Matthew 6:19-34 | Avoiding Anxiety

 

How to avoid anxiety (Matthew 6:19-34)

- Mike Flynn (Vicar)

 

Replacing God with ourselves
 
Do not store up for yourselves (19-21)
 
A life of darkness (22-23)
 
We cannot serve two masters (24)
 
Therefore do not worry (25-30)
 
For your Father knows what you need (31-34)
 

1. What are the treasures in heaven? (Hint: What has Jesus said matters to God in his sermon?)
2. How does storing up (continuous present tense) on earth differ from good stewardship?
3. What we set our eyes upon as our priority is our light; and what we set our hearts on is our treasure. Why is our priority our master and our guide (light)?
4. Why do we think we can do a better job of providing for ourselves than our creator?
5. Jesus asks us to replace anxiety with seeking (v33). It is an active response to worry. How will seeking what Jesus tells us to seek calm our anxieties?
6. Jesus does not expect his disciples to be worry free (v34) but to deal with the troubles of the day they have been given and to leave the rest in God's hands. Discuss with others how this principle might work with: your study plans; your anxieties about relationships; your work plans; your finances?