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CASTING YOUR CARES ON GOD
Chapter Theme
First Peter 5:5–7 teaches that a humble attitude of trust in God and His timing enables us to truly hand over all our cares to Him.
Icebreakers
• In John 13 Jesus gave a great illustration of humility by washing His disciples’ feet. What are comparable illustrations relevant to our own culture that you have observed?
• Suppose you are talking with a family member who resents what God’s mighty hand has brought into his life. He seethes with resentment similar to that expressed by Omar Khayyám and Job. What could you say to him that might help?
Group Discovery Questions
1. From what comes the ability to truly hand over all your cares to God?
2. How did the ancient world view humility? How does that relate to modern times?
3. What is the practical application of the foot-washing incident in John 13?
4. Fill in the blanks: From Jesus we learn that the first step to enjoying the blessings of humility is to stoop to serve even _____ _____.
5. What plain fact of spiritual life motivates us to be humble?
6. When faced with the awesomeness of God’s omnipotence, what is a balancing factor to keep in mind?
7. Fill in the blanks: Never view the mighty hand of God in your life as a _____ _____ _____ ______ _____, but as _____ _____ _____.
8. Discuss God’s timing in relation to present trials.
9. What does God want you to do with all your anxiety? Give an Old Testament example of someone who did that.
10. When you are bearing a great burden and someone treats you insensitively, thus making your burden heavier, what is a biblical way to respond?
11. What practical advice did Jay Adams give about stopping worry?
Personal Application Questions
1. How humble does the person closest to you think you are? One way to get an accurate answer is to ask that person what John 13 type of actions he or she would most like to be the recipient of. After hearing the answer, think carefully: Have you done any of those things for that person?
2. Often we regard stress and suffering as if they’re to be avoided at all costs. Robert Murray McCheyne reflected God’s point of view when he wrote, “There is a great want about all Christians who have not suffered. Some flowers must be broken or bruised before they emit any fragrance.”3 Do you view whatever tends to make you anxious as something to be avoided or as an opportunity to project the fragrance of a transformed life?
Focus on Prayer
We are prone to be more troubled about a great affliction we must suffer than about “trivial” sins like worry. Yet in God’s way of looking at things, “There is more evil in a drop of sin than in a sea of affliction.”4 Ask the Lord to help you be more concerned about avoiding sin than about your personal comfort.
Assignment
Proverbs 15:33 says, “Before honor comes humility.” How often do you get the order of the two mixed up? Read James 4:1–10. What happens when you exalt yourself? What happens when you humble yourself before God? Remember, “friendship with the world is hostility toward God” (v. 4). In this past week, have you shown any hostility toward God? Our world is characterized by pride—it is pervasive and defiling. Make it your goal this week to begin rooting out pride in your life by developing a more humble attitude.
Notes