Fear - Next Steps

Message Summary

Healthy fear makes us more careful to avoid danger. Healthy fear keeps us safe. But there is a fear grounded in a lack of faith, and this fear can paralyze and rob us of our peace. God tells His children not to fear over 100 times in the Bible. We all struggle with fear; the most common are fear of failure, death, rejection, ridicule, and the unknown, among others. But as followers of Jesus, we believe he is in control, loves us, forgives us and provides for us through faith. Through faith, we respect God as the creator of everything. But when we operate out of fear, we are lacking faith. What to do? Like Gideon, we can ask God to strengthen our faith and take positive steps toward Him. We can turn to God, repent of our lack of faith, pray, read God’s word and remain in a community of believers, people of faith who will encourage our faith. God promises to strengthen our faith. Then we can trade our fear for God‘ peace. Don’t you want God’s peace? Like Gideon, you can have it.

1) Can you think of ways that God was working in your life even before you met him?

2) Can you identify one thing that you are afraid of? Be honest. How does this fear limit you?

Consider This

Even when we can’t seem to get past our fears, as we keep pressing into God, He is patient, and often in small ways reassures us like He did for Gideon of Old. Read Judges 6:11-32.

1) When Gideon was hiding out from the Midianites, God called him “mighty hero” (verse 12). How did Gideon react (v 13)? Have you ever reacted in a similar way after someone encouraged you in the face of a challenge?

2) What were Gideon’s next reactions in verse 15, 17-20? What would you call these reactions? Can you relate?

3) How did the Lord respond to Gideon’s complaint and lack of faith verse 16 and 21?

a. How did that change Gideon’s attitude? Can you apply these verses to your life situation?

4) What was God’s first command following the miracle of verse 21, see verse 25-26? Did Gideon completely obey (verses 27-32)? What impact did it have on the people of the town and his family?

5) Name some ways and times that God encouraged you in the face of fear and anxiety.

6) What did Peter do when his faith failed? How did Jesus Respond? (Matthew 14:25-32) How can this apply to your life?

7) Consider Philip 3:20-21. At the end of the day, believers win. What helps you “fix your eyes on Jesus” (Heb 12:1-2) when circumstances turn sour?

8) If your fears came to pass, discuss how the promise of Romans 8:28-29 could apply.

9) Trust in anything other than God will ultimately fail. Consider the following specifics believers are warned not to trust in. Can you share with the group anything you’re tempted to trust and how they have brought either failure or fear into your life? Ps 44:6, 49:6, 13-15, 115:3-4, 8, 146:3.

Moving Forward

Admit it, everyone has fears. But feelings of fear should never determine our actions or dominate our thoughts; rather, facts should do both. And often, as we renew our minds on the truths Jesus taught, our feelings change from fear to confidence—even boldness and peace.
“perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” (1 John 4:18b)

1) Read Romans 5:8, 1 John 1:9, 2 Cor. 5:17 this week. Do you know that God really loves you and forgives everything you’ve ever done, or will do, say, or think? Why or why not?

2) Will God ever cast you away or stop loving you? (John 6:37, Romans 8:37-39)

3) The Psalmist said, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3) Read 1Peter 5:7, Philip. 4:6-7 and 2 Cor. 5:7 this week and list ways you can apply faith when confronted with fear?