"Fear or Fear Not"
TEXTS: 2 Tim. 1:3-7; Deut. 31:9-13; 1 Peter 3:1-7; Prov. 19:23
TRUTHS:
1. The Bible uses a lion to describe the fear tactics that are often used by the enemy of our souls. Satan will try to paralyze believers through fear. This is not what God desires for His children. The Lord uses fear for our good. A proper response of fear helps keep us safe to some degree, but our Lord does not want our lives to be consumed by debilitating fear.
2. Paul’s admonition to Timothy deals with a specific fear as it relates to an area of life that could potentially fill him (and us) with fear. Doing what God has anointed and called us to do can often be difficult. But we are told that God will provide boldness to overcome that fear and accomplish the work God has called each of His children to.
3. The generation of God’s people who saw the most dynamic miracles from God’s hand were described as stiff-necked and faithless.
4. When and where God makes a promise to us, we do not need to fear. The Lord always accomplishes His will and is faithful to perform what He has promised.
5. Every generation must tell the younger generations what the Lord has done to impact them. If we refrain from telling the coming generations what the Lord has done it will be difficult for them to grow and mature in their own faith.
6. Women are warned against using external beauty and manipulation to control the circumstances and people around them. Instead, they should trust in the Lord and His will and that will help them overcome the fear they have concerning particular areas of their lives.
7. If we properly fear the Lord we can be assured that He will give us insights and direction when we need it in our lives.
TALK TO EACH OTHER:
1. Why doesn't simply witnessing miracles translate into a strong and mature faith?
2. How does one trust in the Lord concerning an area of their life where they are consumed with fear? What does this practically look like in our daily lives?
3. What has God done specifically in your generation that should be proclaimed to the coming generations?
4. Do you have a testimony concerning the Lord giving you boldness to step out and minister despite feeling fear and timidity to do so? Please share.
TALK TO GOD:
Pray as you feel led concerning the following area(s):
- Trust in the Lord
- Overcoming paralyzing fear
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