Sermon: Crisis of Faith and New Perspective About Life
Bible Passage: Psalm 73 & Matthew 6:22-33
I. The psalmist probably was not firm about God’s goodness toward him (vv. 1-2)
1. He thought that God was good only to “Israel” collectively, not necessarily personally to him (verse 1)
2. He thought that God loved only those who are pure in heart (verse 1)
3. For a period of time, the psalmist went through crisis of his faith (verse 2)
II. What the psalmist focused passionately influenced his thoughts and actions (vv. 4-16)
1. The Psalmist developed an unhealthy passion for money, materials, and social prominence of others (vv. 3-12)
2. Looking at the wrong people and place put the psalmist on a slippery slope (vv. 13-16)
(a) Dissatisfaction (verse 13)
(b) Bitterness (verse 14)
(c) Distress (verse 16)
III. The psalmist came to his senses when he went to the Temple—in other words, when he had a real meeting with God (verse 17-28)
1. He understood that the people he admired are in slippery slope, which was his experience
a little while ago (vv. 18-20) —God’s goodness is not always worldly blessings
2. God’s presence throws light on the psalmist’s flaws (vv. 21-22)
3. The psalmist understands that he needed God more than money, materials, and social significance which he admired a few minutes ago (23-28)
IV. Jesus cautioned His disciples/followers about the struggles they would face with regard to their loyalty to Him and their love for the materials of the world
(Matt 6:22-33)
1. If not careful, they will have an obsession for accumulation of wealth and money (vv. 22-24)
2. If not careful, they will be preoccupied with material and physical needs (25-32)
V. According to Jesus, healing from obsession for materials and wealth, and preoccupation with physical and materials is not instant but ongoing (verse 33)
1. They must seek God’s kingdom and righteousness
2. They must seek God and His interest as the most prominent goal of their life (ONLY GOD GIVES US CORRECT PERSPECTIVES FOR LIFE)
VI. Take Away
Surround yourself with people who seek God’s Kingdom as their priority
