Sermon Study Guide | Series: Sound Mind | Sermon: Casting Your Cares
Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7 ; Matthew 11:28
Date: June 8, 2025

CONNECT - “A Personal Reflection”

This section is designed to help you relate personally to the theme of the sermon. It encourages you to reflect on your own life experiences and how they connect to the message.

We’ve all experienced times when anxiety felt like an unwelcome companion—persistent, overwhelming, and heavy. But have you ever had a moment where you truly handed something over to God? Think of a time when you stopped trying to carry the weight alone. What changed? How did God meet you in that surrender? Share with your group.

ENGAGE - “Exploring the Scripture”

This section invites you to dive into the biblical passage, discuss its meaning, and apply it to your life through thoughtful questions.

• Read 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
  
  • What does it mean to “cast” our anxiety onto God rather than just pray about it?
  • Share a time you’ve done this; what happened as a result?
    
    
• Read Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
  
  • What are the things in your life that make you weary and burdened? Why?
  • What are the things in your life that give your soul rest?
    
    
• The Garden of Gethsemane illustrates a spiritual roadmap on how to TRUST God. Which of these steps do you need to practice this week? Share WHY with your group
  
  
  • T – Turn to God in Prayer
    “He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed.” – Luke 22:41
    
    
  • R – Remember Who the Father Is
    “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you.” – Mark 14:36
    
    
  • U – Unload Your Burdens Honestly
    “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” – Matthew 26:39
    
    
  • S – Surrender to His Will
    “Yet not as I will, but as you will.” – Matthew 26:39
    
    
  • T – Take the Next Step in Obedience
    “Rise, let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” – Matthew 26:46

APPLY - “Putting the Scriptures into Action”

This section challenges us to take what we’ve learned and implement it in practical ways in our daily lives.

1. TRUST the process: Identify one step in the TRUST process that stands out most to you right now. What’s one practical action you can take this week to live it out? Write it down.
   
   
2. Checking Your Burden: Write a physical list of the burdens you’re carrying right now. What would it look like to “cast” those cares onto God in prayer? Could you symbolically let them go—maybe even cross a few off that list—as an act of surrender?
   
   
3. Cultivate Care: Who in your life might need to be reminded that “God cares for you”? How can you offer support or encouragement this week that aligns with that truth?

PRAY - “Seeking God’s Guidance”

This section offers a short prayer to help us center our hearts and invite God to work in our lives through his scripture.

God, thank You that You care—not just about the world in general, but about us, individually and deeply. You care about our worries, our trauma, our doubts, and our pain. Jesus, You modeled how to face anxiety with honesty and trust. Teach us to turn to You, to remember who You are, to unload our burdens without shame, to surrender our will to Yours, and to keep walking in obedience. Help us cast our cares on You today and trust that You are strong enough to carry them all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER - “Further Study & Reflection”
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[STEP ONE: Take the Yoke – Read Matthew 11:28-30]
A yoke provides direction and support. Where do you need to be yoked in your life right now? Why? Write it down.

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[STEP TWO: Drop Your Burdens]

Print out the exchange tag. Write down one personal, deep, troublesome burden that would be good to let go of. Discard the bottom but keep the top portion as a reminder that you’re not carrying that anymore.

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