Under The Surface
Facing Your Fears

Pastor Kirk, Oct 20^th, 2019

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9, 1 Sam 10:9-27, 13:11-12, 18:5-16

Summary: Saul did not face his fears in an appropriate way. Guarding our hearts is facing what comes at us with the confidence that God is for us.

Main Thought: We face our fears by taking them to God instead of taking them into our own hands.

Getting to Know Each Other (Start Here): 

• What were you scared of when you were younger?
• Have you ever frightened someone else on purpose or by mistake?

Going Deeper: 

1. Take a look into 1 Samuel and talk about how Saul’s life was ruled by fear.
2. One of the steps in busting free of fear is to worship God. In what ways do you worship God? Is there a particular act of worship that enables you to connect with your Creator?
3. Philippians 4:4-9 mentions a few ways that we are to live free from fear. Read it as a group and discuss: the directions and how you actually put them into practice.
4. Hebrews 12:1-3 Do you have a testimony of a friend who helped you worship? Who inspires you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus? Or is it a group of people? Share specifics and encourage one another at this time.
5. How does fear separate us from others? Think about how separation happens between individuals, communities and whole cultures? Try to come up with historical and modern examples.
6. Has fear of someone or a situation caused you not to act in love? Has there been a time when God has wanted you to do something but you gave into fear? How has that sat with you since?
7. Now discuss how God’s peace unites people together. What is God’s goal for peace? Remember it is not just an earthly design but an eternal one. How do you think on a peace that surpasses all understanding? How does it impact you? (Philippians 4)

Apply it:

• With a trusted friend, identify your root fear. Write out a prayer in which you describe and surrender your root fear to God.

Pray without ceasing:

Pray for our International workers in restricted countries. Ask that they would be inspired in pioneering movements bringing access to Jesus where few or none have heard. That in the far distance from loved ones that they would be built up by prayer and mutual encouragement. That they would experience God’s peace that dispels fear. That during long nights and possibly lonely days that the IWs would be strengthened by the presence of the Holy Spirit and our prayers for them. Pray that they would not grow weary of doing good. That they would be strengthened and not stumble that the replenishing love of God would sustain them through all trials.

Community Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 13-18

This week add 2 Samuel 13 to 18 to your devotions. Read a chapter a day up to and including chapter 18. Look at the relationships that are present in these chapters and keep two questions in mind.

• What do I need to know from this chapter (a truth about my reality or God or a life lesson)?
• What do I need to grow (Is there something God is trying to teach me through His Word)?

Keep a journal nearby and write down any questions or thoughts you can share with your Community Group. Remind and encourage each other to participate in this group devotion.