THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. At Ada Bible Church, we believe that God calls us to share our faith. It’s an essential way God grows his church and develops his character in us. If you’re interested in learning more, join us for SHARING YOUR FAITH on May 29th from 7:00-8:30 PM at the East Paris campus. This is a great event to consider doing with your small group! For more information and to register, click HERE.
GROUP VALUES. This May, we are focusing on SERVING. When we serve, God uses our gifts and abilities to benefit others and his kingdom. 1 Peter 4:10 tells us that this is what it means to be faithful stewards of God’s grace. As a group, take an inventory of the gifts and talents God has blessed you with. Does anything specific stand out? Who could benefit from what you have to offer?
GROW AS A LEADER. Supporting group membership through difficult seasons is part of being a leader, but some needs require additional resources. Take a moment to get familiar with the care options available through our church, from spiritual guidance to professional counseling referrals. Review our care process HERE, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your staff contact if a need arises.
DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the stand-alone message, DO NOT WORRY, from guest speaker Pastor Dan Lian. This week, we explore how to break free from worry by focusing on God’s provision and care for us.
ICEBREAKER
What is a seemingly harmless fear or phobia you experienced growing up? How did you overcome that fear?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read Matthew 6:25-33 aloud.
What phrases or ideas stand out to you in this passage?
Why do you think Jesus chose these specific examples to illustrate God’s care?
How does Jesus contrast the way “pagans” approach life with how his followers should?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Dan Lian shared a message about breaking free from worry and anxiety by exploring Jesus’s words from the Sermon on the Mount. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
Our world seems to be moving at an accelerated rate toward anxiety and worry. Why do you think worry is so prevalent in our culture?
Matthew 6:25-33 shows us that humans have experienced similar anxieties throughout history, including anxiety about work, money, health and safety. Which of these worries resonates the most with you? Why?
When it comes to our worries, why is it important to know that God remembers us?
Jesus tells us to “look at the birds” as a reminder of God’s care. How can our group help each other focus on everyday reminders of God’s provision around us?
How does our culture’s emphasis on material possessions and status contribute to your worries? How does Jesus’s teaching about the flowers of the field challenge your perspective on those values?
How might your daily habits or thoughts change if you truly believed that God is a good father who sees you, feeds you and desires to bless you?
Worship and worry cannot coexist. One will eventually drive out the other. As you look at the week ahead, what is one way you can move toward worship in place of your worry?
WRAP UP
This week, we discussed how to break free from worry by remembering God’s fatherly provision and seeking his kingdom first. What is one thing you need to take from this conversation into your week?