Overcoming Anxiety Through Faith in God's Provision
Summary
In Matthew 6, Jesus addresses the issue of anxiety, highlighting that little faith is ineffective against it. He instructs us not to be anxious about our lives, including what we will eat, drink, or wear. These are common concerns that often lead to anxiety, as we worry about having enough resources, saving for the future, and managing our responsibilities. Jesus, however, provides a profound reason not to succumb to anxiety by pointing to the natural world. He reminds us of the birds of the air, which do not sow, reap, or gather into barns, yet are fed by our heavenly Father. This illustration serves as a powerful reminder of God's care and provision, emphasizing that we are of much greater value than the birds. Therefore, there is no need for anxiety.
Furthermore, Jesus explains the futility of anxiety, stating that it cannot add a single hour to our lives. Worry is inherently unproductive; it does not improve our health or extend our lifespan. Despite this, many of us still find ourselves trapped in cycles of worry. Jesus identifies the root cause of this as "little faith." He acknowledges that believers can still experience anxiety, not because they lack faith entirely, but because their faith is small. This small faith is ineffective in combating anxiety, even though we believe in Jesus Christ.
The call to grow in faith is clear. By strengthening our faith, we can overcome anxiety and trust more fully in God's provision and care. Jesus' words challenge us to examine the size of our faith and encourage us to seek growth in our spiritual journey. As we deepen our faith, we can find peace and assurance in God's promises, knowing that He values us and will provide for our needs.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Provision and Care: Jesus uses the example of birds to illustrate God's provision. If God cares for the birds, how much more will He care for us? This truth invites us to trust in God's provision and to let go of our anxieties, knowing that we are valued and loved by our heavenly Father. [01:46]
2. The Futility of Worry: Anxiety is unproductive and cannot change our circumstances or extend our lives. Jesus highlights the pointlessness of worry, encouraging us to focus on faith rather than fear. By recognizing the futility of anxiety, we can redirect our energy towards trusting God. [02:20]
3. The Challenge of Little Faith: Jesus identifies "little faith" as the reason for anxiety among believers. This insight challenges us to examine the size of our faith and to seek growth. By nurturing our faith, we can overcome anxiety and experience the peace that comes from trusting in God's promises. [02:54]
4. Believers and Anxiety: It is possible to be a believer and still struggle with anxiety. Jesus acknowledges this reality, offering hope and encouragement to those who find themselves overwhelmed. By growing in faith, we can find strength to face our anxieties and trust in God's care. [03:09]
5. The Call to Grow in Faith: The desire to grow in faith stems from the recognition that little faith is ineffective against anxiety. As we deepen our faith, we can experience greater peace and assurance in God's provision, allowing us to live free from the burdens of worry. [03:26]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Little Faith
- [00:29] - Jesus on Anxiety
- [00:41] - Common Anxieties
- [00:57] - Questions of Life
- [01:11] - Natural Tendency to Worry
- [01:30] - No Need for Anxiety
- [01:46] - God's Care for Birds
- [02:02] - Our Value to God
- [02:20] - Futility of Worry
- [02:36] - Unproductive Nature of Anxiety
- [02:54] - Little Faith and Anxiety
- [03:09] - Believers and Anxiety
- [03:26] - Growing in Faith
- [03:39] - Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 6:25-34
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#### Observation Questions
1. What specific examples of anxiety does Jesus mention in Matthew 6:25-34? How do these relate to common concerns today? [00:41]
2. How does Jesus use the example of birds to illustrate God's provision in Matthew 6:26? [01:46]
3. According to the sermon, what does Jesus say about the productivity of worry? [02:20]
4. What does Jesus identify as the root cause of anxiety among believers? [02:54]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6 challenge the common belief that worry is necessary for planning and preparation? [01:30]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that "little faith" is ineffective against anxiety? [02:54]
3. How might understanding our value to God, as described in Matthew 6:26, change a believer's perspective on their worries? [02:02]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between faith growth and overcoming anxiety? [03:26]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt anxious. How might Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:25-34 have changed your response? [01:30]
2. Identify one area of your life where you struggle with "little faith." What steps can you take to nurture and grow your faith in that area? [02:54]
3. How can you remind yourself of God's provision and care in your daily life, especially when faced with anxiety? [01:46]
4. Consider the unproductive nature of worry as described in the sermon. What practical steps can you take to redirect your energy towards trusting God instead? [02:20]
5. How can you support a fellow believer who is struggling with anxiety, using insights from the sermon and Matthew 6? [03:09]
6. What specific promise of God can you hold onto this week to combat anxiety and strengthen your faith? [03:26]
7. How can you incorporate prayer or scripture reading into your routine to help grow your faith and reduce anxiety? [03:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Trust in God's Provision
God's care for creation is a testament to His provision for us. Jesus uses the example of birds to illustrate this truth, reminding us that if God provides for the birds, He will certainly provide for us, whom He values even more. This understanding invites us to release our anxieties about daily needs and trust in God's loving care. By recognizing our worth in God's eyes, we can find peace and assurance in His promises. [01:46]
Matthew 10:29-31 (ESV): "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's provision? How can you actively choose to trust Him in this area today?
Day 2: The Unproductive Nature of Worry
Anxiety is inherently unproductive, as it cannot change our circumstances or add to our lives. Jesus highlights the futility of worry, encouraging us to focus on faith rather than fear. By understanding the pointlessness of anxiety, we can redirect our energy towards trusting God and His plans for us. This shift in focus allows us to live more fully in the present, free from the burdens of worry. [02:20]
Ecclesiastes 11:10 (ESV): "Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity."
Reflection: Identify a recent situation where worry consumed your thoughts. How can you practice redirecting your energy towards faith and trust in God instead?
Day 3: Examining the Size of Our Faith
Jesus identifies "little faith" as the root cause of anxiety among believers. This insight challenges us to examine the size of our faith and seek growth. By nurturing our faith, we can overcome anxiety and experience the peace that comes from trusting in God's promises. This journey of faith requires intentional effort and a desire to deepen our relationship with God. [02:54]
Luke 17:5-6 (ESV): "The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' And the Lord said, 'If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, "Be uprooted and planted in the sea," and it would obey you.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you actively work on growing your faith this week? Consider setting a specific goal to deepen your spiritual journey.
Day 4: Believers and the Reality of Anxiety
It is possible to be a believer and still struggle with anxiety. Jesus acknowledges this reality, offering hope and encouragement to those who find themselves overwhelmed. By growing in faith, we can find strength to face our anxieties and trust in God's care. This understanding provides comfort and reassurance that we are not alone in our struggles. [03:09]
Psalm 94:19 (ESV): "When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by anxiety. How can you invite God into that space and seek His comfort and strength?
Day 5: The Call to Grow in Faith
The desire to grow in faith stems from the recognition that little faith is ineffective against anxiety. As we deepen our faith, we can experience greater peace and assurance in God's provision, allowing us to live free from the burdens of worry. This call to growth is an invitation to trust more fully in God's promises and to live a life marked by faith and peace. [03:26]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper faith in your daily life? Consider how you can incorporate practices that strengthen your trust in God.
Quotes
now the first time then that Jesus refers to little faith is in the passage that was read for us in Matthew and chapter six and from this we learn that 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 [00:00:00]
no you read these words of Jesus and it's very clear these are the things we're anxious about all the time do we have enough to cover our costs have we saved enough for the future will we be able to make ends meet or have we actually bitten off more than we can chew these are the unavoidable questions of life and their natural tendency is to produce anxiety but here Jesus says do not be anxious you read that you say well how can we do that [00:52:73]
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're neither sow nor reap nor gather into Barns and yet your heavenly father feeds them are you not of more value than they look your heavenly father cares for the birds Jesus says do you not think that your heavenly father will care for you as well that is no need for you to be anxious [01:35:88]
and then he follows it up in verse 27 by saying there is no point in being anxious verse 27 which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to the span of his life you see what Jesus is saying worry doesn't change a thing it can't make your health better it can't extend your life by a single day or a single Hour Worry is in its nature completely and utterly unproductive [02:08:96]
so if there's no need for anxiety and there's no point in anxiety why do we worry well Jesus tells us oh you of little faith verse 30. we worry because our faith is small now remember that Jesus is talking here to believers he doesn't say to these first hearers of these words that they have no faith no he says they have little faith and what Jesus is saying here is that little faith is ineffective against anxiety [02:58:82]
yes you believe but you're anxious so much of the time it is possible to be a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and yet still to be overwhelmed with anxiety and none of us wants to be there and that's the first reason why we all want to grow in faith [03:04:54]
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