Overcoming My Worries

How do I get out of this mess?

Application:

God wants us to overcome our worries and fears by committing our problems to Him, and then to trust Him to help and guide us, and provide our needs.

Materials:

A whiteboard.
Dry-wipe pens.
For each young person:
A printed copy of the Study Sheet below.
Bibles or printed out copies of Philippians 4:1-23.
Pens or pencils.

Click here for the Study Sheet

Text:

Philippians 4:1-23.

Memory Verse:

Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Introduction:

Paul shows that our worries should be replaced by thanksgiving, and any discontentment by trusting in God. He gives three keys to being content and having joy in our lives by: Right Praying, Right Thinking and Right Living.

Paul's Situation and Advice:

Divide the group into small teams of three to five people. Let them discuss the following the Study Sheet questions. A set of possible answers are given as a guide for the teens.

What does it mean to have the "secret of being content" to overcome our problems?
What five "Right Praying" things does Paul suggest we include in our prayers (v6-7)?

Don't be anxious, pray about everything, ask and petition God, be thankful and present your requests to God.

In what practical ways can you change your prayer life to imitate Paul's?
What six "Right Thinking" things does Paul say we need to fill our minds with (v8)?

Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, and whatever is admirable.

In what practical ways can you change your thought life to imitate Paul's?
What is the secret of "Right Living" (v9 and see James 1:22)?
Give two results of Right Praying, Thinking and Living.

Being content in every situation, and being able to do all things in Christ.

Discussion Time:

When the teams are finished, let them select a team member to report back the team's findings. Record the consensus on the whiteboard and discuss any points that need clarification.

Self Evaluation:

Get the teens to sit apart from one another and then prayerfully evaluate themselves as to their fears, worries and problems, and what they need to do to address them.

Conclude with a prayer for action and that the teens will take to heart what they have studied and need to do or change in their lives.

God Bless!