OBC ATT 2 ATTITUDES OF THE HEART NOV / DEC 2007
LESSON TWO
Attitudes: Cheerfulness and Anxiety
Lessons two through seven will consider various attitudes of the heart. We will look at both good and bad attitudes, how we are influenced by the attitudes, and whether we allow the attitudes to control us or whether we choose to control our attitudes.
There is no way we can study all possible attitudes during the course of our study together. Near the end of this course, you will be asked to discuss an attitude not included in these lessons.
What does it mean to have a cheerful attitude? Must one always be bubbling over with happiness in order to possess a cheerful attitude? What if one experiences troubles, sadness, grief, or illness? Does that destroy one’s cheerful attitude? The meaning of the word cheer is to instill with hope or courage. Where does a Christian receive hope and courage in order to maintain a cheerful attitude?
Jesus spoke these words to His disciples in John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
Let’s consider scriptures that will help us to maintain an attitude of cheerfulness:
1. Proverbs 15:13 tells us, "A ___________ ________ makes a ______________ countenance, but by ______________ of the _____________ the spirit is broken."
2. What does Proverbs 17:22 say does good like medicine?
What dries the bones?
Can we really believe it will help to maintain a cheerful attitude when troubles arise?
3. Read of the problems occurring in Habakkuk 3:17. What response was given in Habakkuk 3:18?
4. In Psalm 31:7, we are reminded that God _____________ ______ _________ and knows when we are in ____________________, so we should remember to be ____________ and _____________ in God’s mercy.
5. Read Psalm 144:15. Can one maintain a more cheerful attitude if God is her Lord?
What does it mean to make God your Lord?
6. Proverbs 10:28 states, "The _______ of the ______________ will be ____________, but the expectation of the wicked will perish."
7. How does one obey Philippians 4:4 ?
8. According to Proverbs 16:20 who is happy?
What word are we to heed wisely?
9. One who serves God should always have a __________________ attitude (Psalm 100:2).
Study Romans 12:8 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 and list two areas mentioned in these verses in which we must serve cheerfully.
List other areas of service to God which must be done with a cheerful attitude.
Consider now the attitude of anxiety:
10. Define anxiety.
11. Proverbs 12:25 tells us, "_____________ in the _____________ of man causes __________________ , but a ________ word makes it _________."
According to the last part of this verse, what is our part in helping those with an anxious spirit?
12. According to Proverbs 19:3, what causes a man to twist his way and what is the result of this?
13. Philippians 4:6 says, "Be __________ for nothing, but in everything by _________ and __________, with _____________, let your ________ be made known to ____; and the ________ of ____, which __________ all understanding, will guard your __________ and ________ through Christ Jesus."
14. Study Luke 10:38-42. Martha had an attitude of anxiety. What was Jesus’ reply to her?
15. Jesus spoke more words in Matthew 11:28-30 which help relieve anxiety. Commit these verses to memory.
16. Colossians 3:15 instructs us to "_______________________________________."
Would this help when one has an anxious attitude?
17. According to 1 Peter 5:6-7, upon whom should we cast our cares?
18. Study Matthew 6:25-34 and discuss how to apply these verses to one’s life.