Our Hands - His Hands

Introduction:
These weekly study guides are meant to get us thinking about the upcoming sermon and become somewhat familiar with the topic. Read and study as much as you like. It is not meant necessarily to have to go through in one sitting. You can choose how much, how long and when to read.

Matt. 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

1. What are the three things Jesus points to regarding the anxieties/worries of life? Matthew 6:25-31
   • The anxiety of what you will eat.
   • The anxiety of what you will drink.
   • The anxiety of what you will wear.
2. What assurances does Jesus give us when it comes to taking care of our needs?
   • God takes care of the birds; we are of more value than they.
   • God will provide our food and drink.
   • Anxiety/worry doesn’t add to our height.
   • God will provide for our clothing needs.
   • Other.
3. Read Matthew 6:33 within the context of anxiety over physical needs.
4. Jesus commands us not to be anxious about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). How do you receive these words today?

How do we apply these verses to our daily lives? Are we concerned about tomorrow’s food and what we will wear tomorrow? Some people may, but I would be correct to say that most people don’t go to sleep worrying about these necessities. That’s because we live in a country where these things are readily accessible and available. What are the things that concern you on a day-to-day basis? What are the things that may keep you up at night? Closely tied with food, drink, and clothing is finances – debt. Maybe food, water, and clothing are underlying concerns when we make decisions in life that could affect our income and our relationships. Anxiety over being good enough and intelligent enough. Am I loved? How do I love?  Getting through these bumps, obstacles, hurdles, barriers, and walls can be emotionally draining.

Jesus’ response may seem simplistic, “seek God’s kingdom first….” Jesus talks about priorities, putting things in their proper order. Put God and his kingdom first, which will help us put other things in their correct order and perspective. Our concern becomes focused on the eternal and not the temporal.

Share the passage for this week without coming across as you are minimizing someone’s anxiety or worry.

Since so many people have legitimate concerns, worry, and anxiety, how do you share a word of comfort and encouragement? We may be afraid to say much. We may deal with this very differently than another person. So, what works for you may not work for someone else. Either way, sharing your story without assuming it is the answer, could be helpful. I’m sure we can agree that showing love and being available for a friend, family, or loved one is vital.

Read the sermon on the mount and consider how this passage fits in the overall context of Matthew 5-7.