LIVING AT PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE CRISIS

LIVING AT PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE CRISIS

Scripture: Matthew 6:24-34

I. Storms Come
a. In this world we will face many trials and times of crisis
b. Ecclesiastes reminds us that to everything there is a season
c. The question in not how to avoid the storms of life—because they are inevitable; rather the question is how we survive the storms of life.
i. Isaiah 43:2- When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
ii. 23rd Psalm
iii. We survive by building our lives upon the rock of Jesus Christ!
1. Psalm 61:2- From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
II. Do Not Worry
a. If we build our lives upon the rock of Jesus Christ we will survive the storms of this life.
i. Jesus and the disciples in the boat!
ii. Our reaction to crisis is normally what can we do—we develop plans and programs- to our resources
1. In the nation’s financial crisis—it was the love of money that created this crisis.
2. 1 Timothy 6:10- For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
3. Matthew 6:24- No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.
iii. The Bible says that we are to turn to God
1. Proverbs 3:5-6- 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
2. 2 Chronicles 7:14- if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
a. We are called by name of Jesus Christ and are His people!
i. 6And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. (Romans 1)
ii. Romans 8:28- 28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,[a] who[b] have been called according to his purpose.
b. Our eternal hope is secure is Jesus Christ!
i. John 14- 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
ii. 1 Corinthians 15- 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
iii. Hebrews 6- 6But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.
c. Our treasure is not in this world—but in heaven.
i. Matthew 6- 19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
ii. Philippians 4:19- And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
1. Our needs are met in Christ Jesus!
2. John 14:14- You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
3. Philippians 4:6- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
4. Wait upon the Lord!
d. Therefore—we seek FIRST the Kingdom of God.
i. Philippians 3:7- But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.
ii. Philippians 1:19-21- Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[a] 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. 21For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
iii. Titus 2- 12It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
III. Jesus will never leave us, nor forsake us
a. Daniel 3- 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." 25 He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."
b. Hebrews 13:5- Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."