Thinking About Getting Out of the Boat VII
September 28, 2008
Lesson 7: On Crying Out in Fear
Wednesday and Sunday Adult Bible Class – Fall Lesson Series
West Broad Church of Christ
September 28 and October 5, 2008
Dr. J.L. Nesmith, Jr., Facilitator
(Adapted from materials by John Ortberg)
Introduction:
In Lesson 6, we concluded that people of faith will see the wind as we serve God. Despite that reality, we cannot retreat. Instead, we are called to be resilient. But what if fear dominates your walk on the water? Is there a way to proceed in faith despite fear?
I. The Focus on Fear
Consider Matt. 14:26. What do you see in the disciples?
• The biology of fear
• The psychology of fear
Question: Why do you think God spends so much time telling us to not be fearful?
• The fear of Moses
• The fear of Israel
• The fear of “church”
Question: What happened to the men of Deuteronomy? The parents in John?
• Thinking about the thrill
• The choice of a child
• Safety and the Savior
Question: How do you think all this will impact an individual’s life? How could it impact your life?
II. The Results of Fear
There is a price to pay when we languish in fear.
Loss of self-esteem. Question: How can this apply to us as Christians?
Loss of destiny. God calls us to make strides, not mark time. Question: Which do you find yourself doing more? How is your choice impacting your destiny?
Loss of joy. Question: Have you ever met a truly joyful person who was worried all the time?
o Jesus and joy
o The “what if” way
III. Transcending Fear
There are things we can do to move beyond fear.
1. Remember that not all fear is negative
2. Remember that negative fear is of Satan
3. Remember that God calls us to destiny, not defeat
Conclusion and Challenge
Fear is a given in our lives, but so is the promise of God. What will you do on this week? Whine in fear or walk in faith?
