Life Group Resources: New Priorities

Small Group Guide: "Do Not Worry"
Based on Matthew 6:25-34

Opening Prayer
Begin your group time by inviting God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to quiet anxious hearts and open minds to what God wants to teach through this discussion.

Icebreaker (5-10 minutes)
Question: Share a time when you worried about something that never actually happened. Looking back, what do you notice about that experience?

Key Takeaways from the Sermon

• Worry is a natural human instinct, but it often reveals misplaced trust and our attempts to control what only God can hold.
• Jesus doesn't dismiss our real needs; He invites us to trust God more deeply than we trust our own ability to manage life.
• Worry reveals what's happening internally - our need to control, fear of scarcity, or search for security apart from God.
• "Seek first God's kingdom" is an active, ongoing, everyday pursuit that shifts us from reactive anxiety to proactive trust.
• God is attentive and invested in every detail of our lives - we are more valuable than birds and lilies, and God cares for them.

Discussion Questions
Understanding the Text (15 minutes)

• Read Matthew 6:25-34 together. What phrase or verse stands out to you most? Why?
• Jesus uses birds and flowers as examples. What specific point is He making with these illustrations? How does this challenge our typical approach to security?
• What does Jesus mean when He says, "Can any one of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life?" How does this truth land with you?

Personal Reflection (20 minutes)

• The sermon mentioned that "worry often reveals something about us that's going on internally." What does your current worry or anxiety reveal about:
  • What you're trying to control?
  • What you fear you lack?
  • Where you're seeking security?
• Which of these statements resonates most with your current situation?
  • "If I don't hold this together, everything will fall apart"
  • "It all depends on me"
  • "I need to control the outcome"
  • "There will not be enough"
• The sermon contrasted what worry says versus what Jesus says. Which of Jesus' responses do you most need to hear right now?

Going Deeper (15 minutes)

• What does it practically look like to "seek first God's kingdom" in your daily life? What gets in the way of making this your priority?
• The sermon suggested that when we seek God first, we move "from a reactive life into a proactive life." What's the difference between these two approaches? Can you share an example from your own experience?
• Jesus says, "Your heavenly Father knows that you need them" (v. 32). How does knowing that God already knows your needs change how you approach worry?

Practical Application
The Three-Step Practice
The sermon outlined a practical rhythm for dealing with worry:
1. NAME IT - Identify one specific worry you're carrying right now.
2. RELEASE IT - Hand it over to God in prayer.
3. EMBRACE - Choose one concrete practice to redirect your energy.

Group Activity (15 minutes)
Individual Reflection (5 minutes):

• Take a few moments of silence for each person to work through the three steps privately.
• Write down your answers if helpful.

Partner Sharing (10 minutes):

• Break into pairs or groups of three.
• Share (as comfortable) what you named and what practice you're choosing to embrace.
• Pray for one another, specifically releasing these worries to God.

This Week's Challenge
Choose ONE of the following practices to implement this week:
Option 1: The Daily Release

• Each morning, name one worry and consciously hand it to God in prayer.
• Each evening, reflect on where you saw God's provision that day.

Option 2: The Redirect Practice

• When you catch yourself spiraling into worry, pause immediately.
• Take three deep breaths and pray: "God, I hand this to you."
• Then engage in one of these: call a friend, practice gratitude, go for a walk, or serve someone.

Option 3: The Scripture Anchor

• Memorize Matthew 6:33: "Seek first God's kingdom and God's righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
• When worry strikes, recite this verse three times slowly.

Option 4: The Gratitude Shift

• Keep a daily list of where you see God providing (like the birds and lilies).
• Notice the small ways God is already taking care of you.

Reflection Questions for the Week
Journal or meditate on these throughout the week:

• What am I pursuing more actively than I'm pursuing God?
• Where have I seen God provide for me in ways I didn't orchestrate?
• What would change in my life if I truly believed "God's got this and God's got me"?

Closing Prayer (5 minutes)
Go around the circle and have each person complete this sentence prayer:
"God, this week I want to release my worry about _____________ and instead seek you by _____________."
Close with someone praying the final prayer from the sermon or a similar blessing over the group.

Additional Resources

• For those who struggle with anxiety: Consider reading Philippians 4:6-7 and practicing the "name it, release it, embrace it" pattern multiple times daily.
• For deeper study: Explore other passages where Jesus addresses worry and trust: Matthew 10:29-31, Luke 12:22-34, John 14:1-4.
• Accountability: Exchange contact information with someone in your group to check in mid-week about how you're practicing releasing worry.

Leader Notes

• Create a safe, non-judgmental space. Worry and anxiety can carry shame; normalize these struggles.
• Be prepared to share your own experiences with worry authentically.
• Watch for group members who may be dealing with clinical anxiety and may need professional support beyond spiritual practices.
• Don't rush the practical application section - this is where transformation happens.
• Consider following up on this topic in future weeks, as changing worry patterns takes time.