fear

Sunday School Lesson 20

The Fear Of The Lord

MEMORY VERSE: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” – Proverbs 1:7

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalms 111:4-10 KJV

INTRODUCTION: The fear of the Lord is a reverential trust of God coupled with a hatred of evil. It is also an inward attitude of humble reverence toward God, in light of His self-revelation, that results in outward expression of Christ’s likeness. You cannot serve God or keep His commandments if His fear is not in you (Deut.6:13; Eccl.12:13; Prov.8:13). However, believers should not be scared of God but see the fear of God as respecting, obeying, submitting to His discipline and worshiping Him in awe.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Why Is It Necessary To Fear God?
2. What Are The Benefits Of Having The Fear Of God?

1. WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO FEAR GOD?

We are commanded to fear God (Psalm 33:8) because of God’s holiness (Revelation 15:4); greatness (2 Kings 17:36); goodness (1 Samuel 12:24) and his forgiveness without which we would all have ended up in hell (Psalm 130:4).

The fear of the Lord is also necessary for worship (Psalm 5:7); in service (Heb. 12:28); to keep us from sin (Exodus 20:20); for administration of justice (2 Chronicles 19:6-9); for good governance (2 Samuel 23:3); for the perfecting of holiness in our Christian lives (2 Corinthians 7:1); because of coming judgements against which there is no appeal (Revelation 14:7).

2. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING THE FEAR OF GOD?

The fear of God brings pleasure to the Lord which in turn brings blessings to man (Psalm 147:11; 112:1). It gives deep knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10). It is a unique weapon against sin (Proverbs 14:26)
It brings protection for believers and their loved ones (Proverbs 14:26). If you fear the Lord, His pity will increase upon you (Psalm 103:13). It makes a man acceptable to God (Acts 10:35). It brings down His mercy (Ps.103:17). It brings long life (Proverbs 10:27; 14:27). It brings answers to prayers (Ps.145:19). It brings separation from evil (Proverbs 16:6). It brings confidence (Proverbs 14.26). It guarantees true riches, honour and life (Proverbs 22:4).

CONCLUSION: Fear the Lord God Almighty.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why should you fear the Lord?
2. What are some of the outcomes of fearing the Lord?

FURTHER READING:

Monday: Exodus 14:13; And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

Tuesday: Isaiah 43:1; But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

Wednesday: Proverbs 29:25; The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Thursday: Proverbs 15:16; Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.

Friday: Malachi 3:16; Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

Saturday: Ecclesiastes 12:14; For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Sunday: Isaiah 11:12: And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

Sunday School Lesson 19

Dealing With Fear

MEMORY VERSE: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 41:10-14 KJV

INTRODUCTION: The Bible mentions two specific types of fear. First is the ‘fear of the Lord’ which is beneficial and is to be encouraged (Josh.24:14; Ps.111:10). It is a reverential awe of God, a reverence for His power and glory. It is also a proper respect for His wrath and anger. The second type is harmful and is to be overcome (1 John.4:18). It is to be afraid of something or someone. The focus of this lesson is to learn how to deal with the detrimental type of fear.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. Basic Constituents Of Detrimental Fear
2. Consequences Of Fear And How To Overcome

1. BASIC CONSTITUENTS OF DETRIMENTAL FEAR

Usually, the devil capitalises on our limited knowledge of the word of God and what the future holds for us (Jeremiah 29:10-11). The constituents of fear vary but usually include wild or negative imaginations (2 Kings 6:15 remembrance of a painful past event (Genesis 50:15-18); and a threat of harm (Genesis 20:9-11).

Fear is common among humans. The fear of; criticism (Matthew 26:69-73), losses (Job 3:25), old age (Psalm 71:9), ill-health/death (1 Kings 19:2-3), loneliness (Matthew 26:29), rejection (Genesis 32:3-8), failure/success (Proverbs 30:7-9) and defeat (1 Samuel 17:4, 10-11). The Bible also reveals the close associates of fear: discouragement (Deuteronomy 1:21; Joshua 1:9); Anxiety (Philippians 4:6); Worry (Matthew 6;25-34); Panic (Deuteronomy 20:3-4); etc

2. CONSEQUENCES OF FEAR AND HOW TO OVERCOME

When people live in constant fear, whether from physical danger in their environment or perceived threats, they can become incapacitated. Fear can cause emotional shock which is injurious to our health and can lead to death (Genesis 32:7; 1Samuel 4:13-18). Medically, fear can weaken our immune system and can also cause cardio-vascular damages. It can cause gastro-intestinal problems such as ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome and decreased fertility. It can lead to accelerated ageing and pre-mature death. Spiritually, fear stifles our thinking and actions (Matthew 25:25). It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation (Exodus 14:10-13). It puts its victims in perpetual bondage and torments (Romans 8:15;1John 4:18). Fear may lead to failure, pain and destruction of destiny (Genesis 36-10, Numbers 14:14). Fear creates doubt, blocks blessings and hinders prayer (James 1:6-8)

To overcome harmful fear, you must be sure of your salvation and stand firm in the faith (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:1). Put your trust in the Lord and rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit always (Psalm 1251-3; Proverbs 3:5-4). You need to confront your fears and refuse to be intimidated by the enemy, unfavourable situations or negative circumstances. (Psalm 27:1, 3; 56:11). Above all, constantly apply the word of God, engage in spiritual exercises and visualise the way out and solution through the lens of the word of God (John 5:39; Colossians 3:16). Finally strive to resist fear and break its hold over your heart (James 4:7; Revelations 12:11).

CONCLUSION: Fear cannot solve or improve but complicate situation. Reject every seed of fear and receive the spirit of courage and boldness (Proverbs 28:1)

QUESTIONS

1. What is the scope of detrimental fear?
2. What are the consequences of fear and the way out?

FURTHER READING:
Monday: Genesis 50:15-18,
Tuesday: 1 Samuel 4:13-18
Wednesday: Exodus 14:10-13
Thursday: Genesis 20:9-11:
Friday: Numbers 14:14,
Saturday: James 1:6-8
Sunday: 2 Kings 6:15

Sunday School Lesson 18

The Spirit Of Fear

MEMORY VERSE: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 3:6-10 KJV

INTRODUCTION: Generally, fear can be described as a strong uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by actual or perceived danger threat. It is a basic survival mechanism that signals our body to respond to danger with a fight or flight response. The key word for fear in
Greek language is ‘phobos’ from which the common word ‘phobia’ originates. People have phobia from different things and for different reasons. Some people are said to be ‘aquaphobic’ – fear of water, ‘acrophobic’-fear of height, ‘nyctophctic’-fear of darkness, ‘gerascophobic’-fear of ageing, ‘anthropophobic-fear of insects, etc. What does the Bible say about fear? What are the common causes of fear? Getting answers to these questions and many more shall be the focus of this study.

LESSON OUTLINES

1. What Does The Bible Say About Fear?
2. Biblical Instances of The ‘Spirit Of Fear In Action.

1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT FEAR?
   Scriptures clearly reveal that fear is a spirit (2 Timothy 1:7). It is a spirit that puts people in
   bondage and torment (Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18). Believers are sometimes tempted to fear
   (Psalm 55:5) but are delivered from it (Proverbs 1:33; Isaiah 14:3) by trusting in God (Psalm
   27:1). A guilty conscience leads to fear (Genesis 3:8,10; Psalm 53:5; Proverbs 28:1). Fear seizes
   the wicked (Job 15:24; 18:11) and characterises the wicked (Revelation 21:8). Fear is the
   consequential opposite of faith (Matthew 14:28-31). One can also be a victim of his fears (Job
   3:25).
   For the righteous, the Bible admonishes that they should fear not’ (KJV) in several passages and
   for seven key reasons. This is to assure them of the blessings in the journey of life (Genesis
   26:24); supplies in Famine (1 Kings 17:13) protection in peril (2 Kings 6:16); strength in
   weakness (Isaiah 41:10) companionship in trial (Isaiah 43:1-3); overshadowing care (Matthew
   10:30-31); and life beyond the grave (Revelation 1:17-18).

2. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF THE ‘SPIRIT OF FEAR’ IN ACTION
   There are instances in the Bible where the spirit of fear operated in or through the lives of some
   characters. Adam, in hiding from God and attempting to shift responsibility for his sin upon Eve
   (Genesis 3:8-12). Abraham, in calling his wife his Sister (Genesis 12:11-19; 20:2-12). The
   Israelites, when Pharaoh and his host pursued in the wilderness before the red sea (Exodus
   12:10). Aaron, in yielding to the Israelites, when they demanded an idol (Exodus 32:22-24). The
   ten spies, in dissuading the Israelites from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 13:28, 31-33).
   The Israelites, in the battle against Goliath (1Samuel 17:24). David, in fleeing from Absalom
   (2Samuel 15:13-17). Parents of the blind man, who sight restored to (John 9:22). The disciples,
   during the storm at sea (Luke 8:25), When they saw Jesus walking on the sea (Matthew 14:25-
   26) and when Jesus was apprehended (Matthew 26:56). Pilate, in condemning Jesus, through
   fear of the people (John 19:12-16). Peter and other Christians, at Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14).
   If you are truly a believer, resist any attempt at being a victim of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

CONCLUSION: Fear is not a component of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, therefore refuse to
entertain fear in your life.

QUESTIONS

1. What does the Bible say about fear?
2. Mention scriptural instances where the spirit of fear manifested.

FURTHER READING:
Monday: Proverbs 3:24-26
Tuesday: Psalm 91:4-6
Wednesday: 1 Peter 3:12-14
Thursday: Hebrews 2:14-15
Friday: Luke 12:32,
Saturday: Isaiah 41:13
Sunday: 2 Timothy 1:7