“Take no thought”, “be not anxious”, “seek you the reign of God”

[VictoryinJesus]

Admit with all going on in the world right now, I’ve been anxious. So to calm down and focus on something other than doom or uncertainty, these passages have been on my mind a lot lately. First, it was the “take no thought for what you will say.” And how God promised the Spirit would proVide the words in that hour. Kept hearing this verse in connection to other verses on taking no thought or “be not anxious” for what you will drink, or eat, or wear. Not to debate this but to consider Paul’s mention of being in a hole, naked and hungry yet while proclaiming “rejoice. I say it again REJOICE!” If Paul was physically naked and hungry, alone in a hole...how can the word say God will provide and “be not in suspense”? and Paul’s mention of all men had left him, yet the Lord stood by his side. Usually use KJV version of “take no thought” and always the “seek first the kingdom of God.” But also consider:

Luke 12:29–33 (YLT): ‘And ye—seek not what ye may eat, or what ye may drink, and be not in suspense, 30for all these things do the nations of the world seek after, and your Father hath known that ye have need of these things; 31but, seek ye the reign of God, and all these things shall be added to you.
32 ‘Fear not, little flock, because your Father did delight to give you the reign; 33sell your goods, and give alms, make to yourselves bags that become not old, a treasure unfailing in the heavens,

“be not in suspense” in what you may eat: “I am the bread”, “be not in suspense” what you may drink “I am the Living water, drink of Me and never thirst again”, “be not in suspense” of what you may put on: Matthew 6:25 (YLT): ‘Because of this I say to you, be not anxious for your life, what ye may eat, and what ye may drink, nor for your body, what ye may put on. Is not the life more than the nourishment, and the body than the clothing?

Nor the body “what you may put on”: Ephesians 4:21–24 (YLT): 1if so be ye did hear him, and in him were taught, as truth is in Jesus; 22ye are to put off concerning the former behaviour the old man, that is corrupt according to the desires of the deceit, 23and to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24and to put on the new man, which, according to God, was created in righteousness and kindness of the truth.

Colossians 3:9–11 (YLT): having put off the old man with his practices, 10and having put on the new, which is renewed in regard to knowledge, after the image of Him who did create him; 11where there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, servant, freeman—but the all and in all—Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:1 (YLT): For we have known that if our earthly house of the tabernacle may be thrown down, a building from God we have, an house not made with hands—age-during—in the heavens,

”seek ye the reign of God, and all these things shall be added to you.“

 

[CharismaticLady]

What helps me is knowing that worry is a sin, so I resist it and turn to my faith in God.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

What helps me is knowing that worry is a sin, so I resist it and turn to my faith in God.

yes, thank you. “I resist it and turn to my faith in God.” James 4:7–8 (LEB): Therefore subject yourselves to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
So much concerning seek you the reign of God. Revelation 1:9 (YLT): 9 I, John, who also am your brother, and fellow-partner in the tribulation, and in the reign and endurance, of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, because of the word of God, and because of the testimony of Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:9–12 (YLT): for ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail, for, night and day working not to be a burden upon any of you, we did preach to you the good news of God; 10ye are witnesses—God also—how kindly and righteously, and blamelessly to you who believe we became, 11even as ye have known, how each one of you, as a father his own children, we are exhorting you, and comforting, and testifying, 12for your walking worthily of God, who is calling you to His own reign and glory.

 

[Windmillcharge]

Yes the times are uncertain, there is a lot of fear of what might happen.

That said this is Avery good time for Christians to stand out from the crowd.

Don't you know you are safe, yes you could die of this virus or a car crash or cancer or old age, but you are safe.
You have a place with Jesus. Do you believe this?

So why copy the world and lock yourself away. If you are yourself vunerable then take extra care, but if you are bidding under the table how are you to witness to your unbelieving neighbors,family and friends.
Join those seeking to help or start organising the help.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Yes the times are uncertain, there is a lot of fear of what might happen.

That said this is Avery good time for Christians to stand out from the crowd.

Don't you know you are safe, yes you could die of this virus or a car crash or cancer or old age, but you are safe.
You have a place with Jesus. Do you believe this?

So why copy the world and lock yourself away. If you are yourself vunerable then take extra care, but if you are bidding under the table how are you to witness to your unbelieving neighbors,family and friends.
Join those seeking to help or start organising the help.

agree. But sometimes I need a reminder. didn’t post to talk about me though but to encourage that reminder. You asked “Don't you know you are safe, yes you could die of this virus or a car crash or cancer or old age, but you are safe. You have a place with Jesus. Do you believe this?” yes.

 

[Windmillcharge]

agree. But sometimes I need a reminder. didn’t post to talk about me though but to encourage that reminder. You asked “Don't you know you are safe, yes you could die of this virus or a car crash or cancer or old age, but you are safe. You have a place with Jesus. Do you believe this?” yes.

And how will this be seen in me by neighbors, work mates, friends and strangers?

 

[Bobby Jo]

... “be not anxious” for what you will drink, or eat, or wear. ...

I don't get it. Jesus said things while HE was on earth. But HE gave NEW INSTRUCTIONS immediately before going to the Garden. So who would be so confused as to follow OLD GUIDANCE, when NEW GUIDANCE is given?!?

Lke: 22:35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one.​

Things change. If you can't change accordingly, then perish.
Bobby Jo

 

[VictoryinJesus]

And how will this be seen in me by neighbors, work mates, friends and strangers?

Get hiding upstairs and doing nothing will come to nothing. Doing what He said and has said to do is profitable. He said when we are weak, He is strong. Not claiming there is no weakness. you asked “and how will this be seen in me by neighbors, work, mates, friends, and strangers?” For God to move in His power and strength. been thinking a lot about the poor. Especially with the images of the elderly and vulnerable out there right now getting this virus. Been thinking a lot about that “elderly and the vulnerable” contrasted by the rising of those who are not concerned and are confident not be in that group...yet is that group “elderly and the vulnerable” not His? as in when you did it not unto them, you did it not unto Christ? Luke 6:20 (YLT): And he, having lifted up his eyes to his disciples, said: ‘Happy the poor—because yours is the reign of God.

James 2:5–7 (YLT): Hearken, my brethren beloved, did not God choose the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the reign that He promised to those loving Him? 6and ye did dishonour the poor one; do not the rich oppress you and themselves draw you to judgment-seats; 7do they not themselves speak evil of the good name that was called upon you?

“you did dishonour the poor one” God has chosen the poor...and to dishonour the poor is to dishonor Him. wouldn’t that include the vulnerable and elderly? Considering a lot the “elderly and the vulnerable” and what is going on, especially right now in Italy. Even here, hearing in US “Thank God we are not among the elderly and vulnerable...just put them away someplace and let us go on with our lives.” best answer to your question possibly : Romans 12:1 (ASV): 12 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

I don't get it. Jesus said things while HE was on earth. But HE gave NEW INSTRUCTIONS immediately before going to the Garden. So who would be so confused as to follow OLD GUIDANCE, when NEW GUIDANCE is given?!?

Lke: 22:35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one.​

Things change. If you can't change accordingly, then perish.
Bobby Jo

just disagree here, Bobby Jo. For many reasons. One) the provide yourself bags which wax not old...which fail not. in the Old Testament there (unless I’m mistaken) there we bags with holes in them, which fail. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you. [32] Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. [33] Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. [34] For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:31-34

to suggest the command is to now go get you some bags which fail instead of “seek you the kingdom of God” and His Reign...sorry just don’t see it. Same as the sword. One is (imo) it is completely ignoring that He was to be numbered with the transgressors, and second He told Peter to put up the sword. Matthew 26:52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

you said “Things change. If you can't change accordingly, then perish.”
” all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”
^what does that say to you? (Revelation 13:10). You go on about His last words for them to take swords and how those where His last words but they are far from His last words. He told Peter to put the sword back in his place and how He could call down mighty angels ...AFTER those words you say were His last command. It is what you want to see to promote ...I’m not sure what.
Wadr...you’ve turned the sword into a weapon where it could be anything to self protect your interest...a gun and other carnal weapons to kill with you’ve listed before. Yet the sword is unique and double-edged for the piercing of the heart and the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and can not be compare to a gun. Again, an opinion. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Show any where in His word where a gun is double- edged and quick, and powerful and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And again Show where a gun or any other carnal weapons yielded by mens hand are mighty in pulling down strongholds, save (only) the Sword of the Spirit.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one.

The uniqueness of the sword:
Luke 2:25–35 (ASV): And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel: (2 Timothy 4:8) and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26And it had been revealed unto him by the Holy Spirit, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27And he came in the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, that they might do concerning him after the custom of the law, 28then he received him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29Now lettest thou thy servant depart, Lord,
According to thy word, in peace;
30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples;
32A light for revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of thy people Israel.
33And his father and his mother were marvelling at the things which were spoken concerning him; 34and Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel; and for a sign which is spoken against; 35yea and a sword shall pierce through thine own soul; that thoughts out of many hearts may be revealed.

 

[Bobby Jo]

just disagree here, ...

Hi VIJ,

It's OK. There are MANY who disagree with Jesus. Of course HE gives guidance to bless us, prosper us, and protect us. But some rationalize why we shouldn't obey HIS instructions. -- It will cost us, but we all choose.

Lke 22:35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one.​

And let us be reminded of Esther's experience:

Esther 8:11 By these the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to slay, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, with their children and women, and to plunder their goods,​

So if you and your family want to be destroyed, annihilated, attacked, and plundered, -- don't plan, don't provision, and don't defend yourself. You're on your own.

Bobby Jo

 

[VictoryinJesus]

And let us be reminded of Esther's experience:

Esther 8:11 By these the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives, to destroy, to slay, and to annihilate any armed force of any people or province that might attack them, with their children and women, and to plunder their goods,
So if you and your family want to be destroyed, annihilated, attacked, and plundered, -- don't plan, don't provision, and don't defend yourself. You're on your own.

Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

?

 

[Bobby Jo]

Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Scripture does not contradict Scripture. So PLEASE OBEY ALL SCRIPTURE, including Lke 22:36. If you don't OBEY ALL SCRIPTURE, you will not receive all the Promises, Provision, and Protection which GOD has for you.

Lke 22:35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one.​

... or DON'T OBEY!
Bobby Jo

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Scripture does not contradict Scripture. So PLEASE OBEY ALL SCRIPTURE, including Lke 22:36. If you don't OBEY ALL SCRIPTURE, you will not receive all the Promises, Provision, and Protection which GOD has for you.

Lke 22:35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one.​

Thanks,
Bobby Jo

no contradiction. Hebrews 10:34 For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.

Luke 12:31–34 (YLT): but, seek ye the reign of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32 ‘Fear not, little flock, because your Father did delight to give you the reign; 33sell your goods, and give alms, make to yourselves bags that become not old, a treasure unfailing (enduring)in the heavens, where thief doth not come near, nor moth destroy; 34for where your treasure is, there also your heart will be.

what...bags become not old?
What goods (substance) does not spoil?

 

[Bobby Jo]

no contradiction. Hebrews 10:34 ...

YOU DON'T HAVE TO OBEY Lke 22:35-36. I've already stated that. You can treat Scripture as though it were a buffet line for all I care. It's your choice.

I'm only advising you that disobedience has consequences. So if you happy with the PENALTY, then please be happy! And PLEASE, no more excuses/rationalizations/justifications, -- if you want to be disobedient, just be disobedient ...
Bobby Jo

 

[VictoryinJesus]

YOU DON'T HAVE TO OBEY Lke 22:35-36. I've already stated that. You can treat Scripture as though it were a buffet line for all I care. It's your choice.

I'm only advising you that disobedience has consequences. So if you happy with the PENALTY, then please be happy! And PLEASE, no more excuses/rationalizations/justifications, -- if you want to be disobedient, just be disobedient ...
Bobby Jo

you never addressed those verses but completely ignored them for one. Ignoring also the command is to seek first His reign and one must be born again. I like you and think you are only trying to help me. So thank you but we disagree. Still hoping the best for you and yours.

 

[Bobby Jo]

you never addressed those verses but completely ignored them for one. ...

Everything has a context. The context for Lke 22:35-36 is NEW GUIDANCE. And so while you incorporate your other verses, also be sure to incorporate Lke 22:35-36. -- Scripture DOES NOT contradict Scripture.

And I DO hope when you won't be able to buy or sell, and when global thermonuclear war comes, that you won't perish for lack of resources!
Bobby Jo

 

[Nancy]

What helps me is knowing that worry is a sin, so I resist it and turn to my faith in God.

It is a lack of faith, yes...but, if we have zero control over something, wouldn't we rather put these things (worries, fretting, being anxious) in His hands anyway?? He is faithful...even when we are not. He said to be anxious for NOTHING. Our faith can move mountains

 

[VictoryinJesus]

And I DO hope when you won't be able to buy or sell, and when global thermonuclear war comes, that you won't perish for lack of resources!

thanks. But He has already said the outward man perishes and that which is temporary the end there of is death. As He has already said what endures to the end and does not perish is the things not seen, 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (YLT): wherefore, we faint not, but if also our outward man doth decay, yet the inward is renewed day by day; 17for the momentary light matter of our tribulation, more and more exceedingly an age-during weight of glory doth work out for us— 18we not looking to the things seen, but to the things not seen; for the things seen are temporary, but the things not seen are age-during.

So how does lack of resources in what is temporary have anything to do with not perishing? For the sake of conversation even in considering the verse you said to consider....In Hebrews it says they took joyfully the spoiling of their goods knowing they had a better and lasting treasure in God. As in God loves a cheerful giver. To me, it is saying in taking the spoiling of your goods joyfully is a testimony that this is perishing and temporary and to seek that which does not perish but endures. A testimony in action and faith in “an age-during weight of glory (Christ)doth work out for us”

Show in His word where He says goods that are temporary (weapons, temporal bags, and a purse which you said once you can’t tell me what color of purse to get) how any of those things can keep what is temporary from perishing?

 

[Bobby Jo]

...
So how does lack of resources in what is temporary have anything to do with not perishing? ...

GOD created us to have eternal life on earth. If you dispense with that aspect, then you fall into the cult of mass suicide, because apparently people can be convinced that they loose NOTHING if they move into the next realm. It's happens all the time, -- under the Jim Jones cult, under the "Heavens Gate" cult, and even when satan lies to us to kill ourselves.

But Jesus came that we might have life (here on earth and in heaven) and life more abundantly. So is there a reason that you curse yourself by not obeying the blessings, the provision, and the protection which Jesus instructed us in?

Don't be deceived. Obey Scripture:

Lke 22:35 And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no purse or bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” 36 He said to them, “But now, let him who has a purse take it, and likewise a bag. And let him who has no sword sell his mantle and buy one.​

Bobby Jo