Text: Matthew 6:25-34; Philippians 4:6-10
The sermon highlights that anxiety often disconnects us from being present and can lead to a reliance on self rather than faith in God’s provision. By seeking God’s kingdom first and trusting in His abundant provision, believers can find peace amidst life’s uncertainties and burdens.
Questions:
Open The Scriptures
1. What did Jesus mean when he said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you,” as referenced in Matthew 6:33? How does this verse relate to the overall theme of anxiety discussed in the sermon?
2. Reflect on the story from Matthew 6 about the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. What aspects of God’s character are highlighted by these examples, and how do they speak to issues of anxiety and provision?
3. How does the story of Adam and Eve’s anxiety and hiding from God in Genesis 3 illustrate the origins of anxiety? What connections can you make to today’s themes of control and misplaced trust?
4. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul talks about prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving as antidotes to anxiety. How do these practices offer peace according to the text, and why might they be effective in combating anxiety?
Open Your Lives
1. Consider the question: “What rules your imagination?” Reflect on the things you find yourself most anxious about, and discuss how these anxieties influence your daily life and faith.
2. Anxiety can lead to a fragmented life. In what ways have you experienced fragmentation in your life due to worry? What steps have you found helpful to restore a sense of wholeness?
3. What are some ways you can “cast all your cares” upon God in your daily routine? Share practical steps you could take to hand over your anxieties to Him and trust in His sufficiency.
4. Reflect on the idea of “Control is an illusion”. How does this statement resonate with your experiences? Discuss how releasing control and trusting in God’s provision can impact your approach to life’s challenges.When do you tend to struggle to believe that God is enough for you?
Elizabeth Elliot said, “Fear arises when we imagine everything depends on us.” How does this resonate with you?
Do we trust that God’s grace is actually sufficient for us? How does this belief play out in your life?
Spend some time praying through the anxieties people experience in your group.
Prayers to help with anxiety
Welcome Prayer
Welcome, welcome, welcome.
I welcome everything that comes to me today because I know it’s for my healing.
I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations, and conditions.
I let go of my desire for power and control.
I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, approval, and pleasure.
I let go of my desire for survival and security.
I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person, or myself.
I open to the love and presence of God, and God’s healing action within.
Amen.
Novena Prayer of Surrender
O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, take care of everything! – Surrender Novena
From St. Teresa Of Avila
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing away:
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things
Whoever has God lacks nothing;
God alone suffices. – Teresa of Avila