August 31, 2025
Bible Study Lessons
Children’s and Youth Student Lessons
Children’s and Youth Teacher Lessons
Young Adult Teacher Lesson
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“Grandma, look!” said Keanan. “That is the best shirt ever!” Keanan pointed at a shirt. It had a rainbow. It had a unicorn. It was sparkly.
“That is lovely,” said Grandma.
“Buy it for me, please, “said Keanan.
Grandma frowned. She shook her head. “I don’t have the money for that. I’m sorry.”
Keanan knew Grandma loved her. “That’s okay. I don’t need a new shirt.”
Grandma smiled. “Someday you will need a new shirt. I know God will provide for you.”
Keanan smiled.
“Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (from Matthew 6:32–33, NIV).
Why Worry?
A crowd followed Jesus. He climbed up a hill to sit. Now everyone could see and hear Him. He began to teach.
“Don’t worry about tomorrow. Don’t be scared you’ll be hungry. Don’t be scared you’ll be thirsty. Don’t be scared you won’t have clothes. Why? Look at the birds. They don’t worry. They have food and water. Look at the flowers.
They are dressed better than a king! You are more important than a bird. You are better than a flower. God knows what you need. He will take care of you, too. Worrying won’t help. God will!”
3 KNOWING
Kick Worrying Out!
Jesus said not to worry. God will give us what we need. What three things shouldn’t we worry about? Cross out each thing. Color them.
Memory
Verse:
“Do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’” (from Matthew 6:31, NIV).
DEAR PARENTS 4
Your child is learning that they shouldn’t worry about having their needs met. God helps us. Together list some of your family’s needs. Pray about them. Check them off as God provides.
GROWING
First Letter Word Hunt
Worrying doesn’t help us. What does help? Find out! Trace the words.
WEEKLY THEME: WHY DO YOU WORRY?
BASED ON:
Matthew 6:25–34, NIV
KEY VERSE:
Matthew 6:32–33, NIV
DEAR TEACHER
WHY WORRY?
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Knowledge : Preschoolers will identify three categories of things we should not worry about. Attitude : Preschoolers will feel confident that Jesus will provide for their basic needs. Action: Preschoolers will play a game as they pass around items they are learning to trust Jesus to provide for them.
Jesus tells a crowd of listeners not to worry about having food, drink, and clothes. We are more valuable than the birds and flowers who have these things. God provides.
SUPPLY LIST
SECTION MATERIALS
Focused Learning Center
Action Time
OPEN THE LESSON
Focused Learning Center
Set out the items. Discuss what they have in common. (They are all things we need.) Ask if there is anything else they might add to this group of items.
PRESENT THE SCRIPTURES
Life Application Story
(Distribute student folders.)
Before reading the story, ask the children, “Have you ever really wanted something that you were told you couldn’t have?” Let the children share. Say, “Today’s story is about a child who found the “best shirt ever” but was told she couldn’t have it. Let’s find out what happened.”
While reading, pause after the sentence, “Grandma frowned.” Ask, “Why do you think the grandma is frowning?” Listen to responses. Continue reading.
After reading, ask the children, “Did Keanan
Items that represent things people need: shirt, pants, bread, bottle of water, toothbrush, etc.
5 – 5" strips of paper, paper bag or jar, various items we need (one per child), music
get the best shirt ever?” (No.) Ask, “Will Keanan ever get to have a new shirt?” (Yes. When she needs a new shirt, God will provide one for her.)
Ask, “How might God provide a new shirt for Keanan when she needs one?” (A friend may give her a shirt they don’t need, or her grandma might have some extra money later to buy one.) Let the children offer ideas.
Reading the Bible Story Why Worry?
The Bible Story in the student folders is designed for preschool students to read. The Scripture Scene® is provided as a visual aid. Be sure to study the information on this Bible passage in the white pages of the Teacher Guide.
A crowd followed Jesus. He climbed up a hill to sit. Now everyone could see and hear Him. He began to teach.
“Don’t worry about tomorrow. Don’t be scared you’ll be hungry. Don’t be scared you’ll be
thirsty. Don’t be scared you won’t have clothes. Why? Look at the birds. They don’t worry. They have food and water. Look at the flowers. They are dressed better than a king! You are more important than a bird. You are better than a flower. God knows what you need. He will take care of you, too. Worrying won’t help. God will!”
EXPLORE THE MEANING
Memory Verse
“Do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’” (from Matthew 6:31, NIV).
Use American Sign Language to teach this verse. For “not,” have the children make a fist and stick out their thumb, then touch their thumb under their chin. For “worry,” have the children spread out their fingers in front of their armpits, palms facing body, and then alternate moving each hand to and away from themselves. For “eat,” have them bring their hand up to their lips as though eating. For “drink,” have them position their hand as though holding a cup and tip their imaginary cup up near their mouth. For “wear,” have them bring flat hands up to the armpits with thumbs near their body and then move both hands forward. Say and sign the verse a few times together.
Action Time
Before class: Cut several strips of paper. Write one of the following on each: PRAY, SING, GIVE THANKS, SAY THE BIBLE VERSE, LOOK FOR GOD’S HELP. Place them in a paper bag or jar.
During class: Have the children sit in a circle on the floor. Explain, “We are going to play a game. Everyone is going to hold something that we need, like a shirt, a pair of pants, or a bottle of water. As I play some music, you will take an item from the person on one side of you and pass your item to the person on the other side. Let’s practice that.” Pass out the items so that every child has one, but one does not. Give the children a minute to practice. Then say, “Each time we play, one child won’t have what they need. That means, they won’t be holding an item when the music stops. Instead, they will get to choose a special paper out of this bag (jar). We will help
them read it and do what it says.” Then turn on the music and begin the game.
Let the music play and have the children pass the items. Then stop the music. Have the child without an item pick a paper from the bag (jar). Help them read it and do what it says. For “pray,” say a short prayer asking God to provide for their needs. For “sing,” sing a short tune asking God for help with their needs. For “give thanks,” pray a short prayer thanking God for the things they do have. For “look for God’s help,” have them walk around the circle looking to see if any friend will share with them.
NEXT STEPS FOR APPLICATION
Knowing Kick Worrying Out!
Ask if they know what “crossing out” means. Then practice drawing an “X” in the air. Look at the pictures together. Read the directions. Ask, “Which three things did Jesus tell us not to worry about in today’s Bible Verse? Put an X on them.” Answers: shoes, glass of water, plate of food.
Growing First Letter Word Hunt
Read the directions. Sound out the words while the children follow along with their fingers. Assist them with tracing the letters. After finding all the letter sounds, slowly sound out the words together. Talk about what the words mean.
ABC Connect: Learning letters sounds is an important step in learning how to read.
Worship Time
Tell your preschoolers that today they are going to dance for Jesus. Find songs about not worrying and about being thankful. Sing and dance to these songs together. You can also use the signs you learned for the Memory Verse when you hear the words “worry” and “thankful” (put three fingers on your chin and then move your hand forward). Pray together to end the class.
Craft Kingdom®
Craft Kingdom® provides directions to complete a craft that reinforces the lesson. Play the Sing-Along CD as students work.
AUGUST 3 1 , 2 02 5
PRIMARY LIFE APPLICATION STORY
Brenda and her brothers and sisters lived with their grandma. Grandma did not have much money, but she knew that God would take care of them.
One day, they thought they would have only toast and tea for supper. Then Mr. Brown brought them some chicken to eat. That is how God was taking care of Brenda and her family.
LESSON • AUGUST 31 , 2 02 5
“Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (from Matthew 6:32–33, NIV).
Why Worry?
Jesus said that you should not be greedy about saving up a lot of money and having beautiful things. People can steal your things or else those things will get old and broken. Then you’ll have nothing.
Jesus looked at the birds that were flying up in the sky above them. Then Jesus talked to the people about the birds. Birds don’t go to stores to buy food; they don’t plant things to eat as the farmers do and they don’t store their food in barns. But God takes care of the birds. God sends sun and rain so berries and other things that birds like to eat will grow. If God provides food for birds, which are not nearly as important as you are, then He will certainly provide for you, too.
God Takes Care of Everything
Look at the sentences below. Each one is a riddle that tells how God takes care of everything He created. Complete each sentence with the correct word from the Word Box.
1. Worms and seeds, All my needs, God t akes care of me.
What am I? ____________________
2. Pet als of blue, Pink and red too, God t akes care of me.
What am I? ____________________
3. Moms and Dads, Homes and beds, God t akes care of me.
What am I? ____________________
Memory
Verse: “Do not worry” (from Matthew 6:31, NIV).
God Takes Care of Me
God gives you food to eat. Write the name of each food under it. Use the words from the Word Box. Then write some ways that God takes care of you.
Word Box bananas apple corn milk beans
What other ways does God take care of you?
Name ________________________________
PRIMARY S TREET
WEEKLY THEME: WHY DO YOU WORRY?
BASED ON:
Matthew 6:25–34, NIV
KEY VERSE:
Matthew 6:32–33, NIV
DEAR TEACHER
WHY WORRY?
LESSON OBJECTIVES
Knowledge : Primaries will describe what Jesus taught about worrying.
Attitude : Primaries will recognize that they can trust God to take care of them.
Action: Primaries will create drawings of things that God provides for them and other living things for classroom wall art.
Your primaries will learn that God provides everything that we need.
SUPPLY LIST
SECTION
Focus Activity
MATERIALS
Image of life cycle of a plant
Review Drawing paper, decorating materials
OPEN THE LESSON
Focus Activity
Before the day of class, find or draw a simple diagram that shows the life cycle of a plant. Make sure the diagram shows sunlight, water, and a plant at various stages of growth (seed, sprout, flowering, etc.). On the day of class, display the diagram and review it with the primaries. Ask the children what they think would happen to a plant in a pot if we put it in a dark closet all the time. Ask: What would this plant be missing? (sunlight) Say: God sends the sun to make plants grow. What does God give us to help us grow? Record their responses on a board and have a short discussion.
PRESENT THE SCRIPTURES
Life Application Story
(Distribute the student folders.)
Before reading the Life Application Story, review some of the things that God provides for us that the children identified in the Focus Activity discussion. Ask: What can happen if people do not get what they need? Allow the primaries to respond. Say: Sometimes people may worry or be
afraid if they don’t get what they need. Tell the children they will read about how God provides for a young girl and her family. Pause after the sentence, “One day, they thought they would have only toast and tea for supper.” Ask: What do you think will happen next? Continue reading. After reading, talk about how Brenda’s grandmother believed that God would take care of her family. Remind the primaries that they never have to worry about having what they need. God will provide and take care of them.
Bible Story Why Worry?
The Bible Story in the student folders is designed for primary students to read. The Scripture Scene® is provided as a visual aid. Be sure to study the information on this Bible passage in the white pages of the Teacher Guide.
Jesus said that you should not be greedy about saving up a lot of money and having beautiful things. People can steal your things or else those things will get old and broken. Then you’ll have nothing.
Jesus looked at the birds that were flying up in the sky above them. Then Jesus talked to the people about the birds. Birds don’t go to stores to buy food; they don’t plant things to eat as the farmers do and they don’t store their food in barns. But God takes care of the birds. God sends sun and rain so berries and other things that birds like to eat will grow. If God provides food for birds, which are not nearly as important as you are, then He will certainly provide for you, too.
EXPLORE THE MEANING Review
Have a discussion about the Bible Story. Remind the primaries that God provides so much for us and other living things. We do not have to worry. Tell the children to think of their favorite thing that God provides. Have them draw and decorate pictures of things they are grateful to God for providing. Distribute drawing paper and decorating materials. When the primaries have finished their art, arrange it on a wall in the classroom.
Memory Verse
“Do not worry” (from Matthew 6:31, NIV).
Before the day of class, create four sets of construction paper cutouts of the words of the Memory Verse. Place each set of puzzle pieces in a large envelope. On the day of class, say the Memory Verse with the children a few times. Then divide the class into four teams. Distribute the puzzles to each team. Tell the primaries they will have one minute to correctly assemble the Memory Verse puzzles. The team to correctly assembles the Memory Verse within one minute wins the game.
NEXT STEPS FOR APPLICATION Be Smart
God Takes Care of Everything
Read the directions with the primaries. Complete the first exercise item as a class. Then have the primaries complete the remaining items by choosing the correct word from the Word Box to complete each sentence in the riddles. Answers: 1. lettuce, 2. flowers, 3. families.
Good Attitude
God Takes Care of Me
Read the directions with the primaries. Children should write the names of each food on the lines. They should then write some ways that God takes care of them. Answers: bananas, apple, corn, milk, and beans.
Worship Time
Teach the children the comforting chorus of “God Will Take Care of You.” Sing the African chorus, “God Is So Good.” Tell the children that you would like each of them to stand and thank God for one thing He does or makes to take care of them. End the class with a prayer thanking God for providing everything we need.
Craft Kingdom®
Craft Kingdom® provides directions to make a craft that reinforces the lesson. Play the SingAlong CD as students work.
NOTES
Keep Calm and Carry On
What’s It All About?
The last thing Nathanael and Lydia saw was the bright flash. Now both Juniors opened their eyes, witnessing the activity going on around them. They were both lying flat on their backs on the classroom floor with people hovering over them, calling their names, and tapping their faces. Their helmets were being gently lifted off their heads. In the background, they could see their parents standing, holding hands in prayer, with tears in their eyes.
“They’re coming around,” a paramedic stated very professionally.
“Lie still,” the other paramedic directed, as Nathanael and Lydia tried to sit up. Stretchers were brought in, and the two were whisked away to the nearby community hospital emergency room. After they were checked out, they were released to their parents with warnings to take it easy for a couple of days.
After being questioned by their worried parents, the two went to their own homes and wearily prepared for bed. Nate called Lydia. They shared what each had experienced while working on their virtual reality science project. Something had gone wrong in the test, and they both blacked out in front of their entire class.
“You know, this is really going to be a problem when we get back to school,” declared Nate. “We’ll never be able to live this down,” Lydia complained. “Thankfully, Mrs. Watts will give us another chance, but still, it was so embarrassing.”
Nate was quiet for a moment. “You know, Lydia, I don’t even care anymore what others will say. God takes care of us. We shouldn’t worry about any of this stuff—not today, not tomorrow, not ever!” he shouted happily. “I trust God to help us get our project together and handle whatever ridicule comes from our peers.”
“Good point!” Lydia agreed. “He’s got us. All will work out well.”
At that, they hung up their phones. And, they didn’t worry about anything because they trusted the Lord to take care of it. A week later, they presented their science project of a virtual reality game and did great!
What do you think Nate and Lydia learned from this experience? What can you learn from them?
Learning From God
Worrying does nothing to resolve our problems. In many cases, it often makes things worse, such as negatively affecting our health. The extent to which we worry about things may simultaneously reveal the extent to which we trust God.
Matthew 6:25–34, NIV—“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly
Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
What I Have Learned
Fill in the blanks of the statements below based on today’s Scripture. After filling in the blanks, be sure to repeat each statement aloud to yourself.
1.God takes care of the ______________ who do not ______________, ______________, or ______________ ______________ in barns. I am more ______________ to Him than them. He will take care of me.
2.The ______________ of the field grow. God clothes the grass. He will ______________ me.
3.My heavenly Father ______________ my needs. He will take care of me.
Keep In Mind
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day as enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34, NIV).
Choosing What’s Best
At some point in time, everyone worries about something or someone. On the lines below, list things that worry you. Then write a prayer asking God to help you completely turn these situations over to Him instead of worrying.
Things that Worry Me: _____________________
Prayer: ________________________________
Doing My Part
Sometimes concentrating on problems and worries keeps us from realizing the good and wonderful things God is doing in our lives. Keep a “Joy Journal” this week. Each day, write down something wonderful that God did for you. Don’t wait until tomorrow to start. Begin today!
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
WEEKLY THEME: WHY DO YOU WORRY?
BASED ON:
Matthew 6:25–34
PURPOSE OF THE LESSON
During this lesson, Juniors will recall Jesus’ words about God’s promise if they seek Him first; recognize that they can give their worries to God in prayer; and keep a “Joy Journal” as one practical way to learn to trust God more.
BEFORE YOU TEACH
1.Suggested Materials—Bibles, student magazines, pens or pencils, pictures of Moses or other prophets, and devotions for Juniors (optional).
2.Lesson Background—For background information, read Matthew 6:19–34. Be sure to read the student lesson. Also see Bible Study Guide 1 in the white pages of this book, as well as in the UMI Annual Commentary, Precepts for Living ®.
Jesus said not to lay up treasures upon earth that perish but to lay up treasures in heaven that are imperishable (Matthew 6:19–20). The keyword throughout this lesson will be “perspective.” Jesus wants His people to be focused on the right things and have their feet on the right path. Jesus’ point was that whatever they had, the condition of their hearts was the most important issue.
Jesus said to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first and that He will provide the necessities of life (verse 33). The word “kingdom” is translated “the kingdomship” of God. That is, seek to let God’s purposes and plans rule in one’s life. If that happens, then God promises to respond generously to one’s needs. Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow, for today has enough trouble (verse 34). Worry and negative thoughts will hinder faith and prevent Christians from
KEEP IN MIND:
Matthew 6:34
FROM YOUR BIBLE:
The Scripture text is in the student lesson under “Learning From God.”
trusting His Word and looking for His solutions. Seeking Him first is always the answer.
OPEN THE LESSON
Get Started Activity
Review last week’s “Doing My Part” activity. Begin by asking Juniors what it means to worry about things. Then, ask how they feel physically and emotionally when they worry. For example, do they find it difficult to concentrate on other things? Do they have body aches, such as stomach cramps? Allow for a brief discussion. Then share with Juniors that the focus of today’s lesson is not to worry.
What’s It All About?
Teaching time about 4–8 minutes
Student Story: Keep Calm and Carry On
The last thing Nathanael and Lydia saw was the bright flash. Now both Juniors opened their eyes, witnessing the activity going on around them. They were both lying flat on their backs on the classroom floor with people hovering over them, calling their names, and tapping their faces. Their helmets were being gently lifted off their heads. In the background, they could see their parents standing, holding hands in prayer, with tears in their eyes.
“They’re coming around,” a paramedic stated very professionally.
“Lie still,” the other paramedic directed, as Nathanael and Lydia tried to sit up. Stretchers were brought in, and the two were whisked away to the nearby community hospital emergency room. After they were checked out, they were
released to their parents with warnings to take it easy for a couple of days.
After being questioned by their worried parents, the two went to their own homes and wearily prepared for bed. Nate called Lydia. They shared what each had experienced while working on their virtual reality science project. Something had gone wrong in the test, and they both blacked out in front of their entire class.
“You know, this is really going to be a problem when we get back to school,” declared Nate. “We’ll never be able to live this down,” Lydia complained. “Thankfully, Mrs. Watts will give us another chance, but still, it was so embarrassing.”
Nate was quiet for a moment. “You know, Lydia, I don’t even care anymore what others will say. God takes care of us. We shouldn’t worry about any of this stuff—not today, not tomorrow, not ever!” he shouted happily. “I trust God to help us get our project together and handle whatever ridicule comes from our peers.”
“Good point!” Lydia agreed. “He’s got us. All will work out well.”
At that, they hung up their phones. And, they didn’t worry about anything because they trusted the Lord to take care of it. A week later, they presented their science project of a virtual reality game and did great!
What do you think Nate and Lydia learned from this experience? What can you learn from them?
PRESENT THE SCRIPTURES
Learning From God
Teaching time about 10–15 minutes
Allow Juniors to read the Bible lesson aloud. Encourage Juniors to discuss how we can allow “things” to get ahead of God. Ask Juniors to honestly share what they’d be doing right now if they were not in class today. Then ask them if the alternative is the better choice.
What I Have Learned
Teaching time about 5–8 minutes
Juniors will fill in the blanks to statements based on today’s Scripture.
Answers: 1. birds, sow, reap, store away, valuable; 2. flowers, clothe; 3. knows.
Juniorway® Bible Activities
For additional material, see the activity for this lesson in the JBA® ( Juniorway® Bible Activities) book.
Keep In Mind
Teaching time about 2–3 minutes
Play a game of “First.../Then...” You say, “First...,” and the class recites the first part of the verse. Now say, “Then...,” and the class should recite the last half of the verse. Finally, have Juniors recite the verse in unison.
EXPLORE THE MEANING
Choosing What’s Best
Teaching time about 4–8 minutes
Juniors are asked to write down some things that worry them. Then, they are to write a prayer asking God to help them turn the situations completely over to Him instead of worrying. Please pray with your Juniors. They may face situations that could cause great alarm.
NEXT STEPS FOR APPLICATION
Doing My Part
Teaching time about 2–3 minutes
Juniors are encouraged to keep a “Joy Journal.” Each day they are to write down something wonderful that God did for them. Encourage Juniors to write at least one thing down before they leave class. Remind Juniors that seeing good even when there are problems in our lives is a matter of having a God perspective.
NOTES
Keep Calm and Carry On
Milli eagerly looked for her name tag. “I can’t believe we’re finally old enough to come to such a fancy dinner,” she whispered to her friend Avarie. They found their places. Mrs. Arthur invited girls from all over the city for her annual gala dinner.
Mrs. Arthur lightly taped her fork against her lemonade glass. The room grew eerily quiet as her welcoming grin faded. “Imagine, if I told you we have no food to serve,” she softly spoke. Concerned looks darted from table to table. She continued.
“This happened to George Müller in the 1800s. Müller, a godly man, and his wife started orphanages for needy children. Müller believed he should trust God, never ask people for donations, and never go in debt. Instead, he prayed. He prayed for their needs and for potential donors. Can you imagine Müller’s thoughts one desperate morning? Children sat down for breakfast, but he knew there was no food! What would you do? How would you feel?” asked Mrs. Arthur.
The girls looked shocked. “I wonder if she’s trying to tell us something,” whispered Avarie.
“Yeah, I’ve waited to come for over a year,” said Millie. “Do you think her caterer skipped out?”
After what seemed a long time, Mrs. Arthur continued. “According to his own autobiography, Mr. Müller thanked God for breakfast anyway. While praying, someone knocked on the door. A local baker said he awoke during the night and felt urged to bake bread for the children. Soon after, a milkman arrived. His milk cart had broken down. Could Mr. Müller’s children drink the milk? It would spoil before he could repair his cart. Over the years, Mr. Müller’s filled his journals with accounts of God’s answered prayers and care.
Mrs. Arthur smiled, “Tonight, you will have your amazing feast, but I hope as you eat, you will think of Mr. Müller trusting God for his daily needs. Let’s never take God’s gifts for granted.”
In My Heart
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34, NIV).
WORD!
Matthew 6:25–34, NIV—“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.
30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
SIDEBAR
Why Do You Worry?
Jesus’ instruction to not worry might seem easier said than done. Jesus’ followers risked their very lives when accepting Christ. The “tight-knit” community relationships determined acceptance. Religious leaders shunned or even expelled “unacceptable” Jews from the synagogue. Jesus’ followers might lose jobs, homes, and even families. Discipleship truly cost everything. Jesus reminded followers that God takes cares of His entire creation. Jesus said to seek the Kingdom of God above everything else and to live righteously. God will satisfy every need. Our lives might be different than Jesus’ followers, but we still worry. Would you choose to give up your security to follow Jesus? What can you do when you begin to worry?
When Tempted to Worry
R— Recall God’s past faithfulness.
E— Enjoy times exploring nature
M— Model trust for others.
E— Eliminate negative thoughts and words.
B— Bravely believe.
E— Exercise. Encourage others.
R— Respond to God in prayer and praise.
GOT IT!
A. Never Worry
Use WORD! to help you fill in the blanks. “Therefore do not about , for will about itself. Each day has enough of its own” (Matthew 6:34, NIV).
B.Prayer Jar
1. Decorate a “prayer” jar with stickers or markers.
2. Write worries on paper slips and put them in the jar.
3. Pray. Trust God to take care of these concerns.
4. Add new worries to your jar.
5. Occasionally check your worries. Thank God for answering prayers.
JAM SESSION
Keep Calm and Carry On
In today’s story, Mrs. Arthur told the true account of evangelist George Müller. He thanked God for breakfast when he had absolutely nothing to feed the children. God used a baker and a milkman to take care of the children. I Peter 5:7, tells us to cast all our cares on God because He cares. Don’t you imagine Mr. Müller’s faith grew when God answer his prayers? Faith grows when you need prayer. Other times faith grows when God uses you to meet someone else’s need. Are you ready to trust God for everything and watch your faith grow?
JAM ON IT!
Spread the Word
This week tell a friend about Mr. Müller. Show your friend how to make a prayer jar. When problems come and you start to worry, say a prayer. Tell God you trust Him instead.
LAST JAM
I will not worry. I will trust God!
QUESTIONS FOR CLASS
Use this space to write down questions you have about this lesson.
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
WEEKLY THEME:
WHY DO YOU WORRY?
BASED ON:
Matthew 6:25–34
TARGET
Discipleship came at substantial cost to believers during Jesus’ day. Followers of Jesus might expect to lose the status and safety net of the Jewish community. They risked loss of family, home, community, synagogue, and livelihood. When Jesus taught that followers could not serve two masters, that believers must forsake all else, the mandate cut to the very core of existence. Discipleship resulted in a life-changing experience. Today’s Matthew 6 passage begins with the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 and continues through Matthew 7. Through this lengthy discourse, Jesus amazes the crowds with authoritative teaching like Jewish teachers of religious laws. Yet, Jesus’ message called followers to a unique life, juxtaposed from the norm. Jesus called followers to live a life distinctively different and dependent on God. Jesus knew this call could lead to worry. Jesus used the Greek word “merman” in this passage. There is no need for merman, “to worry anxiously.” God cares. A call to discipleship required faith to trust in the Lord, believing God to satisfy every need of life. Jesus pointed out God’s attention for His creation. He announced that God will indeed care for all men seeking His righteousness.
TOOLS
Bibles, student magazines, pens or pencils, materials for making a prayer jar (See “Got It!”)
LESSON AIM:
By the end of this lesson, students will:
During this lesson, Jammers will:
1. Xxxxx
2. Xxxxx
KNOW: Remember Jesus’ words about God’s care when tempted to worry.
3. Xxxxx
FEEL: Long for faith to help them avoid useless anxiety.
DO: Practice trusting in God when life does not go their way.
OPEN THE LESSON
Briefly discuss the following questions:
1. What th ings cause you worry? What is worry?
2. Does your worry change what happens? Why or why not?
REALITY CHECK
Keep Calm and Carry On Milli eagerly looked for her name tag. “I can’t believe we’re finally old enough to come to such a fancy dinner,” she whispered to her friend Avarie. They found their places. Mrs. Arthur invited girls from all over the city for her annual gala dinner.
Mrs. Arthur lightly taped her fork against her lemonade glass. The room grew eerily quiet as her welcoming grin faded. “Imagine, if I told you we have no food to serve,” she softly spoke. Concerned looks darted from table to table. She continued.
“This happened to George Müller in the 1800s. Müller, a godly man, and his wife started orphanages for needy children. Müller believed he should trust God, never ask people for donations, and never go in debt. Instead, he prayed. He prayed for their needs and for potential donors. Can you imagine Müller’s thoughts one desperate morning? Children sat down for breakfast, but he knew there was no food! What would you do? How would you feel?” asked Mrs. Arthur.
The girls looked shocked. “I wonder if she’s trying to tell us something,” whispered Avarie.
“Yeah, I’ve waited to come for over a year,” said Millie. “Do you think her caterer skipped out?”
After what seemed a long time, Mrs. Arthur continued. “According to his own autobiography, Mr. Müller thanked God for breakfast anyway. While praying, someone knocked on the door. A local baker said he awoke during the night and felt urged to bake bread for the children. Soon after, a milkman arrived. His milk cart had broken down. Could Mr. Müller’s children drink the milk? It would spoil before he could repair his cart. Over the years, Mr. Müller’s filled his journals with accounts of God’s answered prayers and care.
Mrs. Arthur smiled, “Tonight, you will have your amazing feast, but I hope as you eat, you will think of Mr. Müller trusting God for his daily needs. Let’s never take God’s gifts for granted.”
SUGGESTED DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What kinds of concerns besides food might have worried Mr. Müller?
2. List some “needs” vs. “wants” for the different people in this story.
PRESENT THE SCRIPTURES IN MY HEART
Recite this verse: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34, NIV).
WORD!
Use “Target” to help teach today’s lesson. Then have them read WORD! Ask Jammers to consider what must change for them to live an anxiety-free life. Is it possible? How do wants versus needs affect anxiety?
SIDEBAR
Why Do You Worry?
Jesus’ followers risked their very lives when accepting Christ. Religious leaders shunned or even expelled “unacceptable” Jews from the synagogue. Jesus’ followers might lose jobs, homes, and even families. Discipleship truly cost everything. Jesus reminded followers that God takes cares of His entire creation. Jesus said to seek the Kingdom of God above everything else and to live righteously. God will satisfy every need. Would you choose to
give up your security to follow Jesus? What can you do when you begin to worry?
EXPLORE THE MEANING
When Tempted to Worry, you might …
R—Recall God’s past faithfulness.
E —Enjoy times exploring nature.
M—Model trust for others.
E —Eliminate negative thoughts and words.
B —Bravely believe.
E —Exercise. Encourage others.
R—Respond to God in prayer and praise.
GOT IT!
A.Never Worry
Jammers will use “WORD!” to fill in the blanks. “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34, NIV).
B.Prayer Jar
Help Jammers create prayer jars. You will need: small jars or containers; stickers, markers, slips of paper, and pens. Read 1 Peter 5:7 aloud. Model praying for Jammers’ issues, while committing these concerns to God. Remind Jammers to add new worries, trust God, and thank Him for answering prayers.
JAM SESSION
Keep Calm and Carry On
Point out the connection between prayer, trust, and growing faith. Müller made a conscious decision to trust God. By faith, he thanked God for food that wasn’t even there yet. God used a baker and the milkman as agents of answered prayer. Imagine the cycle of faith for Müller, the baker, the milkman, and even the children. Worry decreases and faith increases as Jammers practice trusting God.
NEXT STEPS FOR APPLICATION
JAM ON IT!
Spread the Word
Jammers will tell a friend about Müller and explain how to make their own prayer jar. Encourage youth to pray instead of worrying this week.
Keep Calm and Carry On 8.31
the big idea: Why Do You Worry?
Milli eagerly looked for her name tag. “I can’t believe we’re finally old enough to come to such a fancy dinner,” she whispered to her friend Avarie. They found their places. Mrs. Arthur invited girls from all over the city for her annual gala dinner.
Mrs. Arthur lightly taped her fork against her lemonade glass.
The room grew eerily quiet as her welcoming grin faded. “Imagine, if I told you we have no food to serve,” she softly spoke. Concerned looks darted from table to table. She continued.
“This happened to George Müller in the 1800s. Müller, a godly man, and his wife started orphanages for needy children. Müller believed he should trust God, never ask people for donations, and never go in debt. Instead, he prayed. He prayed for their needs and for potential donors. Can you imagine Müller’s thoughts one desperate morning?
Children sat down for breakfast, but he knew there was no food!
from your Bible
Matthew 6:25–34, NIV— “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or
“What would you do? How would you feel?” asked Mrs. Arthur.
The girls looked shocked. “I wonder if she’s trying to tell us something,” whispered Avarie.
“Yeah, I’ve waited to come for over a year,” said Millie. “Do you think her caterer skipped out?”
After what seemed a long time, Mrs. Arthur continued. “According to his own autobiography, Mr. Müller thanked God for breakfast anyway. While praying, someone knocked on the door. A local baker said he awoke during the night and felt urged to bake bread for the children. Soon after, a milkman arrived. His milk cart had broken down. Could Mr. Müller’s children drink the milk? It would spoil before he could repair his cart. Over the years, Mr. Müller’s filled his journals with accounts of God’s answered prayers and care.
Mrs. Arthur smiled, “Tonight, you will have your amazing feast, but I hope as you eat, you will think of Mr. Müller trusting God for his daily needs. Let’s never take God’s gifts for granted.”
about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you
not much more valuable than they?
27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Scripture discussion
In today’s Scripture, Jesus warns the people against focusing on those things that aren’t really meaningful, and encourages them to focus on those things which are eternal. In essence, He is saying that worrying has never gotten anyone anywhere. Believers are called to remember that God is able to provide for our needs. It’s important to keep in mind that everything one wants isn’t necessarily everything one needs. There are people in the world who are truly struggling to survive, and
make it real
check it
yet often we complain about not having the newest phone or clothes. Jesus Himself was homeless during his ministry, and yet through the provision of God and the willingness of faithful people, His needs were supplied daily.
Many people today are “stressed out” and depressed, because they are not aware of riches they already have—life, health, family, friends and most importantly God’s love.
We can’t take our riches and possessions into eternity. But if a person has a relationship with Jesus, that is the most important treasure they can have.
1. Identify reasons why we worry about not having things that don’t really matter.
2. Do you struggle with being grateful for things you have? Why or why not?
3. What do you need to pray and trust God to provide instead of worrying about?
think it
1. What are treasures in Heaven? (Matt. 6:20)
2. Who are the two masters? (v. 6:24)
3. About what things should we not worry? (vv. 6:25–30)
do it
Make a list of intangible things that God has given you. Thank God for what He has already provided.
keep it
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34, NIV).
INTEEN ® TEACHING PLAN • AUGUST 31, 2025
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
WHY DO YOU WORRY?
LESSON AIM:
By the end of the lesson, teens will:
(1) To remember Jesus’ words about God’s care when tempted to worry, (2) pursue faith to help them avoid useless anxiety; (3) practice trusting in God when life does not go their way.
MATERIALS NEEDED
Bible, student magazines, paper, pencils or pens, white board
OPEN THE LESSON
Prior to class time, prepare a poster board upon which you have written: “The Richest People in the World.” As people arrive, direct their attention to it. Distribute felt tipped pens. Ask them to write on the poster names of people who are who are wealthy. Then ask, “What makes each of these people rich?” Write answers, in abbreviated form, next to each person’s name. Then ask them to name people who lost fame or money and why it might have happened. Have them consider what happens to that money now.
PRESENT THE SCRIPTURES
In today’s Scripture passage, both Matthew and Luke contrast trusting in material riches for security with seeking the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:19–34; Luke 12:22–34).
If a person has a relationship with Jesus, the person is not concerned about having a lot or a little, as long as the person has eternal life.
Jesus used His teachings to shift the ancient understanding of riches from strictly temporal to those that are eternal (vv. 19–20). Mammon (v. 24 KJV, translated “wealth” NRSV) is a Syriac name given to an idol god
of riches. Jews may have never formally worshiped this idol, but they borrowed the term to denote wealth.
EXPLORE THE MEANING
Have the students read out loud and discuss the story “Keep Calm and Carry On,” the Scripture passages, and the Scripture Discussion.
Then have the students answer the questions in the Check It and Think It sections to make sure they understand the lesson. Talk to them about questions they may have about the passage.
In today’s story, God provides for an important need from an unexpected place. This story encourages us to trust God for provision even when we don’t know how it will happen.
NEXT STEPS FOR APPLICATION
How can we step away from the things in the world and focus on God’s plan for our lives?
In the Do It section, students are challenged to evaluate the source of their hope. Ask students to make a list of intangible things that God has given them. Discuss some reasons why people worry. Ask youth to write each reason in the left column of a sheet of paper. In the right column, ask youth to find a Bible verse to address that worry. Encourage youth to work in teams.
WORSHIP GUIDE
For the Superintendent or Teacher
Theme: Why Do You Worry?
Theme Song : “Jesus is all the world to me!”
Scripture: Matthew 6:25–34
Song : “His Eye is on the Sparrow”
Prayer : Dear Jesus, may I trust you to provide what I need instead of worrying about what I don’t have.
FROM THE STUDENT MAGAZINE
Keep Calm and Carry On
Milli eagerly looked for her name tag. “I can’t believe we’re finally old enough to come to such a fancy dinner,” she whispered to her friend Avarie. They found their places. Mrs. Arthur invited girls from all over the city for her annual gala dinner.
Mrs. Arthur lightly taped her fork against her lemonade glass.
The room grew eerily quiet as her welcoming grin faded. “Imagine, if I told you we have no food to serve,” she softly spoke. Concerned looks darted from table to table. She continued.
“This happened to George Müller in the 1800s. Müller, a godly man, and his wife started orphanages for needy children. Müller believed he should trust God, never ask people for donations, and never go in debt. Instead, he prayed. He prayed for their needs and for potential donors. Can you imagine Müller’s thoughts one desperate morning?
Children sat down for breakfast, but he knew there was no food!
“What would you do? How would you feel?” asked Mrs. Arthur.
The girls looked shocked. “I wonder if she’s trying to tell us something,” whispered Avarie.
“Yeah, I’ve waited to come for over a year,” said Millie. “Do you think her caterer skipped out?”
After what seemed a long time, Mrs. Arthur continued. “According to his own autobiography, Mr. Müller thanked God for breakfast anyway. While praying, someone knocked on the door. A local baker said he awoke during the night and felt urged to bake bread for the children. Soon after, a milkman arrived. His milk cart had broken down. Could Mr. Müller’s children drink the milk? It would spoil before he could repair his cart. Over the years, Mr. Müller’s filled his journals with accounts of God’s answered prayers and care.
Mrs. Arthur smiled, “Tonight, you will have your amazing feast, but I hope as you eat, you will think of Mr. Müller trusting God for his daily needs. Let’s never take God’s gifts for granted.”
Scripture Discussion
In today’s Scripture, Jesus warns the people against focusing on those things that aren’t really meaningful, and encourages them to focus on those things which are eternal.
In essence, He is saying that worrying has never gotten anyone anywhere. Believers are called to remember that God is able to provide for our needs. It’s important to keep in mind that everything one wants isn’t necessarily everything one needs. There are people in the world who are truly struggling to survive, and yet often we complain about not having the newest phone or clothes. Jesus Himself was homeless during his ministry, and yet through the provision of God and the willingness of faithful people, His needs were supplied daily.
Many people today are “stressed out” and depressed, because they are not aware of riches they already have—life, health, family, friends and most importantly God’s love.
We can’t take our riches and possessions into eternity. But if a person has a relationship with Jesus, that is the most important treasure they can have.
Students will examine Jesus’ message about the benefits of developing and maintaining confidence during difficult times. He encourages us to avoid unnecessary worry and anxiety concerning life’s problems and to avoid obsessing over material things. When we begin to treasure things that only God can provide, we learn to refocus our minds on God’s eternal gifts.
Get Them Going Where We’re Going
We want what we desire, including financial and material possessions. There are many instances when we are influenced by the pressures of society to conform to specific norms. How strong is your faith when it is tested by challenging circumstances? Do we desire what God wants for us, or are we only determined to have what we wish for ourselves?
Faith In Action: A Blessing or Testing
“B
ut Mom, you promised me!” John yelled in frustration, Jan lowered her eyes with a sigh of sadness. She realized his deep disappointment. Since her divorce two years ago, she struggled to provide for her son John and his brother. Their father provided very little financial assistance. She prayed that, with God’s grace, she could adequately provide for her sons.
Between two jobs, caring for her elderly mom who had a challenging health issue, and looking out for her boys, Jan had plenty to juggle. She had promised her son John a bike for his last two birthdays, but would not be able to keep her promise.
Jan felt that he deserved the new bike. John has been a tremendous help around the house. Not only was he respectful and obedient, he was always willing to help with the care of his little brother after school. To say the least, Jan was as heartbroken as her son.
Feeling both a sense of shame and embarrassment, she looked John in his eyes and sternly said, “Please stop expecting only financial or material things!”
She continued explaining to John why he should be thankful for having a place to live, food, clothes, good health, and unconditional love from her and God.
John told his mom that he was grateful and apologized for being so angry.
“Mom, when my friends ask me when I’m getting a new bike, I make excuses. Now, they make fun of us for being too poor to buy a bike.”
Jan quickly replied, “Don’t worry about what they say, son! We are not poor, because we have faith that all of our needs will be met as promised in the Bible.”
A couple of months later, while shopping with his mom, an older man named Carl asked John to help him load his heavy groceries into his car. The gentleman was so impressed with John’s kindness that he asked Jan if John and his brother could come to his home to help him with yard work.
Jan and John agreed that they could assist Carl on the weekends. After a couple of weekends, Carl was pleased with John and his brother’s work and pleasant attitudes. But he lived on a limited income and had very little cash to pay them.
The next Saturday Carl’s son, who owned a bike shop, stopped by to visit. When he saw the boys raking the yard he was very impressed and grateful for the boys’ willingness to help his dad.
He asked Jan to bring them by his bike shop. When they came, he told them to pick out any bike they wanted. After all, the bikes provided the boys with transportation to continue helping his dad on weekends. John and his brother learned an important lesson about Jesus’ message concerning faith and patience. If your desires are meant to be, they will manifest in your life—on God’s timetable. If not, why worry? Perhaps God has a different plan.
Real Talk
1.Do you agree with John’s mother’s response to his concerns? If not, what would you do differently?
2. In what ways do you believe this experience transformed John and his mother’s faith? Share your opinion or personal experience.
3. Jesus teaches the following, “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.” When faced with a challenging situation, do you worry about what can go wrong before attempting to think about what can go right? Do you honestly always trust God’s promises first? Why?
“These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:32–33, NLT).
The Word (NLT)
Matthew 6:25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life— whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?
27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,
29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.
30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’
32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.
33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”
In this lesson, Jesus warns that fretting over situations in which we have no control is futile. He intimately teaches believers that worrying is fruitless. Jesus clearly emphasizes the importance of focusing on eternal kingdom blessings rather than earthly possessions, which are only temporal and far less valuable to our spiritual quality of life.
Wildflowers. During biblical times, fuel was scarce. Withered plants of all kinds were used for fuel. The term in verse 30 that is translated “wildflowers” actually includes all sorts of vegetation not classified as trees, including the beautiful lilies mentioned in verses 28–29. Even the magnificent plants that displayed God’s care in creation ended up as fuel to be used by the people that He valued and loved.
Wealth. Wealth is a blessing from God. Deuteronomy is full of promises of the Promised Land bringing with it fields, vineyards, cattle, and good harvests that meant economic prosperity to the Israelites. Paul speaks of monetary donations from the Corinthian church to the poor in Jerusalem as a “grace” or “mercy” (Gk. charis, 2 Corinthians 8:9). However, the Bible also recognizes that material wealth brings with it great dangers. For example, there is the danger of failing to acknowledge that God is the source of the blessing (Deuteronomy 8:17–18; Hosea 2:8). Another spiritual danger associated with riches is materialism; that is, envying and greedily hoarding the things money can buy.
The Players Backstage
Jesus always used illustrations in His sermon that His listeners could understand. For instance, those who heard this message knew of the wealth of Solomon and could probably visualize how beautifully he was clothed in the richest cloth with elaborate ornamentation. Jesus also used objects that were right in front of Him. As He sat upon the mountain, He spoke of the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28), the birds that flew overhead (v. 26), and told the people that they were much more important to God than these creatures. Therefore, to fully understand God’s Word, we have to dig a little to discover the setting and mindsets of the people during the time in which the Scripture was written. We can also look for contemporary illustrations to help us understand what God is saying today.
How does the setting of today’s passage on a mountain affect our understanding of the text? What would be a similar setting in modern-day?
Combing Through
1.Earthly Examples (Matthew 6:25–30)
Don’t worry about the necessities of food and clothes, Jesus counsels because your heavenly Father knows you have these needs. To have excessive concern reflects a lack of trust in an allwise and loving heavenly Father. What can you change by worrying, Jesus asks. If you cannot add a single hour to your life span, something only God controls, why worry about food and clothes? He will supply these needs just as He supplies life itself.
Jesus provides several reasons and illustrations to support His counsel. First, we must trust God because we cannot do these things ourselves (v. 27). Going into specifics, Jesus secondly reminds us of God’s past and present performances. If you doubt God’s ability to take care of His creatures, you need only look at what He has done, is doing, and promises to continue doing (v. 26). Third, Jesus reminds us that God can provide better than we can. The flowers do not work or weave their own garments, yet they are more beautifully gowned than the wealthiest king that Israel had ever known (v. 29). Finally, Jesus reminds us that we are worth a lot to God (v. 26, 30). We need only turn to Calvary and see the expression of His love and concern there (Romans 8:32). Christ assures His audience that God cares for all His children. Our faith in Him is well-placed, giving us confidence in our future.
Why do we worry so often about things we cannot alter?
2.Anxiety’s Antidote (vv. 31–34)
The phrase “So don't worry” (vv. 31, 34) does not mean that believers are to wait passively on God’s provision. It also does not mean that we should not carefully and prayerfully plan for our futures. It means that all of our efforts and planning should be made with confidence in God. Believers should be assured that God knows exactly what we need and that He will provide those needs.
In verses 30–31, Jesus delivers the punch line: If God takes such good care of His simplest creations, then He can be trusted to take care of our needs. Anxiety robs us of our ability to trust God’s care for us. Worry leaves us hopeless and fearful. Confidence in God to meet our day-to-day needs, however, frees us to concentrate on those
Diving Deeper Quiz
things which are pleasing to Him: God’s kingdom and righteousness. The idea is a constant mental preeminence of God’s kingdom. We are to always be putting God’s kingdom first and other things in proper perspective. When we do this, we have the assurance that the things necessary for survival and comfort will be given to us.
He promises that if we give His kingdom first place, all our other needs will be met. Our problem is that we do not believe that. Our lack of confident trust in our heavenly Father causes us to hesitate. Only when we begin to take Christ’s promise seriously will we begin to experience the joy that comes from confident trust in Him. What is one area of your life that you worry about? How would seeking God’s kingdom first help alleviate that worry?
Read BACKSTAGE and COMBING THROUGH from the BIBLE STUDY GUIDE. Then, answer the following:
1.What does it mean to fret? How do you think it may affect your attitude and outlook on life?
2. Can you recall a time when you prayed for an external thing or situation and expected an immediate answer from God? If the resolution didn’t come as soon as expected, how did it make you feel? Did it impact your faith or encourage the faith of others?
3. Have you ever concluded that your prayers weren’t answered because God wasn’t concerned about your needs and desires? What do you believe may have caused the perceived answer? What did you realize about worrying during the experience?
1.Take time to evaluate all of your blessings, both spiritual and material.
Next Steps Put It Out There
A.Group Application
Analyze your needs to survive versus things that you enjoy or give you pleasure.
1.List ten things you desire, which have no monetary value, that you must have in your life. From the list, circle four items that you can’t live without. Consider these four items as your needs.
2.Share with the group the remaining six items. These are considered your desires. From the list of six remaining items, if you could only pray for four of them, what would you choose and why? What are your thoughts about the remaining two items?
Wrap It Up
A.Daily Bible Readings
Remind the class to visit preceptsdigital.com for their daily Bible readings.
Say Word?
Rhetorical. Ruh-TOR-ih-cul.
2.Thank God for the special things that He has provided for you each day.
B.Personal Application
1.Take a look around your immediate environment or sift through personal photos. Examine each one closely. Select those things that are only God’s creation. Why are they more essential in your life?
2.Research general medical data, including published information that details the health risks associated with or exacerbated by worry. Compare these facts with data that link faith to its positive health benefits.
B.Talk to Him
We desire to please You. We appreciate Your sacrifice for us. Thank You for the gifts of love, forgiveness, and compassion for others. Please help us to perfect our faith and understand Your plan for our salvation. As we focus on Your constant provisions for each of us, free us from the burden of worrying about the future.
(Spiritual Wisdom and Guidance)
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” – Epicurus, Greek Philosopher