Grave Concern (Part 3): Getting Our Affairs In Order
TO START
This Sunday, we jumped into part 3 of a series called Grave Concern as we head towards Easter. The hope of this series is to simply prepare our hearts by being mindful of our deaths in order to receive the good news of the one who conquered death.
What do you tend to be most anxious about if you had to name something?
This week we are inviting your group to choose questions from the multiple options below. Our hope is that these questions might help you to lead your discussion in a way that makes sense for your group this week as y’all “talk it out” and “live it out”.
TALK IT OUT AFTER READING MATTHEW 6:24-34
STUDY
Why does Jesus say it is impossible to serve two masters – God & money (v. 24)? Have you experienced this first hand?
Jesus gives a command to not be anxious in vs. 25, what are the reasons he gives for us not to worry through the remainder of the passage?
What does it mean to seek the kingdom first (v. 33)? How is that a cure or remedy for anxiety and worry?
PROCESS
Where have you found freedom in your life through the work of Jesus? Name one or two ways you’ve experienced this.
Which of the two lies of “enough” enslave you the most right now? Is it fragility (not feeling secure enough to enjoy life or receive the gifts of life)? Is it exhaustion (never trusting that you have enough so you keep working, collecting, grasping, etc.)?
LIVE IT OUT
PRACTICE
Has there been a moment in your life when your exhaustion got in the way of you loving people? What practice(s) could enable you to lean into gratitude & rest for the sake of loving God and others?
As you think about the practice of trusting God’s provision, which area is easiest and which is hardest for you (trusting by giving, trusting by passing up OR trusting by budging)?
PRAY
Share with your group who you want to invite to Easter Sunday next week. We invite you to pray for the people who may step into church for the first time or the first time in a long time next Sunday. May our faith in the life to come even in the midst of death and suffering give hope to those who are not home yet.