Nay

*Overcoming an anxious heart: *

And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. —Luke 12:22-23And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. —Luke 12:15And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God. —Luke 12:19-21

• Focus more on your spiritual health than physical health.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. —2 Corinthians 4:16And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? —Luke 12:25-26

• Focus on productive thoughts—practice.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. —Philippians 4:8-9Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! —Luke 12:24Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,[a] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. —Luke 12:27-30

• Focus on how God provides for creation.

Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32 “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. —Luke 12:31-34

• Focus on serving others.

TAKEAWAY: Pay attention to what you think about.