Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges
Week 5: Chapter 4 — Anxiety and Frustration
Read Chapter 4 of Respectable Sins. Key Scripture: Philippians 4:6–7; Matthew 6:25–34; 1 Peter 5:7.
Previewing Week 5 of Respectable Sins
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 21-week guide when you’re ready.
Anxiety is one of the most common struggles in modern life, but Bridges asks us to take the uncomfortable step of examining it not only as a psychological condition but as a spiritual one.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Bridges is careful to distinguish between the emotion of anxiety (which may be involuntary and even physiological) and the practice of anxiety (which involves choosing to dwell on worry rather than bringing it to God). How does this distinction help you approach this chapter with both honesty and compassion?
2.He points to Philippians 4:6 — 'Do not be anxious about anything' — as a genuine command, not merely a suggestion. What makes this command feel either liberating or frustrating to you personally?
3.What are the specific things you tend to be most anxious about? How much of your anxiety centers on circumstances you cannot control versus decisions that are genuinely yours to make?