Sermon Highlights
The thing God says more than anything else in Scripture is “Fear not.”
Paul isn’t saying that there's nothing to fear - he’s saying you, as a believer, don’t have to be afraid or anxious.
Anxiousness is an emotional thief that robs us of today’s peace in anticipation of tomorrow’s problems.
If we’re going to arrest our anxiousness, we have to adjust our:
Perception – It’s not just what I see, it’s how I see it.
Praise – Praise doesn’t just give me gifts from God, praise gives me God the gift.
Prayer – The purpose of prayer is to express our dependency and to remind ourselves that we don’t have control.
Practices – We need to learn to discipline our imagination. Has there ever been a time when God did not come through?
God chooses what God uses to give us what we don’t deserve.
God’s presence is an automatic eviction of anything that is not like Him.
Scripture
Philippians 4:4-8 - Instructions for peace.
John 10:10 - The thief comes to steal; Jesus comes to give abundant life.
Romans 8:28 - God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
Psalm 16:11 - God’s presence brings us joy.
Acts 16:26 - Paul and Silas’ praise broke their chains.
2 Corinthians 10:5 - Take every thought captive.
Sermon Discussion
Conversation Starter
Dr. Dharius talked about how he had to find some alone time during his Thanksgiving celebrations. Are you an introvert or extravert? Do you enjoy being around a bunch of people, or do you need some alone time to recharge?
eGroup Highlights
What’s your highlight from this week’s sermon?
Discussion Questions
“It’s not just what I see, it’s how I see it.” Share a time you adjusted your perception and found peace in a difficult situation.
“The purpose of prayer is to express our dependency and to remind ourselves that we don’t have control.” What’s one area of your life where you need to stop grasping for control and trust God?
“If we’re going to arrest our anxiousness, we have to adjust our perception, praise, prayer, and practices.” Who in your life is really good at living out one of these spiritual disciplines? What can you learn from them?
Additional Questions
“Praise doesn’t just give me gifts from God, praise gives me God the gift.” What specific ways of praising God feel natural that you can incorporate more into your week? (worship songs, quiet meditation, gratitude journal, etc.)
“We need to learn to discipline our imagination. Has there ever been a time when God did not come through?” When have you seen God come through for you, even if it didn’t happen the way your imagination thought it would?
Prayer Prompt
Ask this question to your eGroup and include it as part of your closing prayer:
“God’s presence is an automatic eviction of anything that is not like Him.” When we manifest God’s presence through our praise, anxiousness, fear, and despair have to get out.
Ask your eGroup: where does it feel like anxiousness has you arrested this week? Begin your prayer time with praise, thanking God for His faithfulness to you and to each member of your group. Next, pray that God’s peace will be near to each of your members this week and push out all fear, anxiety, and despair. Pray for God to discipline their imaginations, enabling them to walk in freedom from anxiety and fear.