Happy Covid!
I know different people are dealing/distancing in various different ways. Thanks for being willing to do the ZOOM thing with us this week. Sure, it can be somewhat awkward, but it is WAY better than not meeting at all!
Seriously, I am really taking our responsibility to provide for and protect each other very seriously. We have PLENTY of high-risk people in our body and in our families. I have significantly changed my behavior, and I hope you are making changes as well. Here are our state resources for you:
The Dept of Health has good guidance for all industries, groups, and families. Also, good travel info and personal protection.
The Georgia Status Report has updated case information and statistics.
How do we deal?
What is your go-to coping mechanism for dealing with stress and/or worry?
Do you consider worry a sin? Explain your answer.
Specifically, why is worry a problem in the life of Christ-followers?
The presence or absence of worry measures our trust in God. As believers, we aspire to a single focus on God and a loyalty toward Him. In this passage, Jesus taught that worry is unproductive. Worry keeps us from fulfilling the kingdom purposes to which He has called us. God uses all situations to accomplish His purposes, and He wants us to trust Him and join Him in that.
“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? 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? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
Matthew 6:25–34 (NLT)
“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, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 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?
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 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.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
If Jesus were on this Zoom call right now, how might he say this today?
What truths in this passage remind you to trust God in moments when panic strikes?
I read somewhere that “worry is illogical for the child of God.” Is that right? Why?
How does knowing that “your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs,” help you face toilet paper shortages?
Okay… How does knowing that “your Heavenly Father already knows all your needs,” help you face our economy shutting down? How does it help you face you and all other employees at your company getting laid off? How does it help you face a family member, a loved one getting very sick from this disease?
We often think our fears are perfectly valid, but Jesus said otherwise. Jesus could not be more clear in this passage. He doesn’t want us to fear the future. Anxiety is living out the future before it gets here. Jesus said anxiety is paralyzing. Worry and worship cannot exist together in the same heart. God demands the priority in our lives.
What would it look like for believers to seek “seek the Kingdom above all else” when the world is changing or even shutting down around us?
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
Don’t we worship a God that is in full control?
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT)
Faith means that we actually trust God to complete His great plan, and that we choose to make the most of the opportunities we are given, focusing on Him rather than the worries of the world.
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.
Ephesians 5:15–17 (NLT)
Give some practical examples of what it looks like to live as wise people in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. Why do you think the first sign of wisdom that Paul gave was the careful use of time?
Living in wisdom means taking every opportunity to glorify God and reflect the gospel to those around us. When we resolve to live in the light, we choose to pursue Christ above all worldly pursuits. Part of the reason we do this is so our lives will testify to others about God’s grace, mercy, and love.
What’s the difference between living carefully and living fearfully?
The verb rendered “making the most of” is literally, “redeem” or “buy back.” Once gone, wasted opportunities can never be recovered. In other words, we will never have the same exact opportunity we have today to advance God’s kingdom in the world around us. Thus, we are called to take advantage of moments as we are given them. We are to take care to use opportunities to the full because the days are evil.
Paul noted two contrasting ways to live. One is the way of the unwise; the other is the way of the wise (sensible or prudent). God’s wisdom has already been lavished on believers (Ephesians 1:8; see also 1:17; 3:10). Thus, to live wisely is simply to live in accordance with the principles God has made clear through His Word.
How can we know if we’re being “foolish” with our time (v. 17)?
Do you think our problem with God’s will is understanding it or obeying it? How can we be intentionally careful when it comes to the Lord’s will?
What do we risk missing spiritually if we give way to panic and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic?
What unique opportunities might God have for His people during this time? How might the situation look different if all believers first sought the kingdom of God together?
What steps can we take to make the most of the opportunity in this time that believers and unbelievers alike recognize as evil?