11-07-2021
11-07-2021
Rev. Trevor Johnston (Loxahatchee & Online), Rev. José Marrero (WPB), Rev. Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Deep Peace
Week 2: How to Stop Worrying
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español
1. Tell about a time when you experienced God’s supernatural peace.
2. Read our memory verse - Isaiah 26:3 - “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
What are some things that have recently threatened to take away your peace?
How do you stay connected to God’s perfect peace in the midst of those kinds of things?
3. Read Luke 12:22-34 -
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. 24 Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
27 “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! 29 And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. 30 For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
4. Jesus is teaching people a new way of living. In Luke 12:22 he says, “Do not worry.” Worry is fear about the future that dwells on worst-case scenarios. Note that Jesus’ words here are a command. Dr. Vic Copan, in his book, Changing Your Mind: the Bible the Brain and Spiritual Growth, said, “Sin is everything that damages the shalom (peace) God intended for all human relationships: whether with God, with others, or with the world.”
Do you think worry is a sin? Explain your answer.
Jesus doesn’t just say, “Stop it!” He lovingly reasons with us asking us to "consider" some things:
Consider... that worry doesn't work. (Luke 12:25-26)
5. Jesus explains to us that worry doesn’t work. Corrie ten Boom said, "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” Share from your own experience of worry and how it impacted when you worried about something.
6. Research shows that more than 95% of what we worry about doesn’t happen. What does that communicate to you about worry?
7. Jesus isn’t telling us not to prepare for the future. Scripture encourages us to be wise and prepare for future dangers and needs, for example, in Proverbs 27:12 – “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Explain the difference between worry and wise preparation for the future.
Consider... who God really is (Luke 12:6-7)
8. Worry is rooted in the belief that you don’t matter to God and in other false ideas about God. Name some truths about God from Scripture that could help you when you’re tempted to worry.
Consider... what you seek first (Luke 12:31-32)
9. How does seeking God’s Kingdom first help a person not to worry?
10. Read the Serenity Prayer outloud together with your group. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
What can you learn from this prayer?
11. Tell your group about some of the things that tempt you to worry, but that you can’t change. Pray the Serenity prayer – consciously giving those things over to God and receiving His peace.
Ready for your next step? – If you would like to take a next step in your faith journey, such as trusting your life to Christ or getting baptized, text the word “Next” to 561-264-6079 and follow the steps there, and we’ll contact you to help you do that.
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· Thanksgiving Food Drive Thanksgiving is just weeks away! Help us to provide ingredients for a Thanksgiving meal to our food distribution guests plus $10 gift certificates to Walmart or Publix for them to purchase their own turkey. Our goal this year is to assist 500 families. Thank you for your generosity! This outreach is in addition to our normal monthly food drive needs. Bring your donations Sunday-Thursday 9am-3pm to the North porch at the Loxahatchee Campus or to the Fellowship Hall at the WPB Campus. Bring gift cards to the church office or the Welcome Desk in the lobby.
· Surviving the Holidays – GriefShare - Monday, November 15, 7pm, LOX Campus | Thursday, November 18, 2:30pm WPB Campus
If you’ve lost a loved one, the holidays can be difficult. Join us for this one-time session designed to help you get through this season in a healthy way. Invite a friend! Go to communityofhope.church/care to register.
· Surviving the Holidays – DivorceCare – Thursday, November 18, 7pm LOX Campus | Wednesday, November 17, 7pm Online
The holidays can be difficult in the midst of the pain of a broken marriage. Join us for this one-time session designed to help you get through this season in a healthy way. Invite a friend! Go to communityofhope.church/care to register.
· Angel Tree – We want kids in crisis to know they are not forgotten this Christmas. From November 22 – December 5, join us in supporting the ministry of 4Kids Palm Beach to foster children by collecting unwrapped toys and gift cards to ensure that every foster child, teen and young adult has a present to open on Christmas Day.
· COH has job openings! Learn more at https://communityofhope.church/employment
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