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Fears and Insecurities

October 1, 2023

Proverbs 29:25

25Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

  1. What do you think is meant by ‘the fear of man’? How prevalent is that fear for you personally? Where in your life does the fear of man show up most frequently and pervasively?
  2. In what ways does the fear of man ensnare us? How does that trap work? When have you fallen into that snare? How did you escape?
  3. The end of this verse suggests that safety is what we’re really looking for. In what areas of your life do you feel either unsafe or uncertain? What does this verse say to you about that?
  4. Context is always important. This verse is in the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament. Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that are occasionally mistaken as promises. How does this help us understand this proverb, especially the second half?

1 John 4:18

18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

  1. Name three things that you fear. How might a perfect love drive out those fears?
  2. “Fear has to do with punishment.” How does this idea interact with Ephesians 2:8-9?
  3. Based on this passage, what would you say to someone who is struggling with a very distinct, very reasonable fear?

Galatians 6:14

14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

  1. What are some things you are rightfully proud of? Do you think this verse prohibits being proud of those things? Why or why not?
  2. ‘…the world had been crucified to me…’ What does this mean? What is Paul getting at?
  3. Similarly, what does it mean to be ‘crucified to the world? What might that look like in practical terms?