Anxiety
Matthew 6:25-34
What is anxiety? Anxiety is based of fears of the unknown.
Job/Career, Health/Safety, Family Issues, Education, Other.
Jesus knew that His followers would be tempted to worry. His teachings in todays lesson should encourage us to trust God with problems that tempt us to be anxious.
Matthew 6:25-26
1) Why do you think Jesus used birds in His example?
2) Was Jesus implying that persons should sit back and wait on Jesus to meet their needs? Why or why not?
Birds are not examples of idleness, but of the absence of anxiety.
(Look these up- Proverbs 18:9, 2 Thess. 3:11)
Jesus sought to free His disciples from the anxieties and obsessions of daily life by teaching them that God is concerned about their physical needs. Christians can avoid anxiety by considering the value God places on them
You are special.
Let me share a story. A family with young children found a way to remind themselves of being special to God. They bought a dinner plate that had ”You are special today” written on it. Any member of the family could choose to place the special plate at the dinner table to encourage someone else.
3) What are some ways that you been reminded of being special to God?
4) What are some ways you have reminded others?
Matthew 6:27-30
(Make two columns across the board. “Results of Anxiety” and “Alternatives to Anxiety” Ask for stuff under the results column then stuff for alternative column. Then write FAITH in large letters across both columns.)
The key to avoiding the “results” and choosing the “alternatives” is living by faith.
Little faith does not mean no faith. Disciples are pilgrims of faith-on their way but not yet there.
Worry is like a rocking chair, it will give you something to do, but it won't get you anywhere.
5) How can anxiety affect one's Christian witness?
Matthew 6:31-32
6) Why would Jesus compare anxious Christians with pagans? First of all what is a pagan?
7) What are some ways that God has met your needs in the past?
God meets Christians' needs sometime by the help given by fellow believers.
8) How can we become more sensitive to the needs of others?
Matthew 6:33
This verse is the key verse in understanding what Jesus is teaching in vs. 25-34.
9) What is the meaning of “kingdom”?
10) Does this verse mean that God will always give us what we need to sustain life? Why, or why not?
11) When Jesus spoke this promise, could He have had in mind the role of fellow believers in helping needy brothers and sisters?
12) In what ways can Christians fulfill the role of helping?
Matthew 6:34
13) Does God's promise include exemption from troubles? Why or Why not?
Jesus encouraged His disciples to make God and His rule the top priority in their lives. Anxiety prevents Christians from devoting themselves to God's kingdom and God's concerns. When believers put God first, they are able to avoid being overcome by anxiety. Jesus also knew unavoidable trials would arise in the lives of His disciples. We are to meet the struggles of each day, not worry about tomorrow, and rely on the Father's gracious provision for the future.
Summing up the Lesson
1. Anxiety denies the Father's care. Because God creates and sustains our lives, we can trust Him for food and clothes.
2. Anxiety hinders faith. Anxiety shortens instead of lengthens life. Worries about clothes reveal an imperfect faith.
3. Anxiety characterizes pagans. Pagans constantly run after more and better possessions for themselves. Believers can trust the Father who knows our true needs.
4. Anxiety prevents spiritual growth. Jesus calls His followers to make God's kingdom and righteousness their consuming ambition. When they can do, they can trust the Father to provide all they need to do His will.
5. Anxiety threatens the future. Freedom from anxiety and freedom from trouble are not the same thing. Christians should not be surprised when they face trouble. However, they should not waste their energies worrying about troubles they may face in the future.
WHY OPEN AN UMBRELLA BEFORE IT STARTS RAINING?
How does this question relate to our lesson? Does it mean we should not prepare for the future? Why or Why not?
1 comment:
It is hard not to worry and become concerned with getting ahead in life. Matthew 6:25 to 6:34 is perhaps my favorite scripture in the Bible Year after year I often return to this section of the Bible when under stress and need an uplifting of spirit. I do like the fact that you differentiate between being busy and being a busybody. I believe that being busy is a good way to keep out of trouble. To me a busybody is someone who goes about creating problems for themselves or making small problems bigger. I struggle with this myself as I waste copious amounts of time worrying. In the end I ultimately can’t change what tomorrow has in store for me. Perhaps this is why I find this particular scripture so comforting. Sometimes it is the only thing that is able to slow my busy mind.
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