November 29, 2014
This week’s study is based on Matthew 6:25-34 and is about….
‘Worry’
1. What is worry? Think about the following questions. Share and discuss your thoughts.
· How would you describe it?
· What other words could you use, eg ‘anxiety’, ‘tension’, etc?
· Why do people worry?
· How do you feel? What is your experience? How does it affect your life?
· What triggers it?
· Can we control it?
· What is the opposite to worry?
2. Read Matthew 6:25-34.
What are the three things Jesus says not to worry about? What are the reasons He gives?
Discuss the practical logic Jesus expresses in Matthew 6:27 and His teaching in Matthew 6:34.
Do these help to keep you from worrying? If so, how or if not? Share with your group.
When we worry where is our focus?
What point does Jesus make about unbelievers and their focus in Matthew 6:32?
What are the assurances Jesus gives in Matthew 6:26 and Matthew 6:30 Matthew 6:32, Matthew 6:33?
When we worry what are we really saying to God what we believe by our attitude and actions about His above assurances?
3. Is there a difference between worry and concern?
Compare Jesus teaching in Matthew 6:25-34 with Paul’s comments in 2ndCorinthians 2:4 and 2nd Corinthians 11:28.
4. Look at the following passages….
· Philippians 4:6-7. What does Paul say not to do, to do and the result?
How significant do you think it is for us to apply Philippians 4:8 to help us have victory over the temptation to worry? Keep in mind Jesus words in Matthew 6:32.
· 1st Peter 5:6-7. What are God’s promises? How important do you think it is to follow Peter’s instruction, ‘So humble yourselves….’
5. Matthew 6:33 is all about priorities…. ‘seeking God first’. What then is the ‘everything’ we will be given?
7. Has anything we have covered in this study been helpful?
If so how will you put it into practice next time you are tempted to worry?
Share in your group and spend some time praying for specific needs for each other.