(5) Matt 6. 19-34: WALKING WITH A CLEAR PERSPECTIVE

INTRODUCTION:

 In the Christian life nothing is more important than maintaining a clear focus on the right things. This gives us right perspective for our Christian walk. This week’s passage urges us to always fix our eyes on and fill our minds with two vital truths: OUR HEAVENLY FUTURE and OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. Keep these in mind and other things fall into place.

I. 6.19-24: FOCUSED ON A HEAVENLY FUTURE

• What two alternative perspectives on life does Jesus contrast in these verses?
• How prevalent are they? How dominating?
• How do they manifest themselves in our lives?

How practically can I recognise which one is controlling my life? (What are the tell-tale signs?)

• What various reasons does Jesus put forward to show:-

…..it is wrong and foolish to be focused wholly on the things of this world?

…..it is right and wise to keep a focus on a heavenly future?

How powerful do you find his reasons?

• How much do you think about your heavenly future? What does the Bible teach about it? How real and great a motivation is it to you?

[A DIFFICULTY: 6.22-23: Puzzling verses? Whatever does Jesus mean? It seems to me that in them Jesus is developing this idea of the importance of ‘perspective’, of ‘seeing’ clearly. ‘See’ right and your life is full of light. A bad perspective means darkness in your life. Does this understanding ring true to you? Does it help?]

BEING FOCUSED ON A HEAVENLY FUTURE PREVENTS US BEING DIVERTED FROM OUR CHRISTIAN WALK.

II. 6.25-34: FOCUSED ON A HEAVENLY FATHER

(Note: "don’t worry about" [6.25] means ‘don’t become distracted with anxiety about’. It does not mean ‘don’t give the slightest thought or attention to’!)

• What alternative outlooks on life does Jesus contrast in these verses?
• Which areas of living does Jesus refer to as possible areas for human anxiety?
• Are these still areas of anxiety today? What things make modern people most anxious?
• How great a problem is anxiety? (To people in general? To you personally?)
• What is the opposite of anxiety?
• In this passage Jesus puts forward a number of important considerations that can counteract anxiety in the Christian heart.
• List the various things he mentions.

Do you find that, as you ponder and pray over these things, they allay your anxiety?

BEING FOCUSED ON A HEAVENLY FATHER PREVENTS OUR BEING DISTRACTED AND ANXIETY-RIDDEN ON OUR CHRISTIAN WALK.

KEY VERSE

? What would you choose as the one key verse in the whole of this passage?

POSSIBLE WAY TO END:

Why not (as a whole group or split into 3s or 4s) share together your own concerns, preoccupations and anxieties and them bring them together to your Heavenly Father in prayer.