Leader Guide 4-6-08 - Luke 12:22-34

Small Group Leaders Guide
April 6, 2008

Putting Worry In Perspective

Luke 12:22-34

Getting Started:
1. How many synonyms and antonyms can you come up with for the word, “worry”?

• Synonyms: Be anxious, agonize, brood, panic, get worked up, get stressed, be unsettled, agitated, scared, flustered.
• Antonyms: Faith, peace, prayer,

Going Deeper:
2. Read Luke 12:22 and 12:32. Would you describe worry as a type of fear?

• Worry is either a type of fear or it is based on fear.

3. Is there a difference between worry and concern? If so, what is it? How are the two similar?

• Many people think worry is "just a part of life." However, worry is an activity that is destructive, worthless, and always counterproductive. Some people think that the opposite of worry is apathy. This is not so. Apathy’s opposite is concern. This can sometimes be confusing because it seems these two are really the same thing. But they’re not. In as much as a phobia is an unreasonable fear, worry is an unreasonable concern.
• Our culture is often quite supportive of worry because of the misguided connection with caring. Often, if you tell someone you do not worry about an issue, they may wonder if it is because you do not care. But worry is not a sign of caring; concern is the real companion of caring.
• So, concern and worry are two different things. You can be concerned about what you will eat or what you will wear without being worried about these things.

4. Read Luke 12:32. What do you think Jesus is trying to communicate by calling the people, “little flock?”

5. Read Mark 4:18-19 and Luke 10:41-42. What are some of the dangers of worrying? How has worry caused something negative in your life?

6. Read Luke 12:32-34. Do you think this is a command for today? In verse 33, what do you think the main point is?

• Jesus did not ask His disciples to sell everything they had. Notice that the word “all” is neither present nor implied in this verse. Do you think Jesus meant to free His disciples up from some of their belongings to simplify their lives? To alleviate worries?
• Do you think the point of verse 33 is that His disciples should own nothing? Own less? Do whatever it takes in life to be able to put God first?

7. Verse 34 refers to “your treasure.” What does Jesus mean by that? What is your treasure? Have you experienced your heart being where your “treasure” is?

8. Having your heart where your treasure is sounds very warm and fuzzy. How might having your “heart where your treasure is” be a negative thing?

9. Do you think a person could stop worrying simply by choosing not to? Read Luke 21:14-15 and Philippians 4:6-7. How do these Scriptures encourage/teach you not to worry?

10. What are some of your favorite Scripture passages or verses that encourage you when you feel worried? Share them with your group.

Putting it into practice:
1) On Sunday, we were challenged to find one way that worry was keeping us from putting God first. What area is that for you?

2) Do you find it hard to keep from worrying? What do you think would help? Pray about this in your groups.

Quote Of The Week:
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
--Jesus