Series: Living Free
Sermon Title: Free from Worry
Passage: Luke 12:22-34 NIV

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Pastor Dave Pretlove

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Pastor Dusty Braun

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Series: Living Free
Sermon Title: Free from Worry
Passage: Luke 12:22-34 NIV

SERMON POINTS: 

Worry reveals four major heart conditions …

1. My priorities are way out of line – I need freedom from an idolatrous heart.
   Luke 12:22-23 NIV
   Luke 12:31-34 NIV
2. I doubt the father’s love – I need freedom from an orphaned heart.
   Luke 12:24, 27-28 NIV
   1 Peter 5:7 NIV
3. I act like my worry is more powerful than prayer – I need freedom from a prideful heart.
   Luke 12:25 NIV
   Phil 4:6-7 NIV
   Mark Twain  – “I have had a great many troubles in my life, most of which never happened.
4. I am not as spiritually mature as I thought – I need freedom from an unbelieving heart.
   Luke 12:29-30 NIV
   Mark 9:24 NIV

 

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

What does worry reveal about our priorities?

• Read Luke 12:22-23 NIV and Luke 12:31-34.
• How does worry expose misplaced priorities or idolatry in our hearts?
• What are practical ways we can reorient our priorities toward seeking God’s kingdom first?

How do we recognize when our hearts are being drawn toward idolatry?

• Read Matthew 6:19-21 (Supporting Scripture).
• What are some “idols” in our modern lives that take priority over trusting in God?
• How do we surrender these idols to God?

 How does worry challenge our belief in God’s love?

• Read Luke 12:24, 27-28 and 1 Peter 5:7.
• What does Jesus’ teaching on the birds and flowers tell us about the Father’s love?
• Why is it difficult to cast our anxieties on God?

Jesus said that life is “more than food and clothes”

•  Read Luke 12:23; 34  
• How does worry distract you from what truly matters in life?

Do you ever struggle with feeling like an orphan rather than a beloved child of God?

• Read Romans 8:15-17 (Supporting Scripture).
• How does knowing God as “Abba, Father” change the way we respond to worry?
• What are practical steps to move from an orphaned mindset to a childlike faith?

Why do we act like our worry is more powerful than prayer?

• Read Luke 12:25 and Philippians 4:6-7.
• How does worry reveal a struggle with control?
• Worry is often a sign that we are trusting in our own efforts rather than in God. How do you see that playing out in your life?
• Can you share a time when prayer shifted your perspective on something you were anxious about?

How does pride manifest in our tendency to worry?

• Read Proverbs 3:5-6 (Supporting Scripture).
• Why do we often rely on our own understanding instead of fully trusting God?
• What spiritual practices help us surrender control to God?

What does it mean to have an unbelieving heart when we worry?

• Read Mark 9:24 and Luke 12:29-30.
• Why is “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” such an honest and powerful prayer?
• How can we cultivate deeper trust in God even when we struggle with doubts?

How does community help us fight worry?

• Read Hebrews 10:24-25 (Supporting Scripture).
• Why is it easier to worry when we isolate ourselves?
• How does biblical community help us live in faith rather than fear?

What habits help us shift from a worried heart to a worshipful heart?

• Read Psalm 46:10 (“Be still, and know that I am God.”)
• How can silence, solitude, and worship help us reframe our anxious thoughts?
• What daily rhythms can help us combat worry with trust in God?

How does living free from worry reflect the heart of the gospel?

• Read Matthew 11:28-30 (Supporting Scripture).
• How does Jesus’ invitation to take His yoke help us practically surrender our burdens?
• What would it look like for you to walk in greater freedom from worry this week?

 

DAILY PERSONAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

What am I holding onto that is keeping me from fully trusting God?

• Luke 12:22-23
• Supportive questions: What are you clinging to for security—money, reputation, control, achievement? How has this reliance kept you from resting in God’s care?
• Action Step: Spend five minutes in prayer, physically opening your hands as a sign of surrender. Name the thing you are releasing to God.

How has worry shaped my identity more than faith?

• Philippians 4:6-7
• Supportive questions: Have you allowed worry to define you more than your trust in Christ? In what ways has anxiety shaped your daily habits, decisions, and thoughts?
• Action Step: Write down a worry that consumes your thoughts. Besides it, write a truth from scripture that counteracts that worry.
  

Where do I struggle to believe that I am fully loved and provided for?

• Luke 12:24
• Supportive questions: Is there an area of your life where you fear lack? Do you feel like God’s care applies to others but not fully to you?
• Action Step: Speak this truth over yourself daily this week: “I am deeply loved and fully provided for by my Heavenly Father.”

How has material success or status shaped my identity more than being a child of God?

• Luke 12:31-32
• Supportive questions: Have you built your self-worth around career, possessions, or accomplishments? How does the idea that “God has already given you the kingdom” challenge that mindset?
• Action Step: Identify one area where you’ve linked your worth to status. Release it in prayer, and choose a simple act of generosity to reorient your heart.

Where am I living as if my worries are more powerful than God’s promises?

• Luke 12:25
• Supportive questions: What situations make you feel like your anxiety or control is necessary for things to work out? How would surrendering that control change your peace?
• Action Step: Set a daily alarm to pause and pray: “God, You are bigger than my worry. I trust You with this moment.”

What would my life look like if I truly lived free from worry?

• Matthew 6:19-21
• Supportive questions:  Imagine a life where worry no longer dictated your choices. What changes would happen in your priorities, habits, and relationships?
• Action Step: Make one small decision today as if you were fully trusting God—whether it’s giving, simplifying, or stepping into something uncertain with faith.

How can I move from knowing about God’s provision to truly living in it?

• Hebrews 11:1
• Supportive questions:  What’s one area where you need to take a step of faith, trusting God even when the outcome is unclear?
• Action Step: Take that step this week—whether it’s surrendering a financial decision, embracing simplicity, or committing to deeper generosity.

SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON:

• Matthew 11:28-30
• Psalm 46:10
• Mark 9:24
• 1 Peter 5:7

 

RESOURCES:

• PODCAST | BECOME GOOD SOIL | ANXIETY TO PEACE 
• PODCAST | THE NEXT RIGHT THING | START WITH THE PUNCHLINE IN MIND
• BOOK | JEANNE STEVENS | WHATS HERE NOW
• BOOK | TIM KELLER | THE FREEDOM OF SELF FORGETFULNESS 
• ARTICLE | MARK SCANDRETTE | RENOVARE’ | HOW TO LIVE WITH OPEN HANDS
• ARTICLE | RUTH HALEY BARTON | MARY AND THE PRAYER OF INDIFFERENCE

MONTHLY SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE : The Prayer of Examen

Last week, we introduced the idea of an evening time of reflection and thanksgiving—a foundational piece of our Rule of Life. This practice leads us into something deeper: The Prayer of Examen.

At first, this may sound intimidating, but it’s not. The Examen is a simple, reflective prayer that creates space in your evening routine to slow down, reflect, and process your soul after the daily grind. It invites you to ask:

• Where was God today?
• Was I aware of His presence, or did I rely on my own control?
• How did I respond to God’s movement in my home, work, and community?

By integrating the Examen, you step into a practice of awareness—a rhythm that retrains your heart and eyes to see God’s active presence, even in the moments you might otherwise overlook.

David’s life in the Old Testament reflects this kind of self-examination—moving from unawareness to awareness, confession to cleansing, brokenness to transformation. That same journey is what we’re invited into. The prayer of Examen can be an important piece of this journey and in the life our your faith. It is a key part of intimacy with God is recognizing His presence—even in the ordinary. The Examen helps train our hearts to see what we often miss. It invites us to live with awareness, gratitude, and dependence on His grace. It really is the practice of Psalm 139.

Jesus never leaves or forsakes us, but often, we are the ones who drift. This practice gently brings us back—reshaping our vision, renewing our trust, and drawing us closer to the heart of God.

Try this each night for the next week. Let it shape your soul. Let it pull you into deeper intimacy with Jesus.

A 5-Step Evening Practice: 

1. Become Aware of God’s Presence. Take a deep breath. Pause. Recognize that God is near.

• Settle your mind and body. Sit quietly for a moment, letting go of distractions.
• Pray: “Lord, You have been with me all day. Help me to see where You were present.”
• Trust that whether you felt Him or not, He was with you.

2. Review the Day with Gratitude. Walk through your day like a slow-motion replay.

• Notice the moments of joy, peace, or kindness—where did you experience God’s goodness?
• Were there conversations, moments of rest, or unexpected blessings that brought life?
• Thank God for these gifts, no matter how small: “Thank You, Lord, for Your presence in my day.”

3. Notice Where God Felt Absent or Where You Struggled. Pay attention to where your heart was heavy during the day.

• Were there moments of stress, impatience, or fear that pulled you away from trust?
• Did you try to control things instead of resting in God’s care?
• Were there attitudes or actions that kept you from recognizing His presence?
• Ask: “Lord, where did I miss You today?”

4. Confess and Receive Grace. Bring any struggles, failures, or missteps before God.

• Confession isn’t about shame—it’s about freedom.
• If there was a moment where you fell short, offer it to God with honesty:
  • “Lord, I reacted in anger instead of patience.”
  • “I let fear drive me instead of trusting You.”
• Receive His grace. Let Him cover you with mercy, not condemnation.

5. Look Ahead and Invite God into Tomorrow End with hope—tomorrow is a new start.

• Ask: “Lord, how do You want to shape me? How can I grow in awareness of You?”
• Surrender the next day into His hands:
  • “Jesus, walk with me tomorrow. Open my eyes to see You more clearly.”
• Rest in the truth that He is already there, waiting for you.

 

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT: 

Worry has a way of creeping in, doesn’t it? I know for me, there have been plenty of times when my mind just won’t slow down—when I feel like I have to hold everything together, make the right decisions, and somehow control how it all plays out. Sometimes, it’s just a nagging thought in the back of my mind. Other times, it’s a full-on weight on my chest that I can’t seem to shake.

I’ll never forget about 15-20 years ago when I had a business that was failing. I was on a family vacation, but instead of enjoying time with my wife and kids, my mind was completely consumed. Payroll was due. A massive bill was looming—$45,000 that I didn’t have. The joy of that trip was stolen by anxiety. No matter how much I tried to push it aside, the stress was real, and it was overwhelming.

And yet, Jesus, in His deep kindness, doesn’t just tell us to stop worrying—He shows us a better way. In Luke 12, He looks at His disciples and says, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes” (Luke 12:22-23).

That’s a bold statement. Because let’s be honest—most of the things we worry about feel pretty important. Finances, relationships, the future, our kids, our health… these aren’t small things. But Jesus tells us not to let them consume us. Why? Because worry doesn’t free us—it binds us. And He came to set us free.

Worry reveals a lot about what’s happening in our hearts. It shows us what we trust, what we prioritize, and how we see God. Jesus isn’t just calling us to stop worrying—He’s inviting us to live in a way where we don’t need to.

He reminds us that our Father knows what we need. He feeds the ravens, dresses wildflowers in beauty, and cares for creation in ways we barely notice. And if He does all that, how much more does He care for us?

But let’s be real—sometimes, trusting God feels easier said than done. We act like everything depends on us. Like if we don’t worry, it means we’re being careless. But Jesus invites us into something different. He invites us to seek His Kingdom first—to trust that He is good, that He is present, and that He’s got us even when we can’t see how things will work out.

That vacation? It didn’t turn out the way I had hoped. Looking back, it probably wasn’t the wisest move to take it in the middle of all that stress. But here’s what I do know: God provided. He made a way. And not because I had it all figured out, but because He is faithful.

That’s the thing about releasing our worries to God—He doesn’t shame us for struggling. When a desperate father came to Jesus and said, “I believe—help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24), Jesus didn’t turn him away. He met him with compassion. And He does the same for us.

So maybe today, the invitation is simple: Let go. Not because the things you’re worried about don’t matter, but because you matter so much more to God. Your worries don’t hold power over you—Jesus does. And He is faithful.

Breathe deep. He’s got you.

Rob Hans | Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Connection