Trusting God when life doesn’t make sense.  It’s about Relationship.

• Relationship is Central: The core message of the Bible and the antidote to life’s chaos and worry is found in relationships—first with God, and then with others. Broken relationships are a root cause of much suffering in the world.
• The Gospel as the “True Myth”: Universal themes of love, longing, risk, and transformation found in stories across cultures are echoes of the Gospel, which is the ultimate “True Myth” where Christ’s sacrificial love is the central theme.
• Addressing Worry: Worry is detrimental, and much of it (around 96%) is over things beyond our control. While God provides, we are still called to work diligently. The solution to worry lies in redirecting our focus from anxious seeking of worldly things to seeking God’s Kingdom.
• The Power of Community and Giving: Strong relationships are crucial for happiness and health. Giving to the poor, fostering genuine friendships, finding a solid community, and bearing one another’s burdens are essential “spiritual necessities” that fulfill Christ’s law of love.
• Peace Through Christ: Ultimately, true peace in the face of worry and life’s complexities comes from admitting our sin and placing our faith and trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, who sacrificed Himself to restore our relationship with God.

Icebreaker:

What’s one thing you’ve worried about recently, and how did it make you feel?

Introduction

Scripture References: Psalm 46:10

Summary: The sermon begins a new series emphasizing the importance of being still and knowing God, especially when life seems chaotic and nonsensical. It highlights that much of the world’s suffering, like antisemitism, slavery, and increased death and destruction, stems from the brokenness of relationships. The core message is that relationships—with God and with one another—are paramount, serving as the underlying theme of the entire Bible.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon suggests we often “get too busy and fill our lives with stuff”. What are some ways you find yourself getting too busy, and how does that impact your ability to “be still and know that He is God”?
2. The speaker mentions several things that “don’t make sense” in the world, such as antisemitism and modern-day slavery. What are some current events or aspects of life that leave you feeling perplexed or without hope?
3. How does the idea that “the struggle with sin in the world boils down to one word, relationship” resonate with you? Can you think of examples in your own life or the world where broken relationships are at the root of problems?

Application Questions:

1. How can you intentionally create more moments of stillness in your daily life to connect with God?
2. In what ways can focusing on your relationships, both with God and others, help you navigate times when life doesn’t make sense?

The True Myth and the Gospel

Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 3:11

Summary: This section uses “Addison’s Walk” and the “Inklings” (J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Hugo Dyson) to illustrate how universal themes of love, longing, risk, and transformation are present in “fairy stories” across different cultures. Tolkien explained to Lewis that these stories resonate because they are “faint echoes” of the Bible, which is the “True Myth”. This “true myth” refers to the Gospel message, centered on Christ’s sacrificial love. This understanding led C.S. Lewis to believe in Christ.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever noticed common themes in stories or movies from different cultures? How does the idea that these are “faint echoes of the true story of the Bible” change your perspective on storytelling?
2. C.S. Lewis’s conversion experience is shared, where he came to believe Christ is the Son of God on a motorcycle ride. Have you had a moment or period in your life where a particular understanding of the Gospel deeply impacted you? Share if you feel comfortable.
3. The sermon states that “Every good story has a faint glimmer of the gospel running through it”. Can you think of a story (book, movie, etc.) that, in retrospect, seems to contain these “faint glimmers”?

Application Questions:

1. How can recognizing the “true myth” of the Gospel help you understand and engage with the world around you?
2. In what ways can you share the “true myth” of the Gospel with others in a way that resonates with their experiences and understanding of “stories”?

Don’t Worry (Parts 1 & 2)

Scripture References: Luke 12:22-34 , Luke 12:22 , Luke 12:23 , Luke 12:24 , Genesis 2:15 , Luke 12:25 , Genesis 5:24 , 2 Kings 2:11 , Hebrews 9:27 , Luke 12:26 , Luke 12:28

Summary: Christ addresses worry, dividing it into two categories: things within our control and things beyond our control. He instructs us not to worry about provision, reminding us that God feeds the ravens and values us more. While God provides, we are still called to work diligently, as shown by the example of birds and God’s command to tend the Garden of Eden. The sermon notes that financial worry is common and often falls into things we can control.

Secondly, Christ tells us not to worry about things beyond our control, like adding a single hour to our lives. The sermon points out that a significant majority (96%) of worry is over things we cannot control, and this worry can be detrimental to our well-being. He uses the example of lilies to show that if God clothes the grass so beautifully, He will surely care for us.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon states that “more technology = more worry”. Do you agree with this assessment? How has technology impacted your levels of worry, positively or negatively?
2. The word “worry” comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word meaning “to strangle”. How does this definition resonate with your experience of worry?
3. Christ uses the examples of ravens and lilies to illustrate God’s provision. What are some examples in your own life where you’ve seen God provide or care for something seemingly insignificant, giving you confidence He will care for you?
4. It’s mentioned that 96% of worry is over things outside our control. What are some of those uncontrollable worries that frequently occupy your thoughts?

Application Questions:

1. What are some specific worries in your life that are within your control? What is one practical step you can take this week to address one of these worries?
2. How can you actively release worries that are beyond your control to God? Are there specific practices (e.g., prayer, journaling) that help you do this?
3. How can the understanding that “God gives us blessings upon blessings” encourage you when you feel overwhelmed by worry?

The Antidote: Seek Relationship

Scripture References: Luke 12:29-32 , Luke 12:31 , Luke 8:48 , Luke 12:33-34 , Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 , Galatians 6:2 , Matthew 22:37-40 , Psalm 78:4 , 1 John 3:1 , Proverbs 18:13 , Colossians 3:13 , Philippians 2:3-4 , Romans 3:23 , Romans 10:13

Summary: Christ provides two remedies for worry: seeking a relationship with Him and seeking relationships with others. Seeking the kingdom of God leads to “all these things” being added to us, meaning God’s desires for our lives become our desires, and we receive what God wants for us. The story of the woman healed by touching Jesus’s garment illustrates that seeking Him brings wholeness, not just miracles.

Seeking relationships with others is emphasized through giving to the poor and building community. The Harvard Study of Adult Development is cited, concluding that strong relationships are the best predictor of long-term happiness and health. Solomon also affirmed the importance of community. The sermon encourages fostering friendships, finding a solid community, and bearing one another’s burdens as a “spiritual necessity”. Ultimately, the “law of Christ” is to love God and love others, making relationships the central theme of the entire Bible.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon corrects the misconception of Luke 12:31 as “seek the things, and the kingdom of God will be added to you”. How have you seen this “backwards” thinking play out in your own life or in society?
2. The Harvard Study of Adult Development concludes that “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period”. Does this finding surprise you? Why or why not?
3. A Christian counselor, states that her first question to clients is always about their support system. Why do you think a strong support system is so crucial for mental and emotional well-being?
4. The “law of Christ” is to love God and love others. How do your daily actions reflect this “law” in your relationships?

Application Questions:

1. What does it practically look out for you to “seek the kingdom of God” in your daily life this week?
2. How can you intentionally invest in and strengthen your relationships with others this week, whether with family, friends, or community members?
3. The sermon encourages various relationship practices for different roles (dads, moms, friends, siblings) . Which of these resonated most with you, and how can you apply it?
4. The sermon challenges us to “bless someone” and “make others look good”. What is one specific way you can bless or lift up someone in your life this week?
5. If you are struggling with worry and anxiety, what is one step you can take today to seek peace through a relationship with Christ?

Day 1: Be Still and Know

• Scripture Reference: Psalm 46:10
• Key Focus: Taking time to quiet ourselves and acknowledge God’s presence and sovereignty.
• Reflection: In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in endless activity and noise, leaving little room to simply “be still”. Yet, the sermon reminds us that true understanding of God comes when we intentionally pause and recognize His presence. This stillness isn’t about doing nothing, but about creating space for our thoughts to align with His. When life doesn’t make sense—when we see ongoing struggles like antisemitism or increasing destruction —it’s an invitation to lean into God’s unchanging nature and power.
• Application Question: What practical steps can you take today to create a moment of stillness and intentionally focus on God’s presence, even for a few minutes?
• Prayer Prompt: “God, help me to quiet the noise around and within me. Teach me to be still and truly know that You are God. Amen.”

Day 2: The Truth About Worry

• Scripture Reference: Luke 12:22-26
• Key Focus: Understanding the nature of worry and recognizing what is within and beyond our control.
• Reflection: Jesus directly tells us not to worry about our lives, what we will eat or wear, because “Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing”. The sermon highlights that worry often “strangles” us and that despite technological advancements, anxiety is on the rise. We’re challenged to consider how much of our worry is actually within our control (like provision through work) versus what is beyond it (like adding an hour to our lives). A staggering 96% of our worry falls into the latter category.
• Application Question: Identify one specific thing you’ve worried about recently. Was it within your control or beyond it? How might this understanding change your approach to that worry?
• Prayer Prompt: “Lord, help me to discern between what I can control and what I cannot. Free me from the grip of worry, especially for things I cannot change. Amen.”

Day 3: Seeking the Kingdom First

• Scripture Reference: Luke 12:29-32
• Key Focus: Prioritizing our relationship with God above all material concerns.
• Reflection: Christ warns us against seeking after worldly things like food and drink with an anxious mind, as “the nations of the world seek after” these. Instead, He provides a powerful antidote: “But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you”. The sermon clarifies that this doesn’t mean we get everything we want, but rather “everything that God ever wanted for you”. When we prioritize our relationship with God, our desires align with His, and His good pleasure is to give us the kingdom. Worry often means we’ve got our priorities reversed, seeking “things” instead of the “Kingdom”.
• Application Question: In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek “things” before the “Kingdom”? What is one tangible way you can shift your focus to seeking God’s kingdom first this week?
• Prayer Prompt: “Heavenly Father, forgive me for misplacing my priorities. Help me to truly seek Your kingdom first, trusting that You know and will provide for my needs according to Your perfect will. Amen.”

Day 4: The Power of Relationships with Others

• Scripture Reference: Luke 12:33-34 , Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 , Galatians 6:2
• Key Focus: Understanding that healthy relationships with others are essential for well-being and fulfilling Christ’s law.
• Reflection: Christ instructs us to “Sell what you have and give alms,” or “give to the poor,” emphasizing a relational act of helping those in need. This extends beyond material giving to the very fabric of our lives. The sermon points to the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which found that “Strong relationships are the best predictor of long-term happiness, not wealth, fame, or success”. Solomon, too, understood this, stating, “Two are better than one” and that one can help the other up. Bearing one another’s burdens is not just a suggestion but a “spiritual necessity” that fulfills the law of Christ.
• Application Question: How would you assess the health of your relationships with others (friends, family, church community)? What is one specific action you can take to foster a stronger relationship with someone this week?
• Prayer Prompt: “God, thank You for the gift of relationships. Show me how to be a better friend, family member, and community member. Help me to bear the burdens of others as You command. Amen.”

Day 5: It’s All About Relationship

• Scripture Reference: Matthew 22:37-40 , Romans 3:23 , Romans 10:13
• Key Focus: Recognizing that the core of God’s law and our purpose is found in loving relationships—with Him and with others.
• Reflection: When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus summarized all the Law and the Prophets into two: “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind,” and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”. This confirms that “it’s all about relationships”. The sermon beautifully weaves this truth throughout, illustrating how loving God and loving others is the antidote to worry and the essence of the Gospel. Just as Christ sacrificed Himself for us out of love, we are called to live relationally, serving and blessing others. The ultimate peace comes from admitting our sin and trusting Christ as our Savior.
• Application Question: Reflect on your interactions this past week. How did your actions demonstrate your love for God and your love for others? What is one way you can intentionally “bless someone” or “lift each other up” this coming week?
• Prayer Prompt: “Father, thank You for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, which restored our relationship with You. Help me to live out Your greatest commandments daily, loving You with all my being and loving my neighbor as myself. Amen.”