Set Free From Fear
Set Free - Part 2
July 18-22, 2005

I cried out to the Lord in my suffering, and He heard me. He set me free from all my fears.

Psalm 34:6 (NLT)

There are plenty of things in everyday life that could make us fearful. There are the external challenges of living in an uncertain world, and there are the concerns that come from inside us, such as whether our lives count and whether people like us. People who deal with fear on their own may try pretending the fear isn't there or try controlling the people and situations around them to resolve the problem. But God frequently says throughout the Bible "Fear not" and "Do not be afraid". God's plan for how we should deal with fear is to recognize that He has already given us freedom from fear through Christ. Whenever we face a crossroads in life, He wants us to make a choice based on faith in Jesus, not based on fear. In this discussion, we'll look at God's specific answers to the most common fears people face.

MONDAY

ASSURANCES GOD GIVES US TO BUILD OUR LIVES ON

1. GOD IS FOR US: I can conquer my fear of not doing enough.

[Your Objective: Understand the amount we do will not affect the Holy Spirit's presence within us.]

According to John 3:16, why should we not fear for our entry into God's kingdom?

  • Why might fear hold us back from accomplishing what we want to do with our lives?
  • What are the things that most likely hold us back from achieving our goals?
  • How does being assured that we belong to God free us from fear?

What does Romans 8:31 say about God's support of us?

  • How does Romans 8:38-39 clarify this?
  • How does this verse help free us from fear?

What does Galatians 3:5 have to say about why God gives us His Spirit and works miracles in our lives?

  • What does fear do to our confidence and trust in God?
  • How can our daily lives show others that we trust in God?
  • If we can't get closer to God by doing more, how can we get closer to God?

Evangelism (Mission) - Being free from fear about doing enough can liberate us to "be real" in relating to others, making us more approachable. We don't have to pretend to be something we're not. Whom can you "get real" enough with to share your story about what God has done in your life? Maybe you would like to approach them, but you don't feel close enough yet to do so. What one step can you take this week to get closer to that person?

TUESDAY

2. GOD WILL GIVE TO US: I can conquer my fear of not having enough.

[Your Objective: Explore how God provides for all of our needs.]

How do Romans 8:32 and James 1:5 say that God gives to us?

  • What are some things people typically feel they don't have enough of?
  • Why might we feel guilty about asking God for things?

What does Philippians 4:19 say about God meeting our needs?

  • How do we feel when God does not meet the "needs" we ask for? How should we feel?
  • How can we tell the difference between "needs" and "wants"?

Fellowship (Membership) - Fellowship can be supporting each member of the body of Christ in times of need. Is there someone you know who is struggling? How can you or your small group help? Discuss some ideas and make a plan.

WEDNESDAY

3. GOD WILL FORGIVE ME: I can conquer my fear of not praying enough.

[Your Objective: Grasp the fact that God's forgiveness is unconditional.]

According to Romans 8:34, why would Christ never condemn us?

  • How would picturing Christ pleading for us in heaven before God change our tendency to be self-condemning?

What does 1 John 1:9 say about what our part is in the forgiveness process?

  • "Confessing" our sin means to name it before God, and admit that it is wrong. Most of us have a sin that we struggle with. How could healing begin if we were to confess that sin before God this week?

According to Colossians 1:14, how are we set free?

  • What are some of the things we are set free to do, or become, when we allow Jesus to forgive our sins?

Worship (Magnification) - Knowing we're forgiven by God moves us to worship. Take a few minutes in your group to express gratitude to the Lord for His forgiveness. After you've finished praying, listen to see if the Holy Spirit has brought anyone to your mind you need to forgive. If so, commit to talk to them this week. Let them know you forgive them based on God's forgiveness for you.

THURSDAY

4. GOD WILL NOT LEAVE ME: I can conquer my fear of not being enough.

[Your Objective: Know we can conquer our fear of being inadequate because God is faithful.]

According to Romans 8:38-39, who can never be separated from the love of God?

  • What has given Paul the conviction he expresses in these verses?
  • How is God's faithfulness revealed to us in Christ?

According to Hebrews 13:5-6 how do we know God will never leave nor forsake us?

  • Why shouldn't we be afraid?
  • How do we get God's help when we are in need?

John 16:33 states we will have trouble in this world. What is the reason to take heart?

  • Give examples of troubles about inadequacy that people face in life. How can God's faithfulness help us not to be fearful?
  • Why are the troubles we have in this world unable to separate us from God?
  • What can we learn from our troubles about God's faithfulness?

Discipleship (Maturity) - You mature by abiding in Christ and knowing His promises. He promises to never leave you nor forsake you. Memorize Hebrews 13:5 where God promises to be faithful: "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

FRIDAY

PERSONAL APPLICATION AND COMMITMENT:

[Your Objective: Resolve to spend time each day this week focusing on God's assurance about the fear that most troubles each of us.]

As we plan to face the week ahead of us, we need to focus on God's love instead of on our worldly situations. Begin by having each member of your group say just a few words to thank God for one of the above assurances He gives us - that He is for us, He will give to us, He will forgive us, and He will not leave us. Consider which of the four assurances speaks most directly to your situation today, or which of the four fears troubles you most. Make a commitment to spend a few minutes each day this week focusing on the assurances God has already given you about that fear. Share your resolution with at least one other person, asking for prayers to help you.