Finding Peace: Overcoming Worry Through Faith
Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the pervasive issue of worry that plagues our lives. We began by acknowledging the myriad of concerns that burden us daily, from the mundane to the profound. We worry about the future, our children, our health, and even the state of our world. The uncertainty of what lies ahead often seems to be the only certainty we have, and it is this uncertainty that breeds worry.
However, I brought good news to the congregation, drawing from the profound wisdom of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus addresses worry head-on, offering us guidance on how to navigate through our anxieties. We embarked on a journey through the "In the Footsteps of the Savior" series, connecting with the physical places Jesus visited to make His teachings more tangible and real to us.
We traveled in spirit to the Sea of Galilee, to the very hill where Jesus delivered His sermon, and imagined Him speaking directly to us, urging us not to worry about our basic needs because our Heavenly Father knows and provides for them. Jesus's words were not just for His first-century audience, who lived with the daily struggle for food and clothing, but they resonate with us today, addressing our modern worries.
Jesus's message was clear: do not worry about tomorrow, for each day has enough trouble of its own. Instead, we are called to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to us as well. This is not a call to passivity but an invitation to active participation in bringing about the kingdom of God here on earth.
The kingdom of God is depicted as a place where worry does not exist, where every person can flourish without shame. We are encouraged to redirect our energy from worry to making the kingdom happen. This means countering hate with unconditional love, visiting those who are forgotten, being generous even when we fear scarcity, and remembering the sovereignty of Christ over all earthly powers.
In practical terms, we discussed the concern of declining church attendance post-pandemic and how we can respond by inviting others to join us, whether in person or through virtual means. We are reminded that the kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality that we are called to manifest through our actions and trust in God.
Key Takeaways:
- Worry is a universal human experience, but Jesus teaches us that it is futile and distracts us from what truly matters. By focusing on the kingdom of God, we can find peace and purpose in the midst of life's uncertainties. [37:19]
- The kingdom of God is not just a spiritual concept but a tangible reality that we are called to build here on earth. It is a place where needs are met, love reigns, and shame is absent. Our role is to actively participate in making this vision a reality. [45:51]
- Generosity is a powerful antidote to worry. When we give, we place our trust in God's provision and learn to rely on Him. This act of faith can deepen our relationship with God and bring us peace. [49:22]
- The church is not just a building or a Sunday service; it is a community that extends beyond walls. In times of worry about church attendance, we can reach out and invite others into the fold, demonstrating the inclusive love of Christ. [51:25]
- Remembering Christ's sovereignty is crucial when faced with political turmoil or personal fears about death and the afterlife. Our faith in the one who conquered death can give us hope and assurance, no matter what challenges we face. [49:58]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:25-34 - "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the specific worries mentioned in the sermon that people commonly have today? ([33:17])
2. How does Jesus use the examples of birds and flowers to illustrate His point about worry? ([37:19])
3. What does Jesus say about the relationship between worry and adding time to our lives? ([37:19])
4. According to the sermon, what does the kingdom of God look like, and how does it relate to worry? ([45:51])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize not worrying about basic needs like food and clothing? How does this teaching apply to our modern context? ([39:56])
2. How does seeking the kingdom of God first help alleviate worry, according to the sermon? ([42:18])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of generosity in combating worry? How does this principle work in practice? ([48:49])
4. How does the concept of the kingdom of God as a place without shame and worry challenge our current understanding of community and church? ([45:51])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a specific worry you have about the future. How can you apply Jesus's teaching to not worry about tomorrow in this situation? ([52:55])
2. The sermon suggests redirecting energy from worry to making the kingdom of God happen. What is one practical step you can take this week to contribute to this vision? ([46:27])
3. Generosity is highlighted as a way to combat worry. Can you think of a time when being generous helped you trust in God's provision? How can you practice generosity this week? ([48:49])
4. The sermon mentions the concern of declining church attendance. How can you personally invite someone to join your church community, either in person or virtually? ([51:25])
5. When faced with political turmoil or personal fears, how can remembering Christ's sovereignty provide you with hope and assurance? ([49:58])
6. The kingdom of God is described as a place where needs are met and love reigns. How can you contribute to creating such an environment in your local community or church? ([45:51])
7. Think about a person who might feel forgotten or isolated. What is one specific action you can take this week to reach out to them and show them they are not forgotten? ([48:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Today's Sufficiency
Worry is a common thread that weaves through the fabric of human existence, often distracting us from the present moment and the sufficiency it holds. Jesus's teaching reminds us that each day comes with its own set of challenges, and it is within these challenges that we find the opportunity to grow and trust in God's provision. Worrying about tomorrow only serves to rob us of the peace available to us today. By focusing on the present and seeking God's kingdom first, we align ourselves with His will, allowing us to experience the fullness of life one day at a time. This approach does not negate planning or foresight but encourages a trust-based relationship with God, where our daily needs are met through faith and not through anxiety. [37:19]
Matthew 6:34 (ESV)
"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Reflection: How can you practice trusting in God's provision for today's needs without worrying about the uncertainties of tomorrow?
Day 2: Building the Kingdom on Earth
The kingdom of God is not a distant or abstract concept but a reality that believers are called to actively construct in their daily lives. It is a realm where love triumphs over hate, generosity overcomes scarcity, and dignity is restored to the marginalized. This vision of the kingdom is brought to life through intentional actions that reflect God's love and justice. By engaging in acts of kindness, advocating for the oppressed, and sharing resources with those in need, believers participate in the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth. This participation is a powerful expression of faith, demonstrating a belief in a world transformed by divine love and grace. [45:51]
Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Reflection: What is one tangible action you can take this week to contribute to the manifestation of God's kingdom in your community?
Day 3: Generosity as an Act of Faith
Generosity is a profound expression of trust in God's endless provision. When faced with worry, especially regarding material needs, the act of giving becomes a declaration of faith. It is a way to affirm that God is the ultimate provider and that by sharing our resources, we are participating in His economy of abundance. This mindset shifts the focus from scarcity to abundance, from self-preservation to communal well-being. Generosity not only blesses the recipient but also enriches the giver's spiritual life, fostering a deeper reliance on God and a peace that transcends material concerns. [49:22]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV)
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Can you identify an opportunity to be generous this week, trusting that God will provide for your needs as you provide for others?
Day 4: The Church Beyond Walls
The church is not confined to a physical structure or limited to a weekly gathering; it is a living, breathing community that extends beyond any barriers. In a time when concerns about declining church attendance are prevalent, the call to be the church in the world is more urgent than ever. Inviting others to experience the love and community found within the church can take many forms, from personal invitations to virtual connections. By embodying the inclusive love of Christ, believers demonstrate that the church is a space of welcome and belonging for all, regardless of their circumstances. [51:25]
1 Peter 4:9 (ESV)
"Show hospitality to one another without grumbling."
Reflection: Who is someone you can invite to experience the community of your church, and how can you extend that invitation this week?
Day 5: Anchored in Christ's Sovereignty
In the midst of political unrest, personal fears, and the uncertainties of life, remembering Christ's sovereignty offers a steadfast anchor for the soul. The belief in Christ's ultimate authority over life and death provides a foundation of hope and assurance that can withstand any storm. This assurance is not a passive resignation but an active trust that empowers believers to face challenges with courage and confidence, knowing that the outcome is in God's hands. The sovereignty of Christ is a reminder that no earthly power can rival the eternal reign of God. [49:58]
Colossians 1:17 (ESV)
"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: Reflect on a current fear or challenge you are facing. How can acknowledging Christ's sovereignty over this situation change your perspective and response?
Quotes
1) "When we worry about having enough, here's a crazy idea: when we're afraid we don't have enough, be generous with what we have." [48:49] ( | | )
2) "Nothing other than generosity is at the top of a list that has developed my trust in God. When you worry about what you have and then you give it away, you discover that God provides." [49:22] ( | | )
3) "When we worry about politics challenges on the horizon, remember which king Reigns. Remember which king still rules and who's ruled through all eternity." [49:58] ( | | )
4) "The kingdom of God is a place where nobody worries about what they eat because we feed them, and where people no longer worry about what they will wear because we clothe them." [46:27] ( | | )
5) "When you and I worry, rather than pour energy into worry, pour energy into making the kingdom happen. See, with God's help, we make the kingdom happen." [47:07] ( | | )
6) "If you worry about being forgotten, visit somebody who's forgotten. When we worry about not having enough, be generous with what we have." [48:15] ( | | )
7) "The kingdom of God has fully arrived when every person God made can flourish, when every person God made can live without shame. That's the kingdom of God." [45:51] ( | | )
8) "If you're worried about people coming back to church, instead of putting the energy into worrying, invite them. Put your energy into making the kingdom happen and invite them." [52:19] ( | | )
9) "Jesus's audience was intimately familiar with the challenges of providing their daily meals... In this uncertain world, worry was the only thing that was certain for them." [41:09] ( | | )
10) "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. It's so easy to prioritize worry, but we are called to make the kingdom happen." [42:18] ( | | )
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