We continue this week’s sermon series, The Gospel of Luke, Part III: A Journey through Galilee in Luke 12:22-34. Elder Jarod Cox expounds upon the central theme of this passage: do not worry. If we’re honest with ourselves and each other, there are many things that occupy our hearts and minds and tempt us towards worry and anxiousness. We must remind each other of these precious truths: God’s provision is sufficient, He knows exactly what we need, and He cares for us more than we realize or think. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

Preacher’s Main Points

Jesus teaches us not to worry.

• The Lord’s provision is sufficient.
• Worrying is ineffective, it just doesn’t work.
• The antidote to worry is to seek His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• Worry starts out small.
• Jesus wants us to put our trust in Him and not in earthly things.
• Money, health, and family are the things that people worry about the most.
• Jesus is our provision and can be trusted.
• The Church is often a great means of God’s provision for fellow believers. Believers love one another in practical ways: meeting material possession needs (furniture, clothes, etc.), paying bills, adoption, legal issues, grief support, nurturing spiritual health, etc. Reminded of John 13:35… By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. 
• The side effects of worrying affect our physical bodies in numerous and negative ways. God tells us not to worry.
• The Father has chosen to give us the kingdom.
• On this side of eternity, we are to experience His kingdom and share it with others.
• Be creative and show initiative to fight the good fight of faith. We can employ practical methods to remind us not to worry. i.e. Jarod’s use of his prayer on his phone. Memorize and meditate on specific passages that speak to this issue for when it arises during the day. [1 Peter 5:7]
• If you don’t own your possessions and rather they own you, figure out how to change that. [We are meant to live for God and nothing else.]
• God’s provision is sufficient to keep us from worry.

Discussion Questions/Application

Personal application:

• Does worry occupy my thoughts?
• If so, what things do I worry about?
• How can I change from worry to trust? What practical ways can be employed in my life to battle the temptation of worry and distrust?

Discuss with your community group:

• Openly identify with one another the areas of worry in our lives.
• What passages in the Bible speak towards worry and anxiousness? Locate these passages and read them out loud for one another to hear.
• Challenge one another to commit these scriptures to memory and use them as the daily battle incurs. 

Spend time encouraging and praying for one another.

Passages Referenced

Luke 12:22-34; Psalm 139:13-14; Romans 7:14-15; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ; John 3:16; John 15:16; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Philippians 4:6

Worship Set List

As Loud As He Is Worthy; Jesus, Firm Foundation; Behold the Lamb; Ancient of Days; Great is Thy Faithfulness