HPUMC - Sanctuary Sermons (Traditional Worship)

Rev. Dr. Abe Smith

Rev. Matt Tuggle

Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Jesus says not to worry. The apostle Paul doubles down on that. But why? Worry is such a part of so many of our lives that Jesus’ and Paul’s words seem like inspirational platitudes rather than achievable ideals. In a world wrought with reason for worry, why should we not worry? In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses worry by reminding us of God’s care for creation. He points to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field as examples of God’s provision, asking us to consider how much more God cares for us. Jesus is not suggesting that we have no legitimate concerns or that everything will always work out the way we want. Instead, he invites us to recognize that the Creator of the universe knows us and values us. Because we are known and loved by God, we do not have to face our fears as though everything depends on us alone. Jesus connects worry to faith, not simply as a belief that God exists but as a deep trust in God’s character and faithfulness. We may try to overcome worry by convincing ourselves that everything will be fine or by reminding ourselves that worrying accomplishes nothing. While those approaches may sometimes help, they often fall short when we face our deepest fears. Faith invites us to look honestly at even the worst-case scenario and remember that, whatever happens, we remain known, loved, and valued by God. This does not guarantee the outcomes we desire, but it gives us a foundation of trust that can sustain us through uncertainty.

Rev. Chip Robertson

Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. What wouldn’t Jesus do? These instructions about what Jesus wouldn’t do aren't meant to be finger-wagging. They are meant to be an invitation to a deeper relationship with God and to face the struggle together. One thing Jesus wouldn’t do is put his trust in his stuff. While this shouldn’t surprise you, the question is, why? Why is Jesus so insistent on this? The reason is both deeply practical and deeply spiritual. If you have ever struggled with the relentless desire to acquire, these words of Jesus will speak directly to you. We live in a society where we are constantly bombarded with the latest and greatest. We often put our trust in possessions and what is tangible. However, as followers of Jesus, we are called to not put our faith in temporary things.  The danger isn't in having things; it's in allowing those things to have us. Jesus challenges us to consider where we have placed our trust. Do we believe we will be OK because we know God is faithful or because we have enough money in the bank? Do we find our identity in being children of God or in the things that signal success to the world around us? Ultimately, Jesus invites us to enjoy the good things in life without allowing them to take God’s place in our hearts.