Set Free: From Uncertainty - Message Study Questions

Message Summary

In the Bible, God gives us the antidote to worry, anxiety, and fear. The antidote is the peace of God. You experience the peace of God through prayer, proper thinking, and practice. Pray with worship. Focusing on God through worship reminds us how big God is and, therefore, able to handle our problems. Pray about everything. Pray with transparency, pray with thanksgiving, and pray with faith. Believe God is there, knows us and hears our petitions. Proper thinking centers on God’s word and the promises of God. What your worries dwell on most reveals the part of God you trust the least. And, practice involves decisions (often small) to take action or refrain from action with patience. God cares about your safety, but just because something is difficult or uncomfortable or risky doesn’t mean it’s wrong. It doesn’t mean God isn’t working in and through it.
Worry, healthy consideration, can be a good thing because only a fool ignores danger. We can’t control our feelings, but we can control our responses. We worry well by praying the right kind of prayer, maintaining the right focus, and putting into practice the teachings and examples of Jesus.

1. Make a list of the most common things people worry about.

2. Check the ones you tend to worry about the most. Have any of your worries moved from legitimate concern to unhealthy anxiety?

Consider This

Anxiety can lead to anxiety disorders, intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Anxiety disorders affect 19% of people age 18 and older. God wants you to experience freedom from the struggle of uncertainty.
1. Practically, how do you change your thoughts from negative worry to positive things?

1. What is the difference between reasonable concern and self-centered worry?

2. Read Philippians 4:6. What should you do when you have a real need?

3. According to Philippians 4:7, 12-13, will you always get what you ask for? If not, what will you get based on how you respond?

4. According to Philippians 4:8, why is it important to focus on true and excellent things?

5. List some practical steps you can take to stop focusing on the untrue, the wrong, the ugly, and disreputable and focus instead on the opposite?

6. Think right and you’re alright. But what is the next step linked to right thinking in verse 9?

7. When stuck in worries, why is it important to thank God for your current and past blessings?

8. When it comes to the “what ifs”, what do we know according to 1 Corinthians 10:13? Will he give you that grace now, or when the temptation comes?

Moving Forward – Action Steps

1. In 1 Peter 5:7, we’re told to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Are there any cares you have that you need to cast on him today?

2. As you read Luke 12:22-31, write down any reasons you find to NOT worry about the cares you listed above.

3. Hiding sin in our heart also leads to anxiety. Read Psalm 32:1-7 and 66:18. Are there any sins in your heart that you need to give up to God? Will you do that this week?

4. Make a list of ten good things you can thank God for right now?
   How does that exercise affect your attitude and even feelings about the things you are worried about?