Anxious for Nothing Study Guide
2017 by Max Lucado
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ISBN 978-0-310-08731-1
ISBN 978-0-310-08732-8 (eBook)
First Printing July 2017
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CONTENTS
A nxiety is a meteor shower of what-ifs. A trepidation. A suspicion. An apprehension. Its living life in a minor key with major concerns. Youre part Chicken Little and part Eeyore. The sky is falling, and its falling disproportionately on you.
Ever been tossed and turned by anxiety? If so, you arent alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety disorders are reaching epidemic proportions. In a given year, nearly fifty million Americans will feel the effects of a panic attack, phobias, or other anxiety disorders.
The Bible is the most highlighted book on Kindle. And Philippians 4:67 is the most highlighted passage. Why? Read these verses (and the ones on either side), and you will probably understand its appeal:
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableif anything is excellent or praiseworthythink about such things.
The most highlighted Scripture promises something our anxious world craves: peace. Throughout this study, we will talk about how to live in this promise of Gods supernatural peace. You and your group will walk through five sessions, each one dedicated to helping you find freedom from anxiety. You will learn what it looks like to rejoice in the Lord, how to exude a spirit of gentleness, and how to give all your worries to God. You will study the beautiful way God guards your heart and mind with his peace. And, finally, you will be challenged to examine your personal thought patterns and do what Paul charges you to do in Philippians 4:8meditate on the things of God.
N eed some more peace in your life? Then you are in the right place. The Anxious for Nothing video study is designed to be experienced in a group setting such as a Bible study, Sunday school class, or any small group gathering. Each session begins with a brief opening reflection and talk about it questions to get you and your group thinking about the topic. You will then watch a video with Max Lucado and jump into some directed small-group discussion. You will close each session with a group activity and time of prayer.
Each person in the group should have his or her own study guide, which includes video teaching notes, Bible study and group discussion questions, and between-sessions personal studies to help you reflect on and apply the material to your life during the week. You are also encouraged to have a copy of the Anxious for Nothing book, as reading it alongside the curriculum will provide you with deeper insights and make the journey more meaningful. See the recommended reading section at the end of each session for the chapters in the book that correspond to material you and your group are discussing.
To get the most out of your group experience, keep the following points in mind. First, the real growth in this study will happen during your small-group time. This is where you will process the content of Maxs message, ask questions, and learn from others as you hear what God is doing in their lives. For this reason, it is important for you to be fully committed to the group and attend each session so you can build trust and rapport with the other members. If you choose to only go through the motions, or if you refrain from participating, there is a lesser chance you will find what youre looking for during this study.
Second, remember that the goal of your small group is to serve as a place where people can share, learn about God, and build intimacy and friendship. For this reason, seek to make your group a safe place. This means being honest about your thoughts and feelings and listening carefully to everyone elses opinion. (If you are a group leader, there are additional instructions and resources in the back of the book for leading a productive discussion group.)
Third, resist the temptation to fix someones problem or correct his or her theology, as thats not the purpose of your small-group time. Also, keep everything your group shares confidential. This will foster a rewarding sense of community in your group and create a place where people can heal, be challenged, and grow spiritually.