Consider the Lilies

Sermon Summary – “Consider the Lilies” | Pastor Paul Bailey

In this week’s message, Pastor Paul Bailey drew from Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:28–30, urging listeners to “consider the lilies of the field.” Lilies do not labor or strive, yet they grow into the fullness of what God designed them to be. Unlike the lilies, however, people often wrestle with anxiety, false expectations, and the pressures of the world that seek to shape them into something God never intended. Pastor Bailey reminded the congregation that the Christian journey is one of returning to God’s original design through repentance, renewal, and transformation by the Spirit.

The message began with the necessity of repentance. Drawing from Acts 3:19, Pastor Bailey explained that before anyone can live as God intends, they must first turn away from what the world has made them. Repentance clears the way for new life in Christ. Like the first believers in the book of Acts, we too must make a conscious decision to walk differently, laying aside old ways of thinking so God can begin His work of restoration.

From there, Pastor Bailey emphasized the ongoing work of renewal. Transformation does not happen overnight, but “line upon line, precept upon precept” (Isaiah 28:10). Passages such as Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:22–24 remind us that we are called to put off the old nature and be continually renewed in the spirit of our minds. Renewal happens daily through prayer, reading Scripture, and surrendering to the Spirit’s leading. Pastor Bailey encouraged believers not to be discouraged by the gradual pace of this process, but to trust that God is building His people step by step, just as a builder lays a structure brick by brick.

The ultimate aim, Pastor Bailey declared, is to take on the mind of Christ. Philippians 2:5–8 paints a picture of humility, obedience, and servanthood—qualities that should increasingly shape every believer. Growth in grace and knowledge is lifelong (2 Peter 3:18), but we can rest in the promise that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6).

Closing the message with 2 Corinthians 3:18, Pastor Bailey reminded the church that while none of us are yet all that God intends, His Spirit is transforming us from “glory to glory.” Just as the lilies reflect the beauty of God’s design without striving, we too can reflect His glory as we yield ourselves to Him.

This message challenges listeners to release anxiety, let go of worldly pressures, and embrace the Spirit-led journey of becoming who God created them to be. Pastor Bailey’s teaching offered both encouragement and direction: we are called to repentance, daily renewal, and the mind of Christ, with the assurance that God Himself is faithful to complete the work.