BIG IDEA

Fear is usually about a security threat. The fear of God is about a security exchange.

MESSAGE NOTES:

WHAT: 

All of us experience fear in some form or another… 

• That fear has kept us from trying new things.

• That fear has hurt our friendships.

• Our fears create scripts in our head that convinces us of things about us or our lives that may not be true.

On days you're afraid, the fear takes up a lot of head space. You are thinking about it, working through scenarios, planning out what to do or say. That’s what happens when the fear vibe takes over: our world gets really small, our world becomes the fear.

SO WHAT:

Most fears are threats to our security. Fear is this obsession over anything that presents a possible threat to my security.

So if we don’t want to be controlled by our fears, the place to really start dealing with them is in our sense of security.

Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Matthew 10:28-31 NLT

The idea of fearing God trips people up, so usually pastors like me are quick to say, “It’s not about being afraid of God. It’s a reverence or a respect of who he is.” And that’s true because we know his nature, he’s revealed that he’s for us, he loves us, Jesus says even here that he meets our needs so we shouldn’t be afraid. So what is Jesus saying when he says, “rather you should fear God.” He’s saying when you fear the things of this world, your shell’s too small and it won’t actually protect you.

Fear is usually about a security threat. The fear of God is about a security exchange.

But even though we have a healthy fear of him, we aren’t afraid of him, because we know his character, who he is. He loves us. He sent his son to die for us so that we could be restored into a relationship with him. And he accepts all who put their faith in Jesus. And He knows every need I have, he has the ability to meet every need I have, and he has the willingness to meet every need I have.

God has the actual power over your life and God has the actual provision for your life. So the fear of God is a security exchange.

NOW WHAT:

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7 NLT

Your fears are invitations to be vulnerable with a God who cares about you.

Here’s a simple way to start the security exchange: Pray your fears.

As you go out this week, take the next leap in giving your fear to Jesus by praying your fears to Jesus. Please know that you are not a bad Christian if you still find yourself afraid. In fact, when you find yourself afraid again, you start by praying your fears. In fact, fear can be a healthy emotion for Christians to experience, if we will practice the habit of praying our fears

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Q1: What’s something you find yourself overthinking or afraid of lately?

Q2: When it comes to security, what is your next leap of faith?

Q3: The concept of fearing God, is that easy or difficult for you to live out?

Q4: Which fears are you going to pray this week?