Growing Faith: Overcoming Anxiety Through Trust in God
Summary
In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses the issue of "little faith" and its ineffectiveness against anxiety. As believers, we often find ourselves anxious about life's necessities, despite knowing that our Heavenly Father cares for us. Jesus reminds us that worry is unproductive and that faith should grow to overcome anxiety. The disciples, despite their faith, faced moments of doubt and fear, as seen in various instances throughout the Gospels. In Matthew 8, during a storm, their little faith underestimated Jesus' power, even though they obeyed and prayed to Him. Similarly, in Matthew 14, Peter's little faith was bold enough to step out of the boat but was easily distracted by the wind, causing him to sink.
In Matthew 16, the disciples' little faith forgot Jesus' past miracles, leading to unnecessary worry about provisions. Finally, in Matthew 17, little faith gave up too soon when faced with a challenging situation, failing to persevere in prayer and fasting. These stories highlight the need for our faith to grow. Faith grows as we seek God's Kingdom, get to know Jesus, worship, remember His works, and persevere in prayer.
As we embark on this journey of growing in faith, we must remember that even a small amount of faith, like a mustard seed, can move mountains if we persevere. We are called to seek God's Kingdom first, trust in His provision, and remain steadfast in prayer, even when the battle is long and hard. May we not be content with little faith but strive to grow in faith, experiencing greater peace, freedom, and joy in our walk with Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith and Anxiety: Little faith is ineffective against anxiety. Jesus teaches us not to worry about life's necessities, as our Heavenly Father knows our needs. Growing in faith helps us overcome anxiety, leading to greater peace and joy. [06:37]
- Underestimating Jesus' Power: Little faith often underestimates Jesus' ability to calm the storms in our lives. Even when we obey and pray, we may still live in fear. Recognizing Jesus' power and walking with Him helps our faith grow. [12:30]
- Distraction and Focus: Little faith is easily distracted, as seen in Peter's experience of walking on water. Keeping our eyes on Jesus and worshiping Him helps us maintain focus and strengthens our faith. [18:13]
- Remembering Jesus' Works: Little faith forgets what Jesus has done, leading to unnecessary worry. Faith grows as we remember His words and works, nourishing our faith through the Word of God and the Lord's Supper. [22:02]
- Perseverance in Faith: Little faith gives up too soon, especially in the face of great evil. Perseverance in prayer and fasting is essential for overcoming challenges. Even small faith can achieve great things if we persist. [30:18]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:16] - Introduction to Faith, Hope, and Love
- [00:56] - Growing in Faith
- [02:08] - Little Faith and Anxiety
- [03:37] - Five Occasions of Little Faith
- [04:09] - Ineffectiveness Against Anxiety
- [06:37] - Overcoming Anxiety with Faith
- [09:04] - Underestimating Jesus' Power
- [12:30] - Faith in the Storm
- [14:22] - Distraction and Focus
- [18:13] - Worship and Faith Growth
- [19:12] - Forgetting Jesus' Works
- [22:02] - Nourishing Faith with the Word
- [22:40] - Perseverance in Faith
- [30:18] - Persisting in Prayer and Fasting
- [33:16] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 6:25-34
- Matthew 8:23-27
- Matthew 14:22-33
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 6:25-34, what reasons does Jesus give for not being anxious about life's necessities? How does this relate to the concept of "little faith"? [06:37]
2. Describe the situation in Matthew 8:23-27. How did the disciples react to the storm, and what was Jesus' response to their fear? [12:30]
3. In Matthew 14:22-33, what was Peter's initial reaction to seeing Jesus walking on water, and what caused him to begin sinking? [18:13]
4. How does Jesus address the disciples' concern about not having bread in Matthew 16:8-10, and what does this reveal about their faith? [22:02]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:25-34 challenge the common human tendency to worry about material needs? What does this suggest about the relationship between faith and anxiety? [06:37]
2. In Matthew 8:23-27, why might the disciples have underestimated Jesus' power despite having witnessed His miracles before? What does this reveal about the nature of "little faith"? [12:30]
3. Reflecting on Peter's experience in Matthew 14:22-33, what does his moment of doubt teach us about the importance of maintaining focus on Jesus? How can distractions impact our faith journey? [18:13]
4. Considering the disciples' forgetfulness in Matthew 16:8-10, how does remembering Jesus' past works strengthen our faith? What practices can help us keep His works at the forefront of our minds? [22:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt anxious about your needs. How might applying Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:25-34 have changed your perspective? What steps can you take to trust in God's provision more fully? [06:37]
2. Think about a time when you underestimated God's power in your life. How can you remind yourself of His ability to calm the storms you face, as seen in Matthew 8:23-27? [12:30]
3. Identify a distraction in your life that pulls your focus away from Jesus, similar to Peter's experience in Matthew 14:22-33. What practical steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction and keep your eyes on Him? [18:13]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of remembering Jesus' works into your daily routine, as suggested by the disciples' forgetfulness in Matthew 16:8-10? Consider specific ways to engage with Scripture or other spiritual disciplines. [22:02]
5. Reflect on a challenge you are currently facing. How can you persevere in prayer and fasting, as encouraged in Matthew 17:20-21, to see God's power at work in that situation? [30:18]
6. In what ways can you actively seek God's Kingdom in your daily life, as Jesus instructs in Matthew 6:33? Identify one specific action you can take this week to prioritize His Kingdom. [08:27]
7. Consider a time when you gave up too soon in a spiritual battle. How can you apply the lesson of perseverance from Matthew 17:20-21 to remain steadfast in your current struggles? [30:18]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Overcomes Anxiety
Faith is the antidote to anxiety, as it shifts our focus from our worries to God's provision. Jesus teaches that anxiety is unproductive and that our Heavenly Father knows our needs. By growing in faith, we can experience greater peace and joy, trusting that God will provide for us. The disciples, despite their faith, often faced moments of doubt and fear, highlighting the need for our faith to grow. As we seek God's Kingdom and get to know Jesus, our faith strengthens, allowing us to overcome anxiety. [06:37]
Matthew 6:31-33 (ESV): "Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What specific worry can you surrender to God today, trusting in His provision and care for your needs?
Day 2: Recognizing Jesus' Power
Little faith often underestimates Jesus' ability to calm the storms in our lives. Even when we obey and pray, we may still live in fear. Recognizing Jesus' power and walking with Him helps our faith grow. The disciples experienced this during a storm, where their little faith underestimated Jesus' power, even though they obeyed and prayed to Him. By acknowledging His power, we can strengthen our faith and face life's challenges with confidence. [12:30]
Mark 4:39-40 (ESV): "And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, 'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, 'Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?'"
Reflection: In what area of your life are you underestimating Jesus' power? How can you invite Him to calm the storm you are facing today?
Day 3: Maintaining Focus on Jesus
Little faith is easily distracted, as seen in Peter's experience of walking on water. Keeping our eyes on Jesus and worshiping Him helps us maintain focus and strengthens our faith. Peter's boldness to step out of the boat was hindered by his distraction from the wind, causing him to sink. By focusing on Jesus and worshiping Him, we can overcome distractions and grow in faith. [18:13]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What distractions are keeping you from focusing on Jesus today? How can you intentionally set your eyes on Him and worship Him amidst these distractions?
Day 4: Remembering Jesus' Works
Little faith forgets what Jesus has done, leading to unnecessary worry. Faith grows as we remember His words and works, nourishing our faith through the Word of God and the Lord's Supper. The disciples' little faith often forgot Jesus' past miracles, leading to unnecessary worry about provisions. By remembering His works, we can nourish our faith and trust in His continued provision. [22:02]
Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."
Reflection: Take a moment to recall a specific instance where Jesus has worked in your life. How can remembering this strengthen your faith today?
Day 5: Perseverance in Prayer and Faith
Little faith gives up too soon, especially in the face of great evil. Perseverance in prayer and fasting is essential for overcoming challenges. Even small faith can achieve great things if we persist. The disciples' little faith gave up too soon when faced with a challenging situation, failing to persevere in prayer and fasting. By persisting in prayer and faith, we can overcome challenges and experience the power of even a small amount of faith. [30:18]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What challenge are you currently facing that requires perseverance in prayer? How can you commit to persisting in faith and prayer, trusting in God's timing and provision?
Quotes
"Jesus spoke on five occasions about little faith. The first of those is in our reading from Matthew and chapter six if you have your Bible open you will see it in verse 30 where he says to the disciples or you of little faith. Now our Lord used this phrase little faith or almost as if it was a name it's almost as if he's using this as a name by which he refers to his disciples and you might feel that little thief could be your middle name." [00:35:00]
"Little faith is ineffective against anxiety. That's the first reason that we want to grow in faith because little faith is ineffective against anxiety. Look back up to verse 25 if you would and see that Jesus is speaking here about anxiety. Do not be anxious he says about your life, what you will eat, or what you will drink, not about your body, what you will put on." [00:41:59]
"Jesus says do not be anxious. You read that you say well how can we do that? Well Jesus tells us why we must not give way to anxiety notice he tells us verse 26 there's no need for anxiety look at the birds of the air they neither sow nor reap nor gather into Barns and yet your heavenly father feeds them are you not of more value than they?" [00:52:15]
"Little faith underestimates the ability of Jesus. Notice Jesus said to them why are you afraid oh you of little faith and then he rose and he rebuked the winds and the Sea and there was a great calm. Now if you look up a few verses in Matthew in chapter 8 to verse 18 you will see that the disciples got into the boat at the express command of the Lord Jesus Christ." [00:56:04]
"Little faith is obedient to Jesus. The disciples obeyed the command of Jesus they got in the boat when he told them to cross to the other side of the lake little faith obeys the Lord Jesus and little faith praise to the Lord Jesus the disciples called on Jesus they asked him for help save us we are perishing so little faith obeys and little faith prays." [01:09:22]
"Little faith is easily distracted. Notice Matthew 14 and verse 31 immediately Jesus reached out his hand and took hold of him that is Peter saying to him o you of little faith why did you doubt. Now again this is a story that some of us know well the disciples were in the boat at night and Jesus had gone on to a mountain on his own in order to pray." [01:19:39]
"Little faith forgets what Jesus has done. Matthew 16 and verse 8 but Jesus aware of this said oh you of little faith why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread. Now the context of this here is that Jesus had said to the disciples in verse 6 watch and Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." [01:55:59]
"Little faith gives up too soon. Notice verse 19 and 20 of this passage the disciples came to Jesus privately and said why could we not cast it out and he said to them because of your little faith. Now the story here is that Jesus had gone up on the mountain with Peter James and John where his glory was revealed in the Transfiguration." [02:16:13]
"Even with a little faith, even with faith as small as a grain of mustard seed you would have been successful if you had persevered but that's what you didn't do. You know when there's a difficult passage of scripture to understand and this one isn't easy to understand it's helpful to be able to look at some commentaries what have people who are wiser than us being able to see and discern." [02:28:56]
"Faith grows as we remember the words and the works of Jesus that's how Faith grows and this is why the Lord's Supper is such a marvelous gift for the strengthening of our faith faith grows as we fix our minds and our hearts on what Jesus has done and this is why a daily diet of the word of God Is So vital to a growing Faith." [02:12:00]
"Faith grows as we worship and that's where the story ends here verse 32 when they got into the boat the wind ceased and those in the boat worshiped him saying truly you are the son of God worship is the Gaze of the Soul upon the Lord Jesus Christ and your faith will grow as you worship." [01:50:11]
"Faith grows as we get to know Jesus, walk with him, learn of him, Look to Him, and your faith will grow. You know Paul says that he is able to do far more abundantly above all that we ask and even above all that we think little faith believes enough to ask Jesus for help little faith thinks that God can help that is why he or she asks." [01:18:05]
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