God’s “impossible” commands are always wrapped inside amazing gospel promises.
Command #1: Be Joyful (verse 4)
Command #2: Be Reasonable (verse 5a)
“A humble, patient steadfastness, which is able to submit to injustice, disgrace, and maltreatment without hatred or malice, trusting God in spite of it all.” - Leivestad.
Promise #1: Be in Faith (verse 5b)
Command #3: Be Praying (verse 6)
“The way to be anxious about nothing is to be prayerful about everything.” - Rainy
Promise #2: Be at Peace (verse 7)
Some things to consider before caregroup:
Am I joyful? Why or why not?
Can one cultivate joy? Isn't forced joy fake joy?
Am I reasonable? Meek? Gentle?
Do I bear up well under pressure from people?
Do I respond differently to Christians than non-Christians? Why or why not?
Am I typically an anxious person?
Is worry ever not a sin?
Why does prayer affect worry?
How does thanksgiving affect worry? Prayer?
What part do these gospel promises/assurances play in motivating me to obey these commands?
