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2)GG Questions 04/22/2018
Seeking First: Master and Provider Matthew 6:19-34
1. Close Reading: After praying for God to enlighten your mind, read through Matthew 6:19-34 a couple times, slowly. Look for these three things: LIGHTBULB – something that shines from the passage, draws your attention; QUESTION MARK – something difficult to understand; ARROW – a personal application. Share the results of your study with your group.
2. Undivided Heart: Matthew 6:19-34 could be read as a practical commentary on Psalm 86:11, ‘give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name’. Who must we treasure (Matt. 6:21), serve (v. 24), and seek (v. 33) above all else? Do you sometimes find you have slipped into the service of another master?? Have you noticed a difference in the way your true Master is able to provide for your needs (vv. 32-33)? Share a story of that provision.
3. Where Is Home?: Reflecting on the Sermon on the Mount, John Stott warned of a “materialism which tethers our hearts to the earth.” Rather, believers are called to seek heavenly reward (Matt. 6:4, 6, 18), to store up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:19-20), and to set our eyes on things above (Col. 3:1-2). When do you find it easiest to lower your gaze? What attitude must we develop so as to loosen our terrestrial tethers (Heb. 11:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:11)?
4. Anxiety’s Antidote: For the second time in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus links Gentiles (in this case, those who do not know God) with a concern about material things (Matt. 6:7-8, 31-32). According to Matthew 6:25-34, how does good theology (knowledge of God) alleviate this concern? What anxious thoughts occupy your mind? What steps can you take (Phil. 4:6-7) and truth can you remember (Isa. 41:10) to battle this anxiety?
