Stressed Out – Christian Memes

#1 – Introduction

The following exercise will introduce you to the topics covered in the next 6 chapters.
During your childhood, do you remember your parents worrying about any of the following?
- _____ money _____ family conflict _____ politics
- _____ health _____ crime _____ weather
- _____ housing _____ job / business _____ the economy
- _____ war / peace _____ problem children _____ other: ___________________
Do you remember your parents as overworked?
Were either of your parents “workaholics?”
Is there a difference between being overworked and being a workaholic? Why or why not?
What impact did their behavior have on your current attitude toward work?
When was the first time you felt like a failure?
When you were growing up, was there much conflict in your home; and how did that affect you?
At what age did you first experience the loss of someone or something important to you?
- _____ loss / death of a pet _____ death of a relative or friend
- _____ loss of a favorite teacher _____ loss of a close friend
- _____ loss of a favorite toy _____ moving from old neighborhood
- _____ loss of a girlfriend / boyfriend _____ divorce of parents
Have you ever experienced burnout – the state of physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion?
How did you feel during burnout?
Is there anything you did to overcome those feelings; or did you just ride it out until it was over?

Stressed Out: Keeping It Together When It’s Falling Apart #2 – Stress From Worry

Many of us worry about something much of the time. And why not! There is plenty to worry about. We can worry about bills and having enough money to pay them. We can worry about our jobs and how secure they are. We can worry whether we’ll ever marry or whether we can stay married. We can worry about our children’s safety or whether they will ever “amount to anything.” We can worry about the economy. We can worry about war or the lack of world peace. Sure, life gives us much to worry about – but should we worry?
We know that worrying can be debilitating. It drains us. It takes time and energy that could be better spent on positive projects. Besides, worrying is futile. It is mere speculation. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. If we did, we could do something about it. We could confront the problem. Then it would no longer be worry; it would be action. In any case, most of what we worry about will never happen.
We know all this, and yet the problem remains. We worry, and worrying is not good for us. Is there anything we can do about worrying?
In the following Gospel study, we see Jesus’ response to worry. In the passage from Matthew, Jesus puts worry in its rightful perspective. In the Epistle study, James teaches how perseverance can win over worry. As we will see from these studies, worry is not a requirement of life.
Section 1 – Gospel Study / Worry Warts
Step 1 – In the following list of “worries;” state if you are concerned right now (N); if you were concerned a year ago (1); five years ago (5); and if any of these worries continue over time.
- ___ ___ ___ job ___ ___ ___ sex ___ ___ ___ marriage
- ___ ___ ___ parents ___ ___ ___ health ___ ___ ___ relationships
- ___ ___ ___ money ___ ___ ___ children ___ ___ ___ spiritual life
- ___ ___ ___ politics ___ ___ ___ fulfillment ___ ___ ___ retirement
What do you think it means if there is something you are currently or continually worried about?

Step 2 – Study – Read Matthew 6:25-34
What did Jesus mean when He said, “Do not worry about your life …?”

Why did Jesus compare our concerns with those of the birds and the flowers?

According to Jesus, what effects can worry have on your life?
How is worrying related to faith in God?

What does it mean to “seek first His kingdom and His righteousness?”

What results when you “seek first His kingdom?”

How would you summarize these verses?

Step 3 – Apply – Use the following scale to show how much you worry about the following: 1 = no worry … 2 = little worry … 3 = some worry … 4 = much worry … 5 = very much worry … or use “N/A”
- ___ loss of job /money ___ car troubles ___ alienation from God
- ___ spouse’s infidelity ___ kids being sick ___ parents being sick
- ___ serious illness ___ getting older ___ loss of loved ones
- ___ conflict with friends ___ threat of war ___ being away from church
Is there anything not in the list above that you currently worry about?
How do you usually handle worry (or stress)?
- A … I talk to others about it
- B … I try to keep busy with something else
- C … I pray until the worry leaves me
- D … I take medication
- E … I don’t worry about anything
- F … I don’t handle worry well; it preoccupies me
- G … I trust God in all worrisome situations
- H … I seek professional help
Is there any other way you handle worry (or stress) not listed above?
Section 2 – Epistle Study / Winning Over Worry
Step 1 – Study – Read James 1:2-11
Who is the “tower of strength” in your family during hard times?
Why should anyone feel joyful about trials and hard times?
According to these verses, what are the “by-products” of perseverance?
How can we “have it all” or not lack anything?
How is true wisdom obtained?
What conditions are necessary for our prayers to be answered?
Why do the humble occupy a high position and the rich a low position in these verses?
According to these verses, how can you win over worries that come with hard times?
The lack of wisdom?
The lack of money?
Comment: There is another way when it comes to worry. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus offers us a new perspective and a concrete alternative. Notice His argument. He begins by commanding us not to worry. “Don’t do it,” is what He says. Notice that Jesus pulls no punches. What He commands us not to worry about are the most basic issues of life: food, drink, and clothing. Without any one of these we will die. He then goes on to give us a reason why we need not worry: we have a powerful Heavenly Father who cares for us. Because this is true, we need to shift our basic attitude in life from worry to faith. And we must shift our lifestyle from acquisition to righteousness. Jesus ends where He begins: with counsel not to worry. Specifically, we are to forget about the future and focus on the present. We can do little about what lies ahead. But we can face and deal with what is here, at the present moment. This is a powerful perspective.

James adds to this perspective. The trials of life are not just something we ought not to worry about. They can, in fact, produce good results in our lives. We learn to persevere, and perseverance brings maturity. Thus, trials need not be an enemy; they can bring us nearer the wholeness we crave. Knowing this short-circuits worry.
James also gives good advice. Ask God for wisdom. Certainly, wisdom is something we need in the face of worry and in the midst of trial. Ask in faith. It is not good wavering when it comes to relying on God.
The connections between Jesus’ words and James’ words are clear: faith is crucial, worrying about material well-being is a problem. God is the One who will supply what we need.
Step Two – Reflect – As time allows, discuss with your group, whether or not you agree with the following statements.
“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.”
“There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever.”
“Prudent provision for the future is right; wearing, corroding, self-tormenting anxiety is wrong.”
Step 3 – Reflect – Take the problem that was most worrisome to you in the above exercise and ask:
How does this new perspective help in dealing with it?
In what way does faith apply to it?
How can I pursue righteousness in light of it?

Stressed Out: Keeping It Together When It’s Falling Apart #2 – Stress From Work

Work holds a central place in the lives of many of us. And we work for many different reasons. Most basically, we work to survive. We may also work to give our children and grandchildren a better life. Others work primarily to obtain material goods. And ideally, all of us would like to be involved in work that is lasting and meaningful.
While work can certainly be satisfying, it can also be stressful. An excessive workload, an unreasonable boss, monotonous work, and job insecurity are just a few of the stresses faced in the workplace. How you handle the stresses from your work can directly affect other areas of your life.
The “flipside” of work stress is experienced by the workaholic. The workaholic thrives on work and often experiences stress when he or she is away from work. Workaholism also directly affects other areas of a person’s life.
The issue is one of balance. Too little work or meaningless work destroys our sense of worth; too much work or overly demanding work destroys our bodies and psyches. Both extremes cause stress.
The following scriptural studies will look at work stress and workaholic behavior. Both studies will help us to think about our own work patterns and to move toward a more balanced work lifestyle.
Section 1 – Gospel Study / Stress In The Workplace
Step 1 – Answer the following questions and share your responses with your group.
Did you ever work at a job where you were overworked, underpaid, or underappreciated?
What were the circumstances?
How did it make you feel?
Under what circumstances would you willingly take a lower-paying job?
What non-tangible incentives would make you work for less money?
Step 2 – Study – Read Matthew 20:1-16
Have you ever worked for someone who hired and rewarded his employees as did this big-hearted landowner? Explain.
What expectations regarding compensation for work do you have of your employer?
- A … if I go the “extra mile,” I expect to be rewarded
- B … no matter what I do, I will get paid the same
- C … I work for other rewards than money
- D … employers are never fair and never will be
- E … I expect equal pay for equal work
What is your initial impression of the actions of the landowner?
- A … he’s the boss; he can do whatever he wants
- B … he treated the more conscientious workers unfairly
- C … he fulfilled his obligation to the workers fairly
- D … he was arrogant and insensitive to the workers who worked longer hours
If you were one of the first workers hired, how would you have reacted to the landowner?
- A … I would not have complained because I got the wage I had agreed to
- B … I would have reported him to the Jerusalem BBB
- C … I would never work for him again
- D … I would have complained and berated him
- E … I would have picketed him
What were the unmet expectations of the first workers, which created the conflict?
- A … they expected more money for more work
- B … they expected to get paid for doing little work
- C … they expected the landowner to be fair
- D … they expected the landowner to do whatever he wanted
What did Jesus mean by “the last will be first, and the first will be last?”
- A … people who wait the longest before receiving Christ will get the most out of life
- B … if you are patient, you will be rewarded
- C … there is no difference in God’s response whether you receive Christ early or late in life
- D … God punishes pushy people
What is the spiritual application of this parable?
- A … hard workers are no better than loafers
- B … no matter when you enter the Kingdom, your reward of eternal life will be the same
- C … good works alone mean little to God
- D … it is futile to try to please God by working hard
Comment – This is the story of a “large-hearted man who is compassionate and full of sympathy for the poor.” The essential point of the parable is that God is like that; His generosity transcends human ideas of fairness. No one receives less than they deserve, but some receive far more.”
So, we learn from this parable that God’s standards are not ours. There is no equation in His Kingdom between hard work and high reward. It is, after all, all grace. We also note that the work-related stress in this passage is a matter of an understandable, but none the less harmful, attitude. The stress here comes not because the workers are cheated by the boss; everyone gets a fair wage. The stress comes from jealousy; some get the wage for less work than others. Sometimes it is our attitude that needs changing to get over our stress. Even in an exploitive situation, the answer may be to change our attitude (e.g., to confront the problem regardless of cost, to deal directly and openly instead of backbiting – to find our own satisfaction in the job.)
Step 3 – Apply – Complete the following exercise and discuss your response with your group.
Few work situations, whether at home or in the workplace, are free of stress. With the help of the following list, indicate the ways you usually manage stress.
- ___ I exercise regularly ___ I take naps regularly
- ___ I rant, rave, and cry a lot ___ I participate in sports and/or hobbies
- ___ I pray for the ability to handle stress ___ I talk to other people about my stress
- ___ I take medication to help with stress ___ I drink or do drugs to handle stress
- ___ I use mental relaxation techniques ___ I draw support/strength from others
- ___ I pour my heart out to God ___ I get profession counseling help
- ___ I ignore stress ___ I take regular vacations
- ___ I watch TV or movies to escape ___ I play video games to relax
- ___ I read to escape and relax ___ I redouble my efforts and work harder
- ___ I spend some time alone ___ I receive support from my family
- ___ I play as often as I can ___ I listen to my favorite music
- ___ I read and study the Bible ___ I buy myself something new
- ___ I don’t manage stress, it manages me ___ I get out into nature
- ___ I eat excessively ___ I go to church
Of all these ways – or something else – what seems to work best for you?
Section 2 – Epistle Study / The Workaholic
Step 1 – Study – Read 2^nd Corinthians 11:16-33
Has anyone ever called you a “fool” (or its equivalent) for the way you approached your work situation? Why?
After reading these verses, would you consider the Apostle Paul to be a “fool?” Why or why not?
A workaholic is someone who almost totally immerses him/herself in his/her work. Would you consider Paul to be a workaholic? Why or why not?
Why do you think Paul feels it is necessary to justify his lifestyle?
What do you consider to be the positive and negative aspects of a workaholic lifestyle?
Do you think God wants all of us to live as Paul did? Why or why not?
In what ways is serving God a total-person experience?
Step 2 – Reflect – As time allows, discuss with your group your agreement or disagreement with the following statements:
“I may be a lousy father and a lousy husband, but when Merrill Lynch needs me, I’m here.”
“My father taught me to work, but not to live it. I never did like tow work, and I don’t deny it. I’d rather read, tell stories, crack jokes, talk, laugh – anything but work.”
Step Three – Apply – Answer the following questions and share your response with your group.
Why do you work hard?
- ___ to feel good about myself
- ___ to please others
- ___ to fulfill a calling
- ___ to avoid relationships and responsibilities
- ___ I don’t know how to slow down
- ___ I was brought up to be this way
- ___ I am driven by a desire to be successful
- ___ I have a fear of failure
- ___ I need the money / want my family to have a good life
- ___ I want others to follow my lead
- ___ other:

Stressed Out: Keeping It Together When It’s Falling Apart #4 – Stress From Failure

Our society rewards success and punishes failure. There is great pressure to make it, to do it right, to be together. We love winners; we shun losers. As a result, we grow up with a deep need to succeed. From little league to grades in school to competition for places on sports teams and in the best colleges the message is the same: making it is what life is all about. Not surprisingly, stress relates to avoiding failure.
We can learn much through failure. Often failure is a prerequisite to success. The stories of successful people invariably tell us that they have failed one or more times before they became successful. Abraham Lincoln considered himself to be a failure in the eyes of his contemporaries. Thomas Edison failed repeatedly before he lit his first incandescent bulb. Winston Churchill helps to give us a perspective on failure when he said, “Success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”
All of us have failed at some time or another. Failure really isn’t much fun. But if we fear failure, we can be immobilized and kept from trying anything that involves a degree of risk. In the Gospel Study, Peter painfully learns some deeper truths through failure. In the Epistle Study, the Apostle Paul experiences some failure in his inward battle between good and evil. Both studies will help us to rise above failure.
Section 1 – Gospel Study / Fear of Failure
Step 1 – Answer the following questions and share your responses with your group.
How do you generally react when you experience failure?
- ___ I try to learn from my failures ___ I try to ignore and forget my failures
- ___ I am emotionally wounded by failure ___ I accept failure as a reality of life
- ___ I don’t want to try again when I fail ___ I refuse to accept failure in what I do
- ___ other:
What lesson or principle would you like to pass on to others in dealing with failure?
Step 2 – Study – Read Luke 22:54-62
If you could put in a good word for Peter from this experience, what would it be?
- A … he meant well
- B … he couldn’t help it
- C … he came back
- D … he’s only human
- E … he was confused
Why did Peter keep at a distance and deny his association with Jesus?
- A … he didn’t want to get involved
- B … he didn’t want to get in trouble with the authorities
- C … he was confused about who Jesus was
- D … he was trying to devise an escape plan
If you were in Peter’s shoes, how would you have reacted?
- A … I would have kept my mouth shut
- B … I would have tried to free Jesus
- C … I would have gone home
- D … I would have done the same as Peter
- E … I would have argued Jesus’ case
What was the significance of Peter denying Jesus 3 times?
- A … it made his denial emphatic
- B … it fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy
- C … it gave Peter two chances to change his mind
- D … it had no significance at all
How do you think Peter felt when Jesus looked at him?
- A … he realized how stupid he had been
- B … he felt ashamed of his behavior
- C … he was unaffected by the whole matter
- D … he was humiliated by his failure
Why did Peter weep when he realized what had happened?
- A … because he was exposed as a failure
- B … because he took responsibility for his failure
- C … because he felt Jesus was being unfair to him
- D … because he hurt someone he loved
Comment – Talk about failure … it was bad enough that Peter denied Jesus, but worse coming right on the heels of his boast: “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (Mark 14:31). This must have been a crushing experience for Peter. In fact, it is probably the experience that opened his eyes to himself and made it possible for him to come to Jesus in repentance and faith. His failure did not affect his relationship with Jesus, however (or maybe Jesus’ relationship with or view of Peter). The angel at the tomb makes a point of saying, “Go, tell the disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you in Galilee. There you will Him’” (Mark 16:7). His failure did not affect his role in the church. He became one of its pillars (Galatians 2:7-9). For the Christian, failure is not the end of the road. It is often the beginning of new ministry since it is in our weakness that we are made strong (Romans 8:26; 1^st Cor. 2:1; 2^nd Cor. 12:9).
Step 3 – Apply – All of us have experienced some failure. How has failure in your life changed you?
- ___ I am now more caring and empathetic ___ I am now more determined than ever
- ___ I am now humbler ___ I now look out for myself more
- ___ I am now more realistic ___ I am now emotionally fragile
- ___ I am now confused and disillusioned ___ I am now wiser
Section 2 – Epistle Study / Fail-Safe
Step One – Study – Read Romans 7:7-25
What usefulness does the law serve today?
Do you think Paul is describing his pre-Christian days or his struggles as a maturing Christian?
What does it mean to be a “slave to sin?”
In what ways are Paul’s struggles with wanting to do one thing but doing another common to us?
Do you consider people to be innately good or innately evil?
Do you think Paul is being too hard on himself? Why or why not?
How is Paul (and all of us) rescued from this struggle with sin?
Step 2 – Reflect – As time allows, discuss with your group your agreement or disagreement with the following statements.
“Show me a totally satisfied man – and I will show you a failure.”
“Failure sometimes enlarges the spirit. You must fall back upon humanity and God.”
Step 3 – Apply – Answer the following questions and share your response with your group.
Recall an experience of failure (from childhood to now) and how you grew as a person from that.

Stressed Out: Keeping It Together When It’s Falling Apart #5 – Stress From Conflict

Life would be so much easier without conflict. Nations war with nations and people die and are maimed. Conflict in the workplace creates ulcers and unemployment. Interpersonal conflict can end friendships and marriages. Conflicts between parents and children can create runaways and sleepless nights.
Conflict hurts. Conflict undermines our whole world. Conflict dulls our life. Conflict brings physical disorders, psychological stress, emotional anguish, and behavioral problems. In other words, conflict brings great stress. We must deal with conflict if we are to be healthy people.
In the following studies, first we see Jesus dealing with conflict – He is at odds with the religious authorities – and then we see Paul dealing with conflict – the Corinthian church is torn apart by divisions. Their examples and the principles they demonstrate give us valuable insights into how we can cope with our own conflicts.
Section 1 – Gospel Study / Conflict Resolution
Step 1 – Answer the following question and share your response with your group.
When in your life have you had great interpersonal conflicts?
- ___ early childhood (pre-school) ___ elementary school (5-11)
- ___ middle school (12-13) ___ high school (14-18)
- ___ college (19-22) ___ early adulthood (20’s / 30’s)
- ___ mid-life (40’s / 50’s / 60’s) ___ late adulthood (70’s +)
With whom have you had your greatest interpersonal conflicts?
- ___ children ___ self ___ spouse ___ parents
- ___ siblings ___ friends ___ teacher ___ coach
- ___ boss ___ government ___ co-worker ___ in-laws
- ___ God ___ pastor ___ neighbor ___ other:

What generation do you belong to (or claim)?
- ___ Greatest Generation (1901 – 1927) ___ The Silent Generation (1928 – 1945)
- ___ Baby Boomer (1946 – 1964) ___ Generation X (1965 – 1980)
- ___ Generation Y / Millennials (1981 – 1995) ___ Generation Z / iGen (born 1996 – now)
Which generation – beyond your own – would you say faces the most conflict; and what are they?
What conflicts do you think face those in your own generation the most?
Step 2 – Study – Read Mark 11:12-19
After reading the “Comment” on the next page, how do you think the temple-goers felt when they had to pay such prices for their sacrifices?
Why do you think Jesus acted as He did toward the fig tree?
- A … He was hungry and probably irritable
- B … He later used this to teach His disciples a spiritual truth
- C … He was taking out His frustrations on the tree
- D … He was showing the disciples that He was in control
What point was Jesus trying to make when confronting the fig tree?
- A … Jesus expects us to be spiritually fruitful
- B … we better be ready when Jesus comes
- C … fruitless living will put you in conflict with God
- D … we should always be available to meet the needs of others
- E … we should recognize Jesus’ power and authority
Why was Jesus so angry with the merchants in the temple?
- A … because they weren’t paying rent to use the temple
- B … because they were mixing capitalism and the worship of God
- C … because they were ignorant of what they were doing
- D … because they were treating a holy place as unholy
If you confronted a similar situation in your church, how do you think you would respond?
- A … I would discuss the matter with the pastor and/or board
- B … I wouldn’t do anything
- C … I would ask the offending parties to leave
- D … I would pray that God would resolve the situation
In what ways are our churches today treated like the temple?
- A … we place a high priority on money and materialism
- B … we don’t not regard the church as “God’s holy place”
- C … we conduct all kinds of business in the church
- D … we have lost sight of the real purpose of the church
Why were the Jewish religious leaders out to get Jesus?
- A … because they would lose their “kickbacks” from the temple merchants
- B … because they were losing their influence with the people
- C … because they were jealous of Jesus
- D … because Jesus was teaching heresy
Comment – Things were not what they should be in the temple. This was meant to be a place where God was honored and worshiped. And yet the outer court, which was the only place pious Gentiles could worship, had been turned into a raucous oriental bazaar. Doves (which were the only sacrifice the poor could afford) cost twenty times more than those purchased from outside vendors. The money changers who transferred the various coins of the Roman empire into shekels (the only currency acceptable to pay the temple tax) charged the equivalent of one-half days’ wage for this simple act. What conflict this much have caused the people. They were being taken advantage of and yet they had no choice if they were to fulfill their religious obligations. Jesus openly and directly confronts these injustices.
Step 3 – Apply – Answer the following question and discuss your response with your group.
How do you handle interpersonal conflict?
- ___ I let the pressure build up until I explode
- ___ I immediately confront and resolve the problem
- ___ I absorb the stress from conflict
- ___ I ignore all conflict
- ___ I involve a third person in conflict resolution
- ___ other:
Section 2 – Epistle Study / Interpersonal Conflict
Step 1 – Study – Read 1^st Corinthians 3:1-23
What camps do you belong to?
- Political
- Age Group / Generation
- Musical Style
- Sports
- Dietary
- Vacation Destinations
- Books
- Work / Education
- Other:
What behaviors would you classify as “worldly?”
What behaviors would you classify as “godly?”
In these verses, what actions created division and conflict in the Corinthian church?
In what ways can we work together, in unity, to further God’s Kingdom?
In these verses, the church of Christ is described as a “building” with Christ as the foundation. As Christians, what should we do to enlarge and strengthen this building?
In what ways are you “God’s Temple?”
According to verses 18-23, how can we resolve all divisive conflict between Christians?
Comment – Even in those places where you would expect to find harmony you sometimes find disunity. This was the case with the Corinthian church. Rather than being “one big happy family,” it was made up of a series of little cliques in competition with each other. Paul’s answer to this has several parts to it. First, they must leave behind their “worldliness,” i.e., their tendency to be guided by the spirit of the world around them rather than by the Holy Spirit. As a result, they had lapsed into factionalism. They were competing. They had an “us vs. them” mentality. Instead, and this is the second thing Paul says, they must recognize what the real situation is. It is not that one of the leaders is better than all others. Paul should not be preferred over Apollos. Both are mere servants of God, each with his own task. The foundation upon which they must build their life together is Jesus Christ – not a particular human teacher. Third, they must recognize who they truly are. The Christian community in which they live is like a holy temple. God dwells there. Finally, they need to remember that in Christ all things are theirs. They already possess what really counts, so there is no reason to continue squabbling.
The same principles apply when it comes to settling our own disputes – regardless of where they take place. The stress point for us may be in our family where parents are pitted against children, or where spouses war against each other, or where one family member is made the scapegoat. Or the conflict may be at our workplace, in our neighborhood or community, or even in our church. The principles of resolution are the same. Confront the issue: identify the problem; get perspective on it; and claim what is yours in Christ. We do have resources as Christians that allow us to move through conflict to something better.
Step 2 – Reflect – As time allows, discuss with your group your agreement or disagreement with the following statements.
“All men have in them an instinct for conflict, at least, all healthy men.”
“You are but a poor soldier of Christ if you think you can overcome without fighting, and suppose you can have the crown without the conflict.”
Step 3 – Apply – Answer the following question and share your response with your group.
Pick one of the sources of conflict you identified at the beginning of this section. Examine it in terms of these principles (check off when completed):
- ___ who are the participants in the conflict and how did the conflict begin?
- ___ what is the root problem?
- ___ what would an outside observer say is going on?
- ___ what resources do you have to deal with the problem?
- ___ what is one concrete step you could have taken (or need to take now)?

Stressed Out: Keeping It Together When It’s Falling Apart #6 – Stress From Loss

It is nearly impossible to go through life without experiencing at least one major loss. Some people lose their health; others lose money and security; still others lose their freedom or self-respect. But perhaps the most painful loss of all is to lose a loved one. Loss can produce some of the most intense stress we can experience.
In the following Gospel Study, we will see how the loss of hope affected two of Jesus’ disciples. In the Epistle Study, we will see what effect the loss of control had upon the Apostle Paul. While a time of loss can be stressful and painful, it can also bring a greater understanding of life.
Section 1 – Gospel Study / Lost and Found
Step 1 – Answer the following questions and share your responses with your group.
What is the most significant loss you have experienced in your life?
- ___ loved one ___ job ___ idealism ___ hope
- ___ money ___ friend(s) ___ security ___ self-respect
- ___ home ___ marriage ___ health ___ freedom
What were your feelings about this loss? (Check all that apply)
- ___ helplessness ___ anxiety ___ grief ___ despair
- ___ sadness ___ worry ___ loneliness ___ shock
- ___ depression ___ sorrow ___ fear ___ bewilderment
- ___ anger ___ guilt ___ confusion ___ heartbreak
- ___anguish ___ hopelessness
Step 2 – Study – Read Luke 24:13-35
What do you do or where do you go to “get away” after a terrible experience?
Why were the two disciples downcast and disillusioned?
- A … they had lost their political liberator
- B … they didn’t want to be bothered by a stranger
- C … they had lost their spiritual leader
- D … they had lost all hope of redemption when Christ died
What had these two expected of Jesus before His death?
- A … that Jesus would make them wealthy
- B … that Jesus was the Messiah who would redeem Israel
- C … that Jesus would overthrow the Romans
- D … that Jesus would become their teacher and mentor
Why didn’t the two believe the reports of Jesus’ resurrection?
- A … because the reports came from unreliable sources
- B … because only seeing is believing
- C … because they lacked faith
- D … because such a thing was beyond their comprehension
How would you describe Jesus’ response to the two disciples?
- A … He was condescending and unkind
- B … He was firm and authoritative
- C … He was frustrated by their unbelief
- D … He was showing “tough love”
What effect did Jesus have on the two disciples?
- A … they didn’t want Jesus to leave
- B … Jesus made the men feel guilty and foolish
- C … Jesus rekindled their spiritual zeal
- D … Jesus restored the hope they had lost
What were possible reactions of the other disciples when they learned that Jesus was alive?
- ___ elation ___ joy ___ skepticism ___ bewilderment
- ___ amazement ___ delirium ___ shock ___ disbelief
- ___ chaos ___ confusion ___ ecstasy ___ other:
Have you ever gone from the depths of despair and disillusionment to a “mountaintop experience?” What happened?
Comment – This is not an unfamiliar story. We too understand the experience of pinning our hopes on what we know is certain to take place in the future: a great job will be offered, a wonderful spouse will appear, our kids will succeed. But it doesn’t always happen that way. Someone else is offered the job; the person you love doesn’t feel the same way; your child drops out or you don’t have any. That which once seemed so bright is now dull and tarnished. The dreams die. Energy fades. Where once there was hope, now there is despair. How can you recover hope?
In this story the hope that is lost is that Jesus would redeem the nation; that He would fulfill all God’s promises to them; and that they would once again become a great people. All this was shattered by a Roman cross. But something happens to the two travelers. They who were “downcast” experience their “hearts burning” within them. Hope rises again.
What happened? What brought about the change? In this passage, first they recited the facts of their hopes. Second, they found that the answer to their problem was there with them all along. They just did not see it yet. Third, their eyes were opened by Jesus. He gave then new hope.
There is insight for us here. It would be wrong to suggest that all loss is merely a matter of not knowing the full facts (in this case, that Jesus had been resurrected) and that things would become right when they are made known. It is true, however, that the shock of loss often so paralyzes our vision that we see only what we have lost, and not what we have. We too need new eyes to see our loss in its full context. How does this new vision come? The answer is: it comes from Jesus. It is He who brings us words of wisdom and insight (through scripture, prayer, and His people). It is He who also gives us the gift of life. His resurrection life is our resurrection life. It is as we touch that Life that we recover our life.
Step 3 – Apply – Answer the following questions and discuss your responses with your group.
Have you ever experienced a loss of idealism or life purpose?
How did it make you feel?
What did you do about it?
Section 2 – Epistle Study / Losing Control
Step 1 – Study – Read 2^nd Corinthians 10:1-18
Is “authority” more of a positive or negative word to you? Why?
In your family, who was the “final authority” when you were a kid?
Why did Paul find it necessary to defend his actions to the Corinthian church?
What problems were undermining his authority as an apostle?
How would you reconcile Paul’s use of meekness and gentleness on one hand, and power and authority on the other?
Apart from God, to whom do you look for guidance and direction? Why?
In what ways do Christians today “compare themselves with themselves?”
In what ways do you compare yourself with yourself?
Why does Paul encourage boasting and what are the limits he sets on it?
In the final analysis, what criteria determine the worth of our life and work?
Comment – Paul refuses to accept the loss of this church. He refuses to allow them to downgrade his authority as an apostle. So, he confronts the problem directly and forcibly. Sometimes our loss is not a real loss. Sometimes we need to refuse to accept a situation. We must pull ourselves together, marshal our resources, and fight to hold on to what is ours. Of course, we need great wisdom in this. Sometimes we fight for a lost cause; at other times no intervention on our part will make any difference. To persist is only to make our inevitable loss worse. Yet there are those moments when we need to be like Paul and refuse to accept the situation.
Step 2 – Reflect – As time allows, discuss with your group your agreement or disagreement with the following statements.
“God creates out of nothing. Therefore, until a man is nothing, God can make nothing out of him.”
“God will not look you over for medals, degrees, or diplomas, but for scars.”
Step 3 – Apply – Answer the following questions and share your response with your group.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate yourself on “keeping you cool” under intimidation?
How are you at facing an unpleasant situation – where you have to draw the line or stand your ground?
What has experience taught you in this?

Stressed Out: Keeping It Together When It’s Falling Apart #7 – Stress From Burnout

Over the past several decades, the word “burnout” has come into common usage. Most simply defined, burnout is the state of physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion. And in contemporary society, burnout has reached almost epidemic proportions. It is most evident in people in the so-called helping professions – nurses, social workers, teachers, doctors, ministers, etc. But none of us are immune from the debilitating effects of burnout. We see athletes and coaches burnout from the wear-and-tear of intense competition. We see parents burnout from the constant pressures of having to provide and lead. You can surely provide your own examples.
Section 1 – Gospel Study / Wear and Tear
Step 1 – Often we do not recognize burnout until we are too worn down to do much about it. The following exercise will help you determine if you are currently experiencing burnout.
Indicate how frequently you experience each of the following statements. Use the following scale … 0 = almost never … 1 = infrequently … 2 = frequently … 3 = almost always
- ___ I am irritable with others (family, co-workers, etc.)
- ___ I feel emotionally drained by my work
- ___ I have difficulty falling asleep at night
- ___ I lack motivation in my work
- ___ I am disillusioned with my work (including housework and/or retirement)
- ___ I think, “Why don’t people leave me alone?”
- ___ I treat people more impersonally that I would like
- ___ I wake up tired and have difficulty facing another day
- ___ I consider myself a failure
- ___ I am bother by stress-related ailments (indigestion / headaches / high blood pressure)
- ___ I fell like I am at the end of my rope
- ___ I feel trapped in my work / life
- ___ I feel exhausted at the end of the day
- ___ I feel people make a lot of demands on me
- ___ I feel unfulfilled and am dissatisfied with my life
Total your score.
- <15 indicates that you are probably not experiencing burnout
- 16-30 indicates that you are probably experiencing moderate burnout
- 31-45 indicates that you are probably experiencing severe burnout.
Are you surprised by this result?
If you are experiencing moderate or severe burnout, what can you do to relieve it?
What events or situations – positive or negative – can bring stress upon an individual?
What events or situations – positive or negative – can bring stress upon a family?
What events or situations – positive or negative – can bring stress upon a church?

Step 2 – Study – Read Matthew 26:36-46
If you were faced with inevitable pain and suffering, how do you think you would respond?
- A … I really won’t know unit happens
- B … I believe I can survive whatever comes my way
- C … I would do all I could to avoid pain and suffering
- D … I would accept pain and suffering as a reality of life
How do you think you would have reacted if you were with Jesus at Gethsemane?
- A … I probably would have slept too
- B … I would have been attentive to His every command
- C … I probably would have gone home to bed
- D … I would have done what He asked even though I didn’t understand the situation
Which of these common symptoms of burnout did Jesus exhibit?
- ___ irritability ___ disappointment ___ anxiety
- ___ annoyance ___ depression ___exhaustion
- ___ fatigue ___ agitation ___ sleeplessness
Why was Jesus “sorrowful and troubled?”
- A … He was tired of being misunderstood and mistreated
- B … He was aware of the pain and suffering He was to face
- C … He was dissatisfied with the disciples’ behavior
- D … He was physically and emotionally worn out
- E … He was afraid of what was ahead
What importance did prayer have in this passage?
- A … prayer gave Jesus a chance to state His hesitancy to His Father
- B … prayer gave Jesus the support He needed to get through the coming agony
- C … prayer gave Him a reason to get away from the disciples
- D … prayer would solve all of Jesus’ problems
What changes in Jesus’ attitude take place in this passage?
- A … He moves from fear and anxiety to acceptance of His fate
- B … He moves from a defensive posture to an offensive posture
- C … He moves from “wanting out” to accepting and fulfilling His mission
- D … He moves from anger and annoyance with the disciples to resignation and acceptance of their behavior
What were the ways Jesus coped with and overcame burnout?
- A … He prayed to His heavenly Father for strength and support
- B … He appealed to the disciples for support
- C … He accepted the reality of the situation
- D … He ignored what He was feeling and plowed ahead
Step 3 – Apply – Burnout comes on as a fizzle and not an explosion. It is important that we understand and can identify the burnout process. There are four stages in the burnout process.
Stage 1 usually starts with a new beginning, such as our first “real” job or getting married. It is a time of high idealism, high enthusiasm, and high energy. After a period of time, our high idealism and energy starts to grate against unexpected realism.
We enter Stage 2 where we experience a lessening of energy and enthusiasm. We become more physically and emotionally tired. Also, we are becoming more detached from people we care about. If there is no intervention, no slowing or stopping this slide down the slippery slope of burnout, we move to a more serious state.
Stage 3 is characterized by chronic exhaustion. Now we are physically and emotionally exhausted at the end of the day. And sleep, if it comes, is interrupted and without its restoring purpose. During Stage 3 we also may experience diffused physical symptoms, such as headaches, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, or chronic stomach upset. Emotionally, we are irritable with most everyone.
Again, if there is no intervention, we move to Stage 4, the most serious stage. This stage is a time of crisis where we are obsessed with our own problems. We can think of nothing else except what is happening to us. We become apathetic and try to avoid work. We become impersonal, detached, and unsympathetic toward other people. Physically, our nagging symptoms may become more serious and even life-threatening. In sort, we are physically, emotionally, and spiritually worn out.
Is there anyone in your life that is currently burned out?
What can you do to help them?
On the following diagram of the Slippery Slope of Burnout, mark where you are; and share:
- ___ Stage 1 – high energy – high enthusiasm – high idealism
- ___ Stage 2 – less energy – less enthusiasm – less idealism
- ___ Stage 3 – exhaustion – physical symptoms – irritability / depression / resentfulness
- ___ Stage 4 – obsession with problems – apathy – immobilization – career / life threatening
Section 2 – Epistle Study / Beating Burnout
Step 1 – Study – Read 2^nd Corinthians 1:3-11
Which of your memories does this passage recall?
What do we learn about the character of God in these verses?
Because God comforts us, what are we able to do for other people?
In these verses, what is the relationship between suffering and comfort?
What effect can stress, or distress, have in a Christian’s life?
When have you felt like Paul did in verses 8-9?
When experiencing distress and burnout, what can a Christian do?
Comment – Our tendency is to look at suffering as a sign of divine displeasure. However, the early church understood suffering in quite a different way. It was the mark of the Christian. In the same way that our Lord suffered, so too, do we as His people.
Listen to C.K. Barrett’s comments on this passage: “The continuation of life in this world after the death and resurrection of Jesus, often, for Christians, in uncomfortable circumstances, could most easily be explained on the supposition that some of the sufferings of Christ had been allowed to reach, and to be endured by, His followers. There is little doubt that Paul held this view, and believed that his own sufferings, as indeed his work in general, had eschatological significance. For him, the suffering was a matter not of apocalyptic speculation but of historical fact. This was true, too, in some degree, of the church as a whole; its being was characterized by such suffering. The ‘holy cross’ (Luther) is a mark of the church.”
This is not to say that we are to court suffering, nor that suffering is good in and of itself (it is not). It is only to say that in this world suffering is not abnormal and that God can use such suffering on our behalf and for the sake of others. The implication is that suffering brings stress; but suffering (and stress) can be transcended, in part, by opening ourselves to the redemptive meaning of it.
Step 2 – Reflect – As time allows, discuss with your group your agreement or disagreement with the following statements.
“How to cope with stress: Rule #1 is, don’t sweat the small stuff. Rule #2 is, it’s all small stuff.”
“To be willing to suffer in order to create is one thing; to realize that one’s creation necessitates one’s suffering, that suffering is one of the greatest of God’s gifts, is almost to reach a mystical solution of the problem of evil.”
Step 3 – Answer the following questions and share your responses with your group.
What is the difference between suffering that leads to stress and suffering that leads to growth?
In what ways has suffering been a creative force for you?
What key lessons have you learned about stress from this series of Bible studies?
What topic would you like to tackle next as a group?