- The causes of anxiety
- The cures for anxiety
Summary:
In the last passage, Matt. 6:19-24, Jesus called us to a life of single-minded, whole-hearted devotion to God. We have seen that this will look like a lifestyle aimed at piling up good works fueled by pure motives. In this sermon on Matt. 6:25-34, Jesus anticipates that God's children will be tempted to anxiety when they give their Father their complete loyalty. Jesus calls His followers to a life of single-minded devotion buttressed by a robust child-like trust in their Father's care for them. One way to mine this text is to consider Jesus' words as explaining both the causes and cures for anxiety.
In the last passage, Matt. 6:19-24, Jesus called us to a life of single-minded, whole-hearted devotion to God. We have seen that this will look like a lifestyle aimed at piling up good works fueled by pure motives. In this sermon on Matt. 6:25-34, Jesus anticipates that God's children will be tempted to anxiety when they give their Father their complete loyalty. Jesus calls His followers to a life of single-minded devotion buttressed by a robust child-like trust in their Father's care for them. One way to mine this text is to consider Jesus' words as explaining both the causes and cures for anxiety.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the relationship between the call for single -minded devotion (vv.19-24) and the command "do not be anxious" (vv.25-34)?
- What are other words that are synonymous with the term "anxiety"?
- Discuss the following causes for anxiety:
- Anxiety is caused by a warped perspective on what your life is all about
- Anxiety is caused by an even deeper sickness—unbelief
- Anxiety is caused by unholy ambition (misplaced priorities)
- Anxiety is caused by dragging tomorrow's troubles into today
- Why is anxiety incompatible with common sense?
- Discuss the cures for anxiety:
- Anxiety is cured by a God-centered perspective on what life is all about
- Anxiety is cured by a deep faith, a robust trust in God's Fatherly care for you
- Anxiety is cured by seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness
- Anxiety is cured by pushing anxiety off another day
- How might obedience to the teachings from last week and this week bring about a sweet sense of simplicity in one's life?
Application Questions:
- What circumstances in my life as of late have become a context for my anxiety?
- What causes of anxiety seem particularly relevant to my case?
- What is God prescribing in order to cure your anxiety?
- What might life look like if I followed the Dr.'s orders?
- Humble yourself before God by casting all your anxieties on Him because he cares for you
- Thank God for adopting you in Christ that you may live happily content in His Fatherly care
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to remember that you are not an orphan but a well-loved child of God who can always cry out "Abba, Father" and your Father will hear your cries
