Whether we acknowledge it or not, we all struggle with fear. With the uncertainties that this world brings, the tragedies that each one of us faces in life, and the disappointments that will inevitably come our way, if we are not careful, we can become bombarded with fear in such a way that we become paralyzed. Today we will take a look at fear and see how God has something greater for us than living in fear.
What is something you were scared of as a child that seems funny to you now?
Bible Study Questions
1. In what ways do you see fear holding people back?
2. Read Mark 4:35-41. What stands out to you about this story?
Mark 4:35-41 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
Mark 4:35-41
As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”
3. According to these verses, what is the correlation between fear and faith?
4. Read James 1:2-4. According to this verse, how does God use the trials we face?
James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
James 1:2-4
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
5. What fears are you facing right now?
6. How do these verses give you the confidence to keep walking regardless of your fears?
7. How do you hope God will shape you as you work through your fears?
God is calling each one of us out of fear and to live a life of faith instead. If you were to evaluate your life, how are you living? Are you living in faith, or has fear taken over? Share your answer with your group. How will you choose to move forward even in spite of the fear you may feel? Share that with your group as well. Pray together with your group, asking God for wisdom and courage to live in faith, not fear.
Last week, we began looking at Ephesians 6, a thorough and effective battle plan on how to fight the spiritual battles we face every day. Interestingly, in some ways, the armor of God in Ephesians 6 mirrors a modern military operational order, also known as an OPORD. An OPORD has five sections. We looked at the first paragraph last week, which is called SITUATION, and within the situation is the identification and assessment of enemy forces. We talked about how our battle is not against flesh and blood but against Satan and the things related to him. He is our enemy. The good news, which Ephesians 6 makes clear, is that we are not alone in our fight. We have God fighting with us as well as His armor, which we read about in Ephesians 6 as well. Today, we will look at the “shield of faith,” which is an effective weapon when fear comes on us.
The Shield of Faith:
Read Ephesians 6:16
Faith Over Fear:
Let’s take a look at Scripture to see exactly why faith is an effective weapon against our fear.
Read Psalm 56:3-4
Read Isaiah 41:13-14
Read Luke 12:32
Faith in Action
After reading about faith over fear, let’s look at an example of someone who lived with faith in spite of a very fearful situation.
Read Daniel 6:6-23 individually. After reading, discuss the passage of Scripture.
While our situations may look different than Daniel’s, we have opportunities to either choose fear or the shield of faith to fight that fear. One of the best practices of faith is to remember God. You see, God promises all throughout Scripture that He is with us and that we are never alone. When we focus on God, our faith strengthens. One way to keep our eyes on God is when we remember how He has taken care of us in the past. Share with your group at least three ways God has been faithful and taken care of you in the past, and listen as your group members do the same. May this act of remembrance encourage all of you as you seek to take hold of the shield of faith
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Psalm 23:4 Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
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