Included in this Guide
1. Introduction to the Series
2. Connect
3. Pray
4. Explore and Discuss
5. Careful Reflection
6. The One Thing
7. Scripture Memory

Introduction to the Series
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them.
Matthew 5:1-2 (NIV).

What follows this verse in Matthew chapters 5-7 has become what is probably the most well-known teaching of Jesus, often referred to as The Sermon on the Mount. We studied Matthew 5 last summer. We’ll continue with Matthew 6 this summer, and plan to finish the series with Matthew 7 next summer.

Connect
Feel free to respond to any or all of these questions to help get the conversation rolling:
◾ What was on your mind most last week?
◾ If your life was a book, what would this current chapter be titled?
◾ What makes you laugh?

Pray
Take a few deep breaths to slow your heart and mind. Spend a few minutes casting your cares on God and thanking Him for ways He cares for you.

Explore and Discuss
Don’t rush through this. It’s OK if you don’t get to all the questions. Sometimes it’ll make sense to go on to the next question. Other times, you might slow down and process a bit longer. Allow God to guide the pace of your discussion.

1. This passage begins with the word, therefore, connecting it to the previous passage about storing up treasures. How will the crucial choices we make in vs. 19-24 affect our ability to live free from worry?

2. What reasons does Jesus give for not worrying?

3. Jesus compares worry to little faith. What are some ways that worry undermines faith, specifically in the area of making a living and paying the bills?

4. What’s the difference between planning for the future and worrying about the future?

5. In His model prayer (see Matthew 6:9-13) and in His teaching on anxiety, Jesus stresses the need to focus first on the Father and look to Him for every good thing.

a. What words describe a good father?

b. How does knowing God is a good Father impact how you see your life?

6. What does it mean to seek first His (God’s) kingdom?

7. How will seeking God’s kingdom first help you not worry?

8. What does it mean that tomorrow will worry about itself (vs. 34 NIV)?

9. Are there things about tomorrow or the upcoming week that are causing you to feel pressure? Why is that, and what can you do about it?

Careful Reflection
Read slowly through the following passages. What stirs in your heart as you read these? What is God saying to you? Jot down some thoughts and discuss together as a group.

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow or burden, it empties today of its strength and power. CORRIE TEN BOOM

The One Thing
What’s one thing you’ll take away from this week’s lesson? Pause quietly for a few minutes and ask God what He wants you to know. Allow time for Him to put thoughts in your mind and stir your heart. Share briefly what you sense God is saying to you, then pray for each other.

Scripture Memory
Memorizing Scripture will help you carry the life-shaping words of God in you at all times and in all places. These words anchor our lives in truth, deepen our intimacy with God, and guide us on the path that leads to life. May we be like the Psalmist who …hid the words of God in his heart (from Psalm 119:11).

Here’s a passage to memorize based on this week’s teaching. Consider writing this on a note card and carrying it with you this week.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

App and the Daily Devotional
Spend time with God with the Daily Devotionals available on the App. You can also find Sunday Message resources and videos, leave prayer requests, give and more.

Why Jesus?
If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness and grace, we’d love the opportunity to talk with you about a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Email thepastors@brookwoodchurch.org or call 864.688.8200

Additional Study Tools
For additional Bible Study tools, guides and devotionals, check out bible.com, youversion.com, biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org.