Faith Over Fear
Scripture Reading: Isaiah 43:1-10, Psalm 34:1-10
Introduction
Fear is our emotional response to something, a person or situation that appears dangerous. It leads to a lingering sense of foreboding. On the other hand faith is our investment of trust in someone else other than ourselves. As Christians we are called to walk in and by faith in God through Jesus Christ. However, many times real life traumas create opportunities for fear to overwhelm us. For anyone following the news recently with the dark cloud of Covid 19, it is obvious that people have fear everywhere resulting from the uncertainties of the times. It is also clear that people everywhere are looking up to their governments to bring solutions.
Did you know that scientific research shows living in fear lowers our immunity? In our study today we will focus on discussing sources of fear, healthy and unhealthy fear. By identifying sources and eliminating them, we will be able to engage faith in Christ and live joyful and faithful lives despite overwhelming circumstances.
Study & Discussion
Please read the scriptures below. Attempt to identify and discuss keywords that help define or describe fear. What are the ramifications of living in fear?
- 2 Timothy 1:7
- Where do you think fear comes from? Does John 10:10a answer the question?
- Luke 21:25-28 (read in NKJV)
- Job 3:25
“Healthy Fear”
- Healthy fear is the fear of God which builds us up spiritually. Hebrews 12:28
- What do you think “the fear of God” means?
- What leads to “healthy fear?” Psalm 86:11, Hebrews 11:26-29 (NKJV), Proverbs 11:9b.
Unhealthy Fear – Matthew 10:28
- Unhealthy fear is that which destroys our lives.
- For Christians who suffer from clinical fear with ongoing foreboding it is important to seek professional help while leaning on the prayers of the saints. Ephesians 6:13 and 18
Conclusion
In this week of the passion of Christ let us remember and celebrate that He died, resurrected and lives forever interceding for us on the right hand of God, so that we (you) will never have to live or walk in fear. He urges those who will FOLLOW Him to FEAR NOT! May God’s peace arising from faith in Him reign in our hearts today and always. Romans 8:34, Hebrews 12:28.
Prayer
- Rebuke the spirit of fear over every life in JFC in Jesus name
- Call on the spirit of faith to rise in our midst as we hear God’s word at JFC
- Add on praise and prayer points from group members
Announcements
- Small-Groups
Small Groups will run each Wednesday to the end of May 2020 - April 9th – Online Women’s Fellowship at 7pm
Join us online for a wonderful time of fellowship together, details on how to join can be found on our events page - SonRise Weekend – joyfountainchurch.com/live
Friday, April 10th @ 10:30am – Good Friday Service
Friday, April 10th @ 7pm – Bible Study
Sunday, April 12th @ 10:30am Easter Service - April 17 – Online Youth Hangout at 7pm
Zoom call – details on our events page - April 24 – Online Young Adult Hangout at 7pm
Zoom call – details on our events page - Remember that you can always share our posts on Social Media!
- As the summer approaches make church meetings attendance a priority.
- Continue in prayer for JFC Building Renovations.
- Pray for the permit process to move along swiftly, pray for work teams to help with the speedy construction of the venue.