Part 1 – Know Fear
Discussion Guide
When we read the Old Testament, it’s easy to “fear God” while His power is on full display. As we enter the New Testament, Jesus displays a more merciful and peaceful God, making it seem counterintuitive to fear this loving God. However, the “fear of God” refers to a deep respect and reverence of Him. We can see that as we grow closer to God, we will also grow in our awe of Him. This week we will see how respecting His authority can change the way we live.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What inexplainable matter (of science, math, or society) do you accept without question?
2. Read Exodus 20:18-21. How does Moses' attitude towards God differ from the people’s? What may be some contributing factors? How is the fear of God beneficial in our lives?
3. Read John 14:8-9. What did Philip want more than Jesus? What do Jesus’ words reflect? Read John 1:18. How does this help you understand the nature of God and the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ? Does this give you hope that you can truly know God?
4. Read Acts 5:1-11: What was the main problem here? How do you know it was not about the money or even generosity? How does a heart filled with the Holy Spirit differ from any other heart? How did this example cause “great fear” among the believers?
5. Read Exodus 17:7. What does a test mean here? How were the Israelites testing God? How is it different than how Ananias and Sapphira tested the Holy Spirit? What emotions cause us to want to test God? How is this testing different than what we read in Exodus 20:20?
5. Read Psalm 19:9, Proverbs 16:6, and 2 Corinthians 7:1. How can fear be a good thing? What makes it a healthy fear? What characteristics does a fear of the Lord produce in us? Can fear change our hearts?
Action Step: Would you say you are living with a healthy fear of God? Would you say you are not perfect, but you are in process? How might you experience God more? How would that benefit your own life?
Deeper
In the passages below, we see examples of the power, majesty, or holiness of God. Answer these questions:
- What strikes me as awe-inspiring in this passage?
- What other emotions arise?
- Where am I in my relationship with the Lord?
- Is there an area where I am off track?
- Do these verses reinforce my fear of God?
- How am I to respond to this passage?
Read Isaiah 6:1-7:
Read Exodus 3:1-6:
Read Revelation 1:9-19:
Read Hebrews 12:18-24:
Read Luke 5:1-11: