STUDY GUIDE: Cut to the Chase

Icebreaker: A totally surrendered faith is not a leap in the dark; rather, it is a leap into the light. Your thoughts?

Sermon Title – The Jesus Platform – “Cut to the Chase” – Matthew 6:25-34

Group Discussion

Read Matthew 6:25 – There is more to us and our lives than chasing needs. What does it look like to live with the mindset that there is more to life than simply meeting our physical and material needs? This passage challenges our modern-day priorities and focus; so, what are some ways we can make a shift (i.e., in our hearts and minds) to trust in God’s provision so that we can spend less time entertaining anxious thoughts and worrying? (Please be sensitive to the realities of anxiety disorder and clinical depression).

Read Matthew 6:26-27 – God is more capable than we can imagine. It is no surprise that His power and wisdom far exceed our own. How can truly embracing the Lord’s unlimited power impact the way we approach challenges or uncertainties in our lives? In what areas of your own life do you find it hardest to trust that the Lord is more capable than you? What are some ways you can truly surrender those areas over to His care?

Read Matthew 6:28-30 – We are more known and valuable to God than we know. What are some ways we can learn to recognize and embrace how much the Lord values and loves us so we can trust Him more completely in times of need or uncertainty? How can we overcome barriers that may prevent us from fully embracing the magnitude of His love for us?

Read Matthew 6:31-34 – Our tomorrow always comes with more concerns. Jesus instructs us not to worry about tomorrow, assuring us that God knows our needs and will provide as we seek His kingdom first. So, how can we learn to balance planning for the future without being consumed by worry, especially in a world that sometimes presents daunting challenges? What practical steps can we take to trust the Lord with our future concerns and live more fully in the present?

Spiritual Discipline: Review our additional sermon resources that support this message located on our Church Center app at: Church Center / Home / Sermon Resources. There is also a brief video by Jeff Faull on baptism “What is Baptism” that you can view and share with friends and family who may be interested or have questions about what the bible says about baptism.

Action Steps: We challenge you to memorize Matthew 6:33-34 this week and practice reciting the verses daily. For a more challenging action step, memorize all of Matthew 6:25-34 by the end of October.

Also, read Acts 2:38-39, and if you have not already done so, please consider completely surrendering to King Jesus. Coming to faith in Jesus, repentance from sin, and baptism are the first acts of surrender. In fact, baptism is an act of surrender! Jesus did it to fulfill all righteousness; we do it as an act of surrender to Jesus accepting Him as Lord and Savior and as a step in seeking His Kingdom and His Righteousness.