Take Out The Garbage

The first sack of garbage you could give Jesus would be the one that represents your guilt and shame. Listen to what the Bible says in Jeremiah 3:25: “We lie down in our shame—and our reproach covers us for we have sinned against the Lord our God.” We have sinned against God! You know why you may feel guilty this morning? Because you are guilty! I’m guilty! The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that: “ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God!” The Bible didn’t say some or most of us. It said ALL of us have sinned. And until you come to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are guilty before God—you have shame before God.

But thanks goodness that He says in Hebrews 12:2 that we should: “look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

How thankful we should be this morning that we can dump our guilt and shame at the feet of Jesus. How grateful we should be this morning that the Bible says in Romans 8:1 that: “There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” There is now no guilt, no shame—Jesus has taken our guilt—He has taken our shame. So if you’re here this morning and you’re burdened with guilt and shame—Give it to Jesus. He can handle it for you.

Another sack might represent worry or unbelief. Did you know that’s sin? Are you going to spend your life worrying about things? Worrying about family, finances—worrying about this or that?

Many of you had two neighbors move in next door to you and you didn’t even realize it. Two families—the “Whaddiff” and the “Howills.” They live on both sides of you—“What if this happens—what will I do?” And you worry about that. Or—“How will we ever survive this?” or “How will we ever make ends meet?” “How will we pay the bills?”

You’re living right in the middle of the “Whaddiffs” and the “Howills.” And you’re sinning—because your mind is divided. You’re either walking by faith or you’re walking through fear. “I just don’t know what’s going to happen?”

You don’t have to know what’s going to happen—you just need to know who’s in control of all that is happening—and that’s a Sovereign God. In Matthew 6:27-33 Jesus said: “Which one of you by worrying can add one cubit to his life’s span? And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin. Yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these. But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you. O men of little faith.”

All these things will be taken care of. Seek first the kingdom of God! Get rid of the worry and unbelief.

Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Some of you are carrying around tons of worry today. You just have to dump it. Today! Give it to Jesus!