I           Introduction

In the person of Jesus Christ, the kingdom of God has drawn near (Matthew 4:19). He is the long-promised Messiah, the seed of the woman who came to inaugurate the new covenant and crush the head of the Serpent. He is the true King of Israel who perfectly obeys God’s will in all things. He is the prophet greater than Moses, who comes to make God known. He is the high priest who mediates between God and man, the one who brings full and final atonement for sin.

As a result of Jesus’ work and ministry on earth, because of his love for and obedience to his Father, he won the right to an inheritance with God in glory. The work that was meant to be done by Adam in the Garden was done by Christ. And so right now there is a man seated at the Father’s right hand in heaven. A man like us, a human being with flesh and bone, he is in the Father’s presence—a guarantee of the future that awaits all those who have been adopted into God’s family, all those who enjoy his favour through faith in Christ.

That is the reality for you if you are a Christian. If you belong to Jesus Christ, then you have the privilege of calling God Father. If you belong to Jesus Christ, then you have the rights of sonship. All the blessings that belong to him belong to you. The right to eternal life with God in the new creation, the forgiveness of sin, peace with God, the promise of a new resurrection body—these are but some of the wonderful privileges that you enjoy because of your union with Jesus. His death has paid for your sin, his life has secured your future.

II          A fallen world

A          Explain: Are Christians free from suffering in a fallen world?

B          Explain: What are some of the challenges that come with living in this world?

C          Explain: What do people typically do in the face of life’s uncertainties?

D          Explain: Is it appropriate to plan for the future? What should be our attitude towards possessions?

E          Explain: How must we learn to think of God? Why do we find it difficult to trust God as our heavenly Father?

III         Exercises and promises

A          Explain: Why does Jesus Christ give us three exercises? What are they meant to accomplish?

B          Explain/Apply: How are Christians helped by studying and reflecting on nature?

C          Explain/Apply: How are Christians helped by reflecting on the nature of anxiety itself?

D          Explain/Apply: How should we respond to uncertainties of the future?

E          Explain/Apply: What has God promised to do for the Christian?

F          Explain/Apply: How should we respond in times of suffering? Does Jesus serve as an example; what did he go through for us?

G          Explain/Apply: Along with practical exercises, what are the other means that Jesus uses to grow our trust in God?

IV      Concluding prayer[1]

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for promising to care for us as we serve you in this world. We admit that we find it difficult to give ourselves fully to your agenda. At the back of our minds there are many doubts that cause us to stray from what you have commanded. So often we behave like the pagans around us, we think that we need to procure many possessions, or else we will not survive. Please help us to realize and be confident that you will care for us. May we learn to be content with less. May we understand that suffering is also not outside of your control, and may we be certain that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ.

Thank you that our Lord Jesus sought your kingdom before all else, that he died the death we deserve so that we can be adopted as sons and look forward to life in your presence. We want to please you, Father, in response to your grace; please help us by your Spirit to do so for your glory.

In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

[1]      This prayer is adapted from Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Days 46-52.