We of Little Faith

Passage

Matthew 6:25-34

Sermon Summary

It's easy to read this passage as a simple formula for reducing the distressing experience of anxiety. Jesus, however, recognizes that anxiety is a normal part of human experience in a broken world. What he wants most for us is that we "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness"—to trust his  Fatherly rule over our lives and follow him in the kind of whole-hearted living described in the Sermon on the Mount. All four practical strategies in this passage help us do this: 1) We get on the balcony, in relationship with others, to gain perspective on all of life; 2) We go outside to observe and carefully consider the evidence of God's care in nature, to fuel our trust in him; 3) We think like a child, bringing our fears and anxieties boldly to our generous Father in heaven,; and 4) We stay present in today, remembering that we don't control tomorrow, but the Lord does. Together these disciplines not only reduce our anxiety, but they redirect our energies to more fruitful purposes.

Discussion Questions

1. [Optional starter question] What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
2. In what sort of situations do you tend to experience anxiety? How do you deal with it?
3. Name a hard circumstance in your life that might tempt you to anxiety. Now name 2-3 good things about your life that are equally true.
4. Describe your experience going outside and observing the created world. How does his care for other creatures remind you of his care for you?
5. Why is it hard to pray like a child, bringing all our neediness and mess to our heavenly Father?
6. Do you tend to be cynical or naively optimistic? How does v. 34 liberate you from either assumption?

Resources Consulted:

• Africa Bible Commentary, ed. Tokunboh Adeyemo
• True to Our Native Land, ed. Bryan K. Blount
• The New Testament in Color, ed. Esau McCauley
• Matthew for Everyone, NT Wright
• The Message of Matthew, John Stott
• The Divine Conspiracy, Dallas Willard
• A Praying Life, Paul Miller
• Get Me Through the Next Five Minutes: Odes to Being Alive, James Parker

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