Seek Firstنموونە

"Sermon on the Mount" Collection

The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5–7 is widely recognized as one of the most famous sermons Jesus ever delivered. As the first of five major discourses in Matthew’s Gospel, one of the central messages is clear: Jesus rules a Kingdom that is not of this world, and He calls us to live in a way that looks different from the world. Prayerfully, as we study Jesus’ words together, our understanding of His message will deepen—transforming us from the inside out.

Where We’re Going:

What should we do with our worry? When anxiety attacks, what should be our response? As we continue our trek through the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives us the answer in the conclusion of chapter 6:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 ESV)

In the midst of addressing the worries of those gathered around Him, Jesus exhorts His followers to seek Him first. Anxiety is the result of placing our trust in anything or anyone other than God.

In the “Seek First” Bible study, we’re going to walk through Matthew 6:25–7:11 and take a closer look at four things we’re often tempted to pursue before Jesus:

Day 1) Needs (Matthew 6:25-32)

Day 2) Tomorrow (Matthew 6:33-34)

Day 3) Others (Matthew 7:1-6)

Day 4) Desires (Matthew 7:7-11)

Prayerfully, as we study God’s Word together, our worry will be replaced with a passionate desire to seek Him first!

Day 1) Needs

Three Lies That Fuel Your Anxiety

1) Life Is About Survival

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing” (Matthew 6:25 ESV)

When you're facing a significant need, it can consume your thoughts. Struggling with severe hunger, thirst or even uncertainty about where you will live is exhausting. Many in Jesus’ audience on the mountain had firsthand experience with these obstacles. In the midst of these concerns, He makes the radical statement that our lives have a deeper need than food, water and shelter. Jesus is our deepest need, and life is about cultivating a relationship with Him and sharing Him with others.

2) You Don’t Matter

“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:26-27 ESV)

Our secular culture wants you to believe that you're just another creature, equal in worth to the birds of the air. However, we must remember that God has bestowed special value on humanity; we are the only creatures He breathed life into (Gen. 2:7). You're not just another animal, you are a being formed in God’s image! If He takes care of the birds and the rest of the animals, how much more will He take care of you, His prized possession?

3) Provision Is Up To You

“And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.” (Matthew 6:28-32 ESV)

The next time you feel worried about having enough, take a moment to consider the lilies and the grass. They don’t strive or strain for provision; God simply takes care of them. This doesn’t mean we have an excuse to be lazy and avoid meaningful labor. After all, we were created by God for good works (Eph. 2:10). It means that, as we seek God first and work to glorify Him, He promises to provide for every need we have!

Big Idea: Anxiety often stems from believing lies about survival, self-worth and provision, but Jesus reminds us that God knows our needs and values us deeply. Trusting in His care frees us to focus on knowing Him and living out His purpose for our lives!

Let’s Think About This:

Question 1) Which of the three lies do you personally struggle with the most, and why?

Question 2) How does understanding God’s care for you change the way you approach your anxious thoughts?

Question 3) What practical steps can you take to seek God first when you feel overwhelmed by your needs?