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Discussion questions

These questions can be used by you alone, with a friend, or your Faith Group to discuss "From Panic to Peace" preached January 19, 2025. This is the third message in the series "Strength for the Journey." 

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 23.1% of U.S. adults and children—over 59 million people—live with a mental illness. It touches every demographic—race, gender, income, and even faith. But here’s the problem: in the church, mental health is rarely talked about. When it is --- it’s often misunderstood or stigmatized. That needs to change. Because as followers of Christ, we’re called to be a place of healing and hope. Jesus said in Matthew 11, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” That certainly includes those “weary and burdened” by mental illness, too. 

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This series is about addressing mental health through the lens of Scripture. We’ll explore what God’s Word says, learn how to cope with our struggles, and discover how to support and care for those who are suffering.

Open your group with a prayer. Use these questions as a guide; select the points you want to discuss.

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GETTING STARTED  

These questions will help us connect as a group and set the stage for talking about the topic of anxiety and peace.​​

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  1. What’s one small thing that makes you feel oddly anxious—like finding the perfect parking spot or double-checking your phone’s battery?

  2. What’s one thought or worry that always pops into your mind before bed?

  3. What’s your “go-to” way to unwind after a long day—are you a hot bath person, a TV binge-watcher, or something else?

 

DIGGING DEEPER

Now that we’ve broken the ice, let’s examine the core truths of this sermon more closely. These questions will guide us through Scripture references and sermon highlights so we can better understand what Jesus says about anxiety and how He offers true peace.

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  1. In Matthew 6:25–30, Jesus points to birds and flowers to illustrate God’s care. Based on the sermon, what specific reasons does Jesus give that make anxiety “unnecessary,” and how do those verses reinforce His point?

  2. Reflect on the difference the sermon made between “everyday worry” and “severe anxiety.” In your own words, how did the message define each, and why is it important to recognize this distinction?

  3. Read Psalm 55:1–8. What phrases or images in David’s prayer show us a kind of fear that goes beyond ordinary worry, and how does this help us see the uniqueness of severe anxiety?

  4. Consider Jesus’ warning about the trap of money in Matthew 6:19-24. How does being “stuck on wealth” naturally lead to increased worry, according to the sermon?

  5. Look up 1 Peter 5:7. How does this verse connect with Jesus’ command not to worry in Matthew 6, and what does it reveal about God’s character that might lessen our anxiety?

  6. Jesus calls worry “unworthy” of those who know the Father. How does this message contrast the mindsets of believers versus unbelievers when it comes to worry?

  7. Read Philippians 4:6–7. In the sermon, Paul’s instructions were broken down into specific steps. Summarize those steps and discuss how they expand our understanding of moving from panic to peace.

  8. Jesus labels anxiety as “unfruitful” (Matthew 6:34 in the sermon’s context). What did the sermon say about the cost of tomorrow’s worries intruding on today, and why might that be spiritually and emotionally draining?

  9. Read Psalm 55:22. How does this verse build on David’s earlier panic (vv. 1–8) and bring a deeper understanding to what it means to “cast your cares on the Lord”?

  10. Look up Isaiah 26:3. How does this verse about perfect peace relate to the central points of the sermon (unnecessary, unworthy, unfruitful anxiety), and what does it show us about God’s role in our mental and spiritual health?

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​LIVING IT OUT

​We’ve explored what Scripture says about anxiety and how Jesus offers a path from panic to peace. Now it’s time to consider how to weave these truths into our everyday routines, relationships, and chances to share the gospel—even when life gets messy.​

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  1. Think of one area in your life where worry dominates your thoughts. What practical step can you take this week—like prayer, gratitude, or seeking counsel—to redirect that anxiety toward God’s peace?

  2. When dealing with someone who struggles with severe anxiety, how can you offer genuine support without sounding dismissive or resorting to clichés?

  3. Reflect on a time you felt overwhelmed by worry in the workplace, at school, or in your community. What did you learn about God’s provision or your own need for trust?

  4. How can the peace of God (Philippians 4:6–7) become a visible testimony to others? Share a scenario where your calm response to stress could open a door to share Jesus with someone who’s watching.

  5. In light of the sermon, what’s one new habit or routine you could establish to guard against anxiety and keep the gospel central in your life (e.g., daily Scripture reading, a gratitude journal, or intentional prayer breaks)?

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