Fear is a horrible boss…

• Fear robs us of opportunities.
• Fear interferes with our relationships.
• Fear keeps us up at night.
• Fear boxes us into a small life.

If you let fear run your life, it will ruin your life.

Lesson #1: You don’t have to allow fear to become the centerpiece of your life.

Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. ²⁴ Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. ²⁵ The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” ²⁶ He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. ²⁷ The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” —Matthew 8:23-27

• Jesus is more capable and more powerful than fear.

Lesson #2: You can trust God even when bad things happen.

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. —Matthew 10:28-31

• God knows what’s going on, and He cares.

Lesson #3: You don’t have to be afraid, even if there’s something to be afraid of.

When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. ²⁷But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” ²⁸ “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” —Matthew 14:26-28

Don’t wait till you’re not scared. Do it scared.

• Jesus will be with you in the storm.

The only way to overcome fear is to anchor your life in Jesus Christ!

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. —1 Peter 5:7

Don’t be afraid.

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Talk About It

All of us experience occasional fear. Sometimes, fear can protect us from harm. On the other hand, when fear becomes the centerpiece of our lives, it causes us to be self-absorbed, overly protective, and distracted from God’s purpose. To live the life we were created to live, we have to deal with the paralyzing power of fear. A life following Jesus isn’t a fearless life. It’s a life lived beyond fear’s control. Jesus is more capable and more powerful than your fear. You can trust Him even when bad things happen. God knows what’s going on, and He cares. The good news is you don’t have to be afraid even when there’s something to be afraid of!

Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 8:23-27; 10:26-31; 14:22-31; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Psalm 23:4

Discussion questions:

• Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
• Read Matthew 8:23-27. Describe a recent situation when you experienced more fear than usual. What did you do to cope with the fear and/or worry?
• Read Matthew 10:28-31. Have you ever heard that God cares about your circumstances? Explain. How does having confidence in God’s concern and care for you strengthen you when fear tries to overwhelm you?
• Read Matthew 14:26-28. What is something you feel God asking you to do but you’re scared to do? What would it look like for you to step out of the boat and “do it scared”?
• Read 1 Peter 5:7. Pastor Gregg said that when your faith in Someone exceeds your fear in something, fear loses its grip. Where does fear have a hold on you? What would it look like to transfer your fear and worry and anxiety to Jesus?
• How does the resurrection of Jesus punctuate everything He said about himself and taught about fear?

Take a Step

• Where are you feeling the grip of fear? What step can you take this week to make your faith in Jesus bigger than your fear?

Here’s My Prayer

Thank You, Jesus, that fear doesn’t have to be the boss of me. Father, thank You for being a never-ending source of support and strength. No matter my struggles or obstacles, I can trust that You know what’s going on in my life, care, and are with me. Help me trust that You’re in control of everything I experience and give me the courage to follow Your lead. I want my faith in You to be greater than any fearful thing I face. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can live free from the control of fear. In Jesus’ name, amen.