Bible Study - ON EDGE: When Anxiety is Your Ride
- What is something God has done for you that you are thankful for or are celebrating? How have you experienced or witnessed his faithfulness in recent days?
- Where are you experiencing stress, anxiety or discouragement? How would you like to see God move in your life or in the life of someone close to you?
- What did you hear in this week’s sermon that was new or particularly interesting? Did anything stand out to you as puzzling or troubling?
- Chris introduced the sermon by talking about riding around in (or with) constant anxiety. Have you ever been through a season in life like this? Can you recall a time when you, or someone you know, wrestled with anxiety? Are you willing to share a little bit about that?
- Philippians 4:6-7 states: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” There’s a lot in these two verses.
- Consider the context: persecution and opposition facing the church in Philippi, a public feud between two very influential women, and Paul’s imprisonment. How do our circumstances shape our anxiety?
- What do you notice about Paul’s instructions here?
- Paul is reminding us that the “peace of God” is available to us. Peace is the prescription and God is the “doctor in the house.” How does our awareness of God’s nearness (Phil 4:5) change our ability to respond to anxiety?
- Chris encouraged us to cultivate an awareness of God’s nearness through the Word, through praise, and through God’s people.
- The Word of God is living and active. What does that mean for us, as we engage the Scriptures? Which tools and rhythms help you to engage the Word (apps, calendar reminders, etc.)?
- How does worship fuel our awareness of God?
- Chris noted that, “the Lord’s way of distributing His help involves others.” How can the body of Christ live this out?
- In the next 24-48 hours, what simple next step could you take in obedience to what you’ve learned from your time in God’s Word? Who would benefit from hearing what you’ve learned this week? Will you share it with them?