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TLG Session Outline and Discussion Question

Stress From Worry Notes

Basil Marotta May 23, 2012

some material taken from Serendipity House Stressed Out Study

Session Outline: Most of us worry about something much of the time. There is much to worry about. We know that worry is debilitating. It causes stress…and saps us of time and energy. We know this, yet we worry. Most of what we worry about will never happen. Is there anything we can do about worry? Let’s look at Jesus response to worry.

(Mat 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 important than food, and the body more important than clothes? {26} 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? {27} Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ? {28} "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. {29} Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. {30} 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, O you of little faith? {31} So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' {32} For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. {33} But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. {34} Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Life Implication:

A divided mind is unstable in all ways…worry divides our mind.

(James 1:2-7) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, {3} because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. {4} Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. {5} If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. {6} But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. {7} That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord;

What did Jesus mean when He said, “Do not worry about your life”? (vs 25) Is this is a command?

God has your best interest at heart. He cares for you. You are valuable and important to Him.

According to Jesus what effects can worry have on your life? (vs 32-33)

Worry can interfere with spiritual maturity….(Mat 8:26, 14:31, 16:8)

Pagans are concerned with material and physical things…God’s people should be focused on spiritual things Mth 6:16-19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. {20} But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. {21} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

(vs 30) Worrying shows that one has little faith in what God can do…

(Mat 8:26) He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.

(Mat 14:31) Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

(Mat 16:8) Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, "You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?

Worry cannot prolong your life, and may even shorten it.

To sum up…Worry may….

1. damage your health

2. cause the object of your worry to consume your thoughts

3. disrupt your productivity

4. negatively affect the way you treat others

5. reduce your ability to trust in God…lose faith

The difference between worry and legitimate concern is that worry immobilizes you; legitimate concern moves you to action.

What is Jesus answer to dealing with worry? (vs 33)

Seek first God’s kingdom….trust in God. He will supply all our needs.

Seek first His kingdom means…

1.Turn to God first for help

2.Fill your thoughts with His desires

3.Take His character for your pattern…ask what would Jesus do?

4.Serve and obey Him in everything

5.Don’t let others, our goals, desires, or the circumstances compete for priority. God must be first in all things.

Planning for tomorrow is time well spent…worrying about tomorrow is time wasted.

Don’t let worries about tomorrow affect your relationship with God today.

God has built into His creation the means by which all things are cared for…As a disciple cares for and is steward over all the things God has entrusted to him, God , our heavenly father cares for and provides our daily needs.

What is the promise? (vs 33)

All these things will be added on to us.

(Phil 4:19) And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Discussion Question: What is the biggest worry in your life at this time? What can you do to relieve the stress?

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