2. Chuck Swindoll says that, “…worry pulls tomorrow’s cloud over today’s How Can I Get Victory Over Worry? sunshine.” What “sunshine” are you missing right now because of worry in Matthew 6:25-34 your life? What is worry robbing from you and, as a result, those you love? October 19, 2014 Dr. David Jeremiah
Sermon Notes
Introduction Luke 10:41-42; Matthew 13:7, 22; 6:25, 31, 34
I. Understanding Worry - Matthew 6:25-32
3. Which of the following options will you choose instead of worry? A. Worry is Inconsistent. - Matthew 6:25
(1) Worship (Ruth Bell Graham, “…worship and worry cannot live in the same B. Worry is Irrational. - Matthew 6:26; 10:29, 31; Luke 12:6 heart….”) (2) Trusting God…who loves you C. Worry is Ineffective. - Matthew 6:27 (3) Embracing your identity as a child of God (4) Living in today, not the future (living in “day-tight” compartments) D. Worry is Illogical. - Matthew 6:28-30 (5) Seeking first Kingdom values and goals E. Worry is Irresponsible. - Matthew 6:31-32; 6:9, 11 How does your new, healthy option help drive worry from your heart? II. Overcoming Worry - Matthew 6:33-34
A. Commit your life totally to Jesus Christ. - Matthew 6:33, 24
B. Concentrate your energies on living one day at a time. - Matthew 6:34
1. Do not dwell on your tomorrows. - Deuteronomy 33:25b
2. Do not dwell on your yesterdays.
a. We worry about yesterday’s sins. - Psalm 103:12
b. We worry about yesterday’s successes. Philippians 3:13-14
c. We worry about yesterday’s sorrows.
Conclusion Isaiah 26:3 © Copyright 2014 by Shadow Mountain Ministries 2100 Greenfield Drive, El Cajon, CA 92019 www.shadowmountain.org/smallgroups 619.440.1802 Small Group Questions 3. Look at the following verses and summarize the dangers of worry for people. Getting Started Luke 10:41-42; Matthew 13:3, 7, 22; Matthew 16:26 1. What is worrisome these days? What might create worry in the heart of people right now?
2. How do you define worry? Look back at your sermon notes and see if you can 4. Look back at Matthew 6:33-34 and summarize the solutions that Jesus offered decide on a definition for worry. to help us combat worrying. (Look also at Philippians 3:13-14 and Isaiah 26:3.)
Digging Deeper 1. Why is worry such a potent force in the human heart? Why does worry tend to push us around so much? 5. Worrying about tomorrow robs us of today. This week Pastor Jeremiah taught that worry never adds to our lives, it only subtracts. What are some of the things that worrying about tomorrow takes away from our lives today?
2. Why is worrying such a futile and damaging emotional practice? What is it about worry that makes it so hurtful and unproductive? Bringing it Home 1. Scott Stossel wrote, “Anxiety has afflicted me all my life.” How close is that to describing your experience in life? How would you describe your susceptibility to worry?