Every Woman’s Grace—Fall 2008

Lesson 3: Living in the Reality of Our Father’s Care

Day One

  1. List some of your everyday worries.Presuming that you trust God for the big things in life, use Romans 8:32, Matthew6:31–32, and Matthew 7:11 to explain how you can gain a biblical perspective on worry over the small things.
  1. Read Matthew 6:25–34.

a.Write down how many times the word “worry” is mentioned. What does Christ tell us not to worry about here, and over which ones do you struggle with worry?

b.What reasons does Christ give us as to why we are not to worry about these things?

c.What is implied for believers? What is promised?

d.List the ways you are making His Kingdom and His righteousness a priority in your life right now.

e.How have you specifically applied verse 34 in your life today?

  1. Understanding that thoughts control emotions, what commands regarding right thinking and right praying in relation to worry do you find in the following references? Next to each command, list a specific change you need to make in your life in order to think and pray rightly.

a.Eph. 4:23b.Col. 3:2

c.Col. 3:15d.Col. 3:16

e.1 Pet. 5:7

  1. According to Matthew 6:33, what does God promise if we make seeking His kingdom and His righteousness a priority?

You may want to take time after EWG to look at commentaries and resources for their insight on verse 34 and how it

impacts your life.

Day Two

  1. Fear of danger for ourselves or our loved ones is often a common source of worry for women. In what way does each of the following verses speak to that fear? Memorize one to share with your group.

a.Psalm. 33:13–14b.Proverbs 15:3

c.Psalm. 139:1–5; 10–12d.Hebrews. 4:13

  1. Give an Old Testament example (with references) of a woman whose life circumstances were dangerous. How did she

overcome this and what do you learn from her response that you can apply to your own life?

  1. Worry can also come from discontentment. Write out 1 Timothy 6:6–8.

a.List what you feel you need today to be really happy. (Felt needs)

b.Underline true needs, according to the above verses.

c.How do your felt needs line up with these true needs ?

d.What does your level of contentment tell the world around you about Jesus?

  1. Read 1 Timothy 6:17–19 with Hebrews 13:5.

a.Is it a sin to be wealthy? Back up your opinion with a phrase from the above verses.

b.What instructions are given here? To whom are they given?

c.List some of the promises of God found in these verses.

d.Mt. 6: 19-21also speaks about treasure or wealth. Are you consuming or storing up heavenly
treasures?

  1. Meditate on James 1:17 and Philippians 4:19. Make a specific list of all the ways the Lord is meeting your true needs

today and thank Him for each one.

Day Three

  1. The temptation to worry is real. Even the strongest Christian can be overwhelmed with life’s trials. Paul had overwhelming experiences, summed up in 2 Corinthians 11:23–33, yet he lived and taught in a peace that was not determined by circumstances.

a.List the various ways Paul suffered for Jesus’ sake.

b.Which do you think might have been the most difficult for Paul?

c.What is more difficult for you—internal or external trials?

  1. Write down the keys to peace versus anxiety from each of the following verses.

a.Psalm 42:11b.John 14:27

c.2 Corinthians 12:9–10d.Philippians 4:6–9

e.2 Thessalonians 3:16

  1. Which of the above verses are you applying to your potentially overwhelming experience, and what results have you seen?

Day Four

  1. Think of a current difficulty you are facing. Are you more apt to pray about it or worry about it? Look up the following Scriptures to each concern. Write out the one that is most helpful and share it with your group.

a.Finances—Ps. 37:25; Phil. 4:19; Matt. 6:33–34

b.Safety—Ps. 121; Ps. 46:1–3; Ps. 33:18–22

c.Salvation—Jn. 6:39–40; Jn. 10:27–29; Acts 13:48

d.Guilt—1 Jn. 1:9; Ps. 103:3a, 12; Rom 8:1

e.Health—Ps. 103:14; 2 Cor. 12:9; Rom. 8:28–29; Ps. 41:3; Ps. 139:16–17

f.Marriage—Eph. 5

g.Children—Eph. 5

2.Think of a biblical example where a principle found in these verses was applied to life (e.g., health—Mt. 8:14: Peter’s mother-in-law was healed and then began to serve).

Day Five

  1. Christians cannot “trial-proof” life. Trusting God in every crisis is critical to living a vibrant Christian life, and not yielding to worry. Think of a current situation you are tempted to worry about. How can the following Psalms specifically replace worry with trust in that situation? How have they helped you this week? Meditate prayerfully on each verse, taking your time to really think deeply and personally.

a.Ps. 118:5,6

b.Ps. 27:1

c.Ps. 23:1-4

d.Ps 40:1-2; Ps. 27:14; Isa. 40:31; Ps. 130:5,6

e.Ps. 48:14; Ps. 73:23-24

f.Ps. 37:14; Ps. 50:15

g.Ps. 145:18; Ps. 139:5

h.Other ______

i.Other______

______

Teacher October 8, 2008