Look up, Look down, Look to God | Matthew 6:25-34

We just started a brand new sermon series called: Real Talk. The Bible teaches us that we’re body, mind, and soul. In this new series we’re going to look at what Scripture teaches about: anxiety, fear, and worry. I need you to know that as much counseling I’ve done, I’m not a therapist. I’m not a mental health professional. I'm a pastor and a theologian. During this sermon series we’re going to look at what is happening in our culture surrounding fear, worry, and anxiety. We’re going to see what Scripture teaches us on those subjects. It seemed helpful to share these small group questions for others to view/use. 

Small Group | Look up, Look down, Look to God | Matthew 6:25-34

According to recent data, about 19% of adults were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder this past year and 31% will deal with it sometime in their lifetime. The Bible offers us solutions to deal with our fear, worry, and anxiety. That is why we’re looking at what God’s word says when we are struggling with these things. In this new series we’re going to look at what Scripture teaches about: anxiety, fear, and worry. I’m praying for God to show up in a powerful way in this series. This series isn’t just for us but for those who we are connected with. Today we’re going to look up to the birds, look down to the flowers, and then look to God.

1) According to recent data, about 19% of adults were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder this past year and 31% will deal with it sometime in their lifetime. Share a time in your life when you struggled with anxiety or worry. What/who helped you? 

2) Read Matthew 6:25-27. Jesus begins this section of teaching by instructing us to look at the birds and how God provides for them. Jesus teaches that we are more valuable than the birds, do you believe that? Why or why not? (see Genesis 1:26-27) 

3) Jesus asks us if we can add a single hour of our life by worrying? What are some of things that you find yourself worrying about the most in life and what triggers that worry? Read Matthew 11:28-30, Colossians 3:15, and Psalm 55:22. 

4) Read Matthew 6:28-32. Jesus makes the correlation that our worry reveals a lack of faith in our life. Read Hebrews 11:1, 6, and Romans 10:17. What are some practical steps we can take to reduce our worry and increase our faith in God? 

5) Jesus reminds us that God will provide our most basic needs in life: food and clothing but sometimes that is hard to see given the consumerism taking place around us. Share with your group a personal story of when you saw God provide.

6) Read Matthew 6:33-34. Instead of focusing on what we don’t have or the selfish desires of our heart, we are invited to seek the Kingdom of God first. What are some ways we can seek God’s Kingdom and righteousness on a daily basis? 

7) In the sermon we learned four ways to seek God’s Kingdom First: We live within our means, We focus on what we need and not what we want, We let go of the things of this world, We honor the Sabbath. What one of those would you like to work on the most this week? What one is most difficult for you to apply when you’re worried? 

Close your time in prayer. Pray for strength to invite a friend to meet Jesus.