We learned in the weekend message that we live in a society that is becoming more and more anxious. You know this to be true. More people are consumed by worry and anxiety in so many different areas. Many of these people feel that there is no way out of their constant loop of worry and anxiety. Jesus offers a different way of living. To a world consumed by worry, He offers a different invitation to bring our worries to Him and to trust Him to take care of us.
What things cause people to be consumed by worry today?
1. Describe the impact of worry, both on your life and in the lives of others.
2. Read Matthew 6:25-30. Why does Jesus tell us not to worry? (There are multiple answers to this question!)
Matthew 6:25-30
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
3. What questions does Jesus ask in this passage of Scripture? As you point out the questions, answer them.
4. Read Matthew 6:31-34. How are we called to live instead of worrying, according to Jesus' words in this passage of Scripture?
Matthew 6:31-34
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
1. Why do you choose to worry, and what do you expect it to accomplish? Is it successful in accomplishing what you wanted it to?
2. What is causing you to worry today?
3. What steps can we take in order to fight against worry when the temptation to worry arises? (Group leaders, write down these cares and concerns that are shared so that you can pray about them together later.)
One of the ways we can wage war on worry is to pray. Now that you have all shared some of the things you are concerned about today, pray together. Have each group member pray for a specific prayer request. Present all of your cares and concerns to God and commit to praying for these requests every day this week.
There are (at least) three truths that Jesus taught during His teaching in Matthew 6 that, if we really believe them, will counteract worry when we feel overwhelmed: worry does not work, God cares about us, and we can focus on today instead of future worries. Let’s take a look at what Scripture teaches about these three truths so that we can bring them to mind whenever worry floods our minds. If we truly believe these truths from Scripture, these truths will make all the difference.
Jesus asked a poignant question in Matthew 6:27: “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Of course, the answer to this question is “no.” Worry does not add to our lives. It only takes away. In short, worry is a bad companion to us. Or, as we heard in the weekend message, "Worry doesn't work." When we understand that worry only takes away from our lives, we can more easily let go of the worries that are plaguing our hearts and minds.
1. Read John 10:10.
John 10:10
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
2. How does worry steal, kill, and destroy in our own lives?
3. Because worry steals, kills, and destroys, what can we surmise based on this passage of Scripture?
4. How will understanding that worry does not work impact how you will respond when you are tempted to worry?
Throughout Jesus’ message in Matthew 6, He reminded listeners about God’s care and concern for them. Because of God’s care for each of us, Jesus explained, we do not have to worry. Let’s turn to Scripture to see what it reveals about God’s love, care, and provision for us.
1. Read 1 Peter 5:7.
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
2. What does this passage reveal about God in this passage of Scripture?
3. How are we to respond to the truth of this passage of Scripture?
4. How does understanding God’s care and love for you impact how you will respond when worries arise?
Jesus said to a crowd in Matthew 6, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (verse 34). It’s true that almost all of our worries we have are about the future. If we are not careful, worry can keep us from focusing on the present, both the troubles we face and the joys we have. Instead of focusing on future worries, a better way is to begin to focus on the day we are given right now.
1. Read Psalm 118:24.
Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
2. Summarize this passage of Scripture in your own words.
3. What does it look like to “rejoice and be glad” in the day we have been given?
4. How does focusing on today impact your worry?
Which of the truths we looked at today do you need to remember the most? Why? Share that with your group. Commit to memorizing the verse that correlates with the truth you need to remember and recite it often throughout the week.
©2025 Sagebrush Church
