REALLIFE STUDY GROUP

"Got Fear!"

ICEBREAKER: Name one of the scariest movies or TV shows you have ever seen. Have you ever turned off the sound and found that without the scary music, most horror movies are not really scary at all?

INTRODUCTION: In this lesson we will explore the differences between how the spirit of fear operates and the benefits of having a healthy respectful fear of The Lord. The Bible says, "Fear Not!" hundreds of times. Our text in Mark 4, tells a story of how a storm arose and the disciples were literally scared out of their minds. They woke Jesus who rebuked the winds and spoke to the waves and asked the disciples why they were so fearful. Many believers struggle with fear, anxiety and panic. When we accept the perfect love of God completely we will be empowered to cast out all fear.

CONFESSION:

· I will not fear what men may say because God's Word is the final Word.

· I will not fear what men may think because God's thoughts are the loftiest thoughts

· I will not fear the ways of men because God's ways are the best ways

· I will not fear the plans of men because God's plans are the wisest plans

· I will not fear the weapons of men because God's weapons are the most effective weapons

· I will not fear the strategies of men because God's strategies are the most impacting strategies

· I will not fear the wealth of men because God's resources are the richest resources

· I will not fear the strength of men because God's strength is the most powerful strength

· I will not fear the status of men because God's throne is the highest throne

· I will not fear the intelligence of men because God's intelligence is the smartest intelligence

· I will not fear the credentials of men because God's credentials are the most qualified credentials

DEFINITIONS: Fear: a feeling of anxiety concerning the outcome of something.

OUTLINE: Eerie Effects of The spirit of fear

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7 KJV)

1. Fear paralyzes your progress

2. Fear steals your confidence

3. Fear stunts your growth

4. Fear sabotages your relationships, opportunities

5. Fear poisons your perspective

6. Fear distracts your focus

7. Fear stalls your destiny

8. Fear weakens your resolve

9. Fear shakes your world

10. Fear attacks your defenses

11. Fear shatters your dreams

12. Fear rewrites your future

20 Benefits of The Fear of The Lord

1. Angels are commanded to protect them that fear The Lord.

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Psalm 34:7 NIV

2. When you fear The Lord you don't have to fear bad news

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. Psalm 112:7 NLT

3. Only fear the one who is from everlasting to everlasting.

And his mercy [is] on them that fear him from generation to generation. Luke 1:50

I am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear? Isaiah 51:12 NLT

4. When you seek the face of The Lord you don't have to fear anyone else's face.

Be not afraid of them [their faces], for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord. Jeremiah 1:8 Amplified

5. The fear of The Lord keeps you from sinning

Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!” Exodus 20:20 NLT

6. The fear of The Lord requires faithfulness and an undivided heart.

You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart. 2 Chronicles 19:9 NLT

7. The Lord befriends those who fear him.

The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. Psalm 25:14 NLT

8. The Lord watches over those who fear him.

But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. Psalm 33:18 NLT

9. When you fear The Lord He delivers you from all other fear.

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 NLT

10. God provides for those who fear him

Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Psalm 34:9 NLT

11. God fathers those who fear him

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Psalm 103:13 NLT

12. The fear of the Lord is a key to the good life

Fear of the Lord leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm. Proverbs 19:23 NLT

13. The fear of The Lord can access wealth

True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. Proverbs 22:4 NLT

14. The fear of The Lord brings praise.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Proverbs 31:30 NLT

15. When we understand the love of God we don't have to be afraid to fear him.

Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. 1 John 4:18 NLT

16. God shares his secret with those that fear Him.

The secret of the LORD [is] with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. Psalm 25:14

17. Those who fear The Lord know what to hate.

The fear of the LORD [is] to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Proverbs 8:13

18. The fear of The Lord is the beginning of true success.

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge: [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do [his commandments]: his praise endureth forever. Psalm 111:10

19. Those who fear The Lord are filled with confidence

In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26

20. The fear of The Lord creates a way of escape from the deathtraps.

The fear of the LORD [is] a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. Proverbs 14:27

TEXT: Mark 4:35-41 KJV

STUDY GROUP QUESTIONS:

1. Identify a recurring fear you have had to deal with.

2. How does fear affect you physically?

3. Why do you think that the disciples were so fearful on the boat?

4. How does faith counteract fear?

5. Pick one of the eerie effects of fear and make a comment.

6. Which of the benefits of having the fear of The Lord surprised you?

PRAISE REPORTS & PRAYER REQUESTS:

ACTION POINT: This week I will fear no evil for thou art with me!