We all have different fears, some reasonable and some not. Fear can protect us, but it can also paralyze us from honoring God.
Talking Points:
- Fear takes many shapes: dread, terror, anxiety, worry, and more. Fear is a natural reaction to danger or the threat of pain
- Fear can be good because it can protect us from real dangers. Fear can also serve evil. Fear can keep us from trusting God.
- The emotion of fear is not opposed to faith. Faith is about action, not emotion. However, the mindset of fear is the opposite of faith. Psalm 55:4-5
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you like scary movies or amusement park rides?
- How is fear both a common and a unique experience?
- When can fear be helpful? How have you experienced that?
- Read Psalm 55:4-5. When can fear be sinful? How have you experienced that?
- Read Matthew 26:36-37. “The emotion of fear is not opposed to faith.” How did Jesus demonstrate this? How can you harness your fear to propel you to do what God wants you to do?
- How can a person evaluate what action to take when facing some particular fear?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
